"Operation Home Improvement" Stings 19 Unlicensed Florida Contractors

The Ocala Star-Banner reports that detectives from Marion County, Florida Sheriff's Office executed "Operation Home Improvement," an undercover sting operation that netted 19 home improvement contractors in the act of contracting without a license. According to the story:

• "Operation Home Improvement was a joint effort between the Sheriff's Office, the State Attorney Office for the 5th Judicial Circuit and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. [...] During the weeklong sting, from July 9 to 13, a home was used to lure the would-be contractors to check out bids for a job. [...] The bids from the unlicensed contractors were for between $18,000 to $20,000, with 50 percent down. Many were told it would be a cash deposit for the work."

For more, see Sweep targets unlicensed contractors (Man hired by soldier among those charged). Go here for arrest video.