HERNANDO COUNTY, FL -
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint investigation with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Hernando County Building Department, and the Florida Department of Financial Services in the apprehension of individuals operating as unlicensed construction contractors who also do not carry the proper insurance and workman's compensation.
The operation involved authorities placing phone calls to individuals who placed ads within papers and online sites advertising services that require a contractor's license.
Law enforcement then made appointments with these unlicensed individuals to complete an estimate for work. Authorities say that under Florida law, the work that each of the individuals offered to perform requires a Florida professional license.
Today, the following individuals were arrested based on this investigation:
1. Darren Ciraolo W/M 09-08-1973 of 2039 Whitewood Avenue, Spring Hill, Florida 34609
2. Daniel Waymire W/M 09-19-1962 of 17463 Sandlewood Avenue, Brooksville, Florida 34604
3. Luis Anthony Santiago W/M 02-15-1967 of 7289 Toucan Trail, Spring Hill, Florida 34606
4. Gregory Bishop W/M 03-21-1977 of 11014 Wren Road, Brooksville, Florida 34613
5. Robert Lewis Hellyar W/M 04-23-1971 of 9188 Langworthy Drive, Brooksville, Florida 34613
The individuals were charged with contracting without a license and were transported to the Hernando County Jail without incident.
According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards. Consumers can verify professional licenses online at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Unlicensed activity is illegal and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted. Floridians should report any suspected unlicensed activity by emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us or by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440.
