ORLANDO, Fla. – When Brittany and Dan Brown of Seminole County took bids for a home addition project in the fall of 2013 they were convinced that they had the right contractor for the job.
The job was never completed, however.
Ben David McCoy of McCoy Construction Projects Inc. told the couple that he was licensed and experienced and would complete the 240-square-foot addition in six weeks, the Browns said. He presented a state license number, and they handed him $15,000 for materials and construction.
"It did a number on the kids," a tearful Brittany Brown said. "And I think that's what makes me mad the most."
Brown said they were supposed to be in their home by Christmas. Instead, six weeks turned into excuses, delays and, eventually, McCoy mailing them the keys and walking off the job.
Last year the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), issued a cease-and-desist order to McCoy for operating without a state license.
McCoy denied ever working as a general contractor, claiming Dan Brown assumed that role. He also claimed that he could produce receipts to account for the $15,000. Those receipts include expenses for soda and candy purchased at Home Depot.
McCoy is not alone in his indifference to legal licensure and protocol.
Last month, 28 unlicensed contractors were caught advertising in Brevard County; four were arrested in a two-day sting operation dubbed "Tool Time."
Last year alone, the DBPR recorded 440 complaints involving unlicensed contractors.
State Attorney Phil Archer said the sting was a "warning shot" to companies operating illegally.
"Even if you do something to protect yourself and check, a lot of times you still get duped," Archer said. "Trust me, sometimes they have impressive names, sometimes they even supply you with fake license numbers."
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said it's all about deception and "greed on the part of the perpetrator."
Anyone considering hiring a contractor can check for licensure at myFloridalicense.com or call 850-487-1395