'Operation Handyman' Nets 19 Florida Contractors

About 19 contractors were arrested in Palm Valley, Fla., in “Operation Handyman,” a three-month undercover sting operation. Charges included impersonating a contractor or working out of their licensed area of expertise, according to investigators at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, the St. Augustine Record reported. Three more men have warrants against them.

Investigators posed as remodelers of a two-story, four-bedroom home. They took estimates from contractors advertising their services for plumbing, electrical, mechanical and roofing repairs in newspapers, hardware stores and billboards. About 25 contractors made bids for jobs, ranging from $30,000 to $90,000. Only three had proper licenses, St. Johns Sgt. Christine Lee told the St. Augustine Record.