At least 30 unlicensed contractors got a big surprise when law enforcement officers jumped out of a room in an Oakland Park house and put them in cuffs.
Among those arrested was Joe Puccio of Snake Out Plumbing, who detectives said has a long criminal history.
Broward Sheriff's Office deputies, investigators with Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection and officers with the State Department of Financial Services set up the undercover sting in an abandoned Oakland Park house.
Unlicensed contractors who had been cited and warned before were invited to come and give estimates on repairing the house.
This was the 14th undercover sting, and detectives said 60 percent of the unlicensed contractors have extensive criminal pasts.
"We have had someone convicted of murder. We have had aggravated battery. We have had sexual battery. We had burglary, drug possession," said Detective Daniel Belyeu, of the BSO Economic Crimes Unit.
"No comment. I haven't been arrested for anything," Puccio told Local 10's Jeff Weinsier.
But investigators said Puccio has a long criminal history and has been arrested on charges of burglary, aggravated battery and grand theft.
"He has proven to be a problem for our unit," Belyeu said.
Puccio showed up with two others ready to make major repairs to the house, even though he's not licensed to do so, BSO said.
When deputies searched Puccio's work van after his arrest, they found a loaded gun and marijuana, according to BSO. One of the men with him was wanted in Miami-Dade County.
"What surprises me the most is people letting their guard and letting these individuals into their house and turning over all the money they do to them," Belyeu said.
The two-day operation netted more than 30 arrests. Most of those unlicensed contractors told undercover detectives they didn't need permits to do the work when a permit is required, police said.
The Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division said there are several jobs that require a permit, including:
Awnings, fences and shedsHurricane shutters, lawn sprinklers and tree-trimmingReroofs, roof repairs and roof cleaningFlooring, windows and doors
Permit requirements differ between cities, so people should call their local city building department to find out what permits are required.
An unlicensed contractor cannot be issued a permit, so the homeowner must apply for it. This puts the homeowner in the position of being liable for any damage or injuries that occur on the job site.
Failure to obtain a permit means the work performed will not be inspected and approved, and it may be unsafe or dangerous.
If the work does not meet applicable building codes, the homeowner may be required to pay to have it torn down and redone. A fine may also be assessed.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor violates Florida Building Code requirements, which may subject the homeowner to fines. The homeowner may also be involved in lawsuits from various parties due to unauthorized construction work.
If you knowingly hire an unlicensed contractor, you may be involved in lawsuits from various parties. If so, you cannot expect the courts or the county to grant you relief. If you pay more than 10 percent of the total price when you sign the contract, the contractor must apply for all permits within 30 days. The contractor must begin work within 90 days after obtaining the permits.
Fully licensed companies usually do background checks and drug tests on employees for liability and insurance reasons.
Experts said homeowners should not just go for price.
"You are affording them full access to your home. They can look at your security systems, whether you have a dog or not, what kind of bars or locks you have how many people are in the house. They are not people I'd want in my house," said Belyeu.
Click below to check your contractor's license:
Miami-Dade CountyBroward CountyMonroe CountyState of Florida