The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) arrested four men last week during an undercover operation aimed at cracking down on unlicensed contracting work in the county.

The multi-phase investigation began in August 2025 after numerous complaints were filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division, and the City of Palm Coast Building Department. Detectives also identified dozens of potential violators through online advertisements and social media.

In total, 45 unlicensed businesses were flagged for review. Detectives ultimately contacted 19 contractors who agreed to perform work within the operation’s timeframe. Of those, seven met with investigators at a residence in Palm Coast.

Four individuals were arrested on-site after providing estimates for construction services requiring state licensing:

• Patrick Branigan, 34, of DeLand — arrested for offering to perform work as an unregistered electrical contractor and contracting without a license.
• Thomas Rush, 30, of Palm Coast — arrested for offering unlicensed electrical work and contracting without a license.
• Jacob Gayle, 31, of Jacksonville — arrested for contracting without a license.
• Aristides Chavez Martinez, 68, of Palm Coast — arrested for unlicensed electrical contracting. Chavez Martinez was also turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after authorities determined he was in the country illegally.

A fifth suspect has been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for review, while two others were cited for advertising outside their legal scope of work and will receive cease-and-desist orders from DBPR.

What the Law Says

In Florida, contracting without a license is a violation of Florida Statute § 489.127. For first-time offenders, the charge is typically a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the individual has a prior conviction, the charge may be elevated to a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Certain types of work—such as electrical contracting, plumbing, HVAC, and structural work—require a state-issued license through DBPR. Even advertising construction services without holding the proper license can result in administrative penalties or criminal charges.

Additionally, Florida Statute § 489.132 prohibits local governments from issuing building permits to unlicensed contractors. Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors risk more than just substandard work: they may also lose insurance coverage, face difficulties selling their home due to unpermitted work, and could be held liable for injuries that occur on the job.

Sheriff Staly: “A Strong Message”

“These arrests help prevent future victims in our community and send a strong message that unlicensed contracting work will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The fact that many of these individuals have prior criminal histories, including violent offenses, should be a red flag for residents.”

How to Protect Yourself

The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to verify licenses before hiring a contractor. Licenses can be checked through:

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) https://myfloridalicense.com
• The Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division
• The City of Palm Coast Building Department

Residents who suspect unlicensed activity can file a complaint with DBPR at www2.myfloridalicense.com/file-a-complaint.