1. In Florida, unlicensed contracting is a crime for which a first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor and a second is a third-degree felony. § 489.127(2)a-b, Fla. Stat. In addition, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation may impose a fine of $10,000 on any person found guilty of unlicensed contracting. § 489.13(3), Fla. Stat.
Do you believe that unlicensed contracting should be considered a crime? What, if any, punishment should be enforced against “handymen” acting as contractors?