An undercover investigation in Hillsborough County, Florida, has resulted in 50 arrests after detectives posed as homeowners seeking building work. Police say the operation exposed unlicensed contractors and highlighted the risks facing residents trying to repair their homes.
Police in Hillsborough County, Florida, have arrested 50 people during a four-month undercover investigation into suspected unlicensed contracting. The operation, named Operation Bad Builder, saw detectives pose as homeowners seeking building and repair services, exposing individuals allegedly offering regulated construction work without the required licences.
Undercover Detectives Posed as Homeowners
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of Operation Bad Builder on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The investigation ran from 1 June to 2 October and was conducted by detectives from the sheriff’s Construction Fraud Unit within its Property Division.
Investigators established an undercover location in Riverview, where officers pretended to be residents looking for contractors to carry out home improvements.
Detectives responded to online advertisements, approached people promoting building services on social media and followed up on complaints received from the public.
Some suspects had previously been reported for allegedly taking money without completing work or leaving properties in worse condition.
Others were contacted through advertisements, with investigators discovering during the process that they lacked the necessary licences for the services they were offering.
The operation resulted in 50 arrests.
Sheriff Chad Chronister also told reporters that 18 of those arrested were unlawfully present in the United States. That figure was provided during the police briefing and was separate from the allegations concerning unlicensed construction work.
Suspects Allegedly Offered Thousands of Dollars in Building Work
During the press conference, Chronister highlighted two individuals whose cases illustrated the risks authorities said they had uncovered.
Calvin Wilson, 40, allegedly offered to undertake heating, ventilation and air-conditioning work without the appropriate licence.
According to the sheriff, Wilson quoted $14,000 for the proposed work and requested half the amount upfront.
Authorities said previous complaints alleged that Wilson had undertaken projects that left homeowners facing further damage and expensive repairs.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Wilson had previously been arrested for a similar offence in Pinellas County in 2023. It also described him as a convicted felon with a criminal history including robbery, grand theft and aggravated battery.
Another suspect, Steven Andreassen, 56, allegedly offered plumbing and electrical services without the necessary licensing.
During the investigation, he reportedly quoted $2,500 for work involving plumbing, electrical rewiring, moving an electrical outlet and installing overhead lighting.
The proposed payment arrangement required a $1,000 deposit, with the remaining $1,500 payable upon completion.
The sheriff’s office said Andreassen had been arrested in June in connection with an allegation of domestic battery by strangulation. Officials also reported previous out-of-state arrests involving several serious alleged offences.
Those previous arrests should not be confused with convictions, and neither man’s arrest during Operation Bad Builder establishes guilt in the current proceedings.
Hurricane Recovery Creates Opportunities for Exploitation
Authorities warned that the risks associated with unlicensed contractors were particularly concerning for households still recovering from hurricane damage.
During the press conference, Chronister explained that residents whose homes had been damaged by storms could become vulnerable to people promising immediate repairs at substantially reduced prices.
He described how homeowners might be persuaded by offers to avoid permits, inspections and lengthy waiting periods.
However, according to the sheriff, such arrangements can leave residents facing incomplete projects, dangerous installations or substantial financial losses.
The concern extends beyond the cost of poor workmanship.
Incorrectly installed electrical systems, unsafe roofing and defective structural repairs can create serious hazards for occupants.
Chronister emphasised that the investigation was fundamentally about public protection.
“This is never about paperwork. This is about safety.”
Sheriff Chad Chronister
Building Industry Representatives Back Investigation
Representatives of the construction trades joined the sheriff during the announcement.
Richard Cranker, representing United Association Local 123, welcomed the operation and stressed the financial consequences for homeowners who unknowingly employ unqualified workers.
He warned that residents can face substantial additional costs when defective construction work needs to be repaired or replaced.
Cranker also encouraged homeowners to request evidence of insurance and ensure that the necessary building permits are obtained.
Brian Nathan, representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 915, similarly highlighted the risks associated with electrical work carried out by people without the required qualifications.
He described an example involving a homeowner whose faulty electrical installation was reportedly discovered only after an inspection required walls to be reopened.
The speakers argued that checking professional credentials before work begins is an essential safeguard.
How Florida Homeowners Can Protect Themselves
Following the arrests, the sheriff’s office issued advice intended to help residents avoid fraudulent or unsafe construction services.
- Verify contractor licences: Use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s official licence search to confirm that a contractor holds an active licence appropriate for the proposed work.
- Request proof of insurance: Check that the contractor has appropriate insurance before allowing work to begin.
- Be cautious with online advertisements: Do not assume that someone advertising through social media or an online marketplace is properly qualified.
- Insist on a written contract: Obtain documentation identifying the work to be completed, costs and payment arrangements.
- Check building permits: Ensure that required permits and inspections are arranged for regulated construction work.
- Avoid paying everything upfront: Be particularly cautious of demands for substantial payments before work has started.
Authorities also advised residents to walk away from arrangements that make them uncomfortable or appear suspicious.
Police Urge Potential Victims to Come Forward
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said residents who believe they have been victims of unlicensed contractors should contact its detectives.
Anyone with relevant information can telephone 813-247-8200.
The investigation highlights a wider challenge for homeowners seeking affordable and timely repairs, particularly after severe weather events.
While obtaining a lower quotation or faster start date can be attractive, authorities warn that failing to verify a contractor’s qualifications may expose residents to greater costs and significant safety risks.
The 50 arrests represent the outcome of the undercover operation, but criminal proceedings and any eventual convictions remain separate matters.
Sources
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office official press release, 22 October 2026
