Authorities Crackdown on Unlicensed Contractors in Jacksonville

The site is also the one that the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation used in its month long sting called, "To Catch a Contractor."

Days later, the suspects were invited by authorities to an undercover location to give an estimate on work they could do on a home.

Police had already checked out the suspects in advance and as soon as they gave an estimate, to do the work, an arrest was made.

"They don't have proper insurance or education to do the work. They can't pull a building permit. Inspections can't be conducted," says Rentfrow.

Rentfrow says it is a safety hazard for you and your family and that's why they are committed to getting unlicensed contractors off the street.

So far, eight men and one woman have been booked in jail. Another six people have been charged but not taken to jail.

The names JSO has released as those arrested are: Paul Shuler, Lisa Walk, William Chadwick, Benjarrett Raisor, James Cox, Jason Cornwall, Gary Knowles, Donald Ivey II and David Henderson.

Police were able to add more charges to some of the suspects. Those charges were for drugs. Police also arrested a suspect who had a domestic battery warrant out on him.

Police also seized a vehicle and guns in the sting.

Authorities say unlicensed contractors are a huge problem especially in these tough economic times. "They can take you and your money, and you won't see them again."

CLICK HERE to check if a person has a contractor's license.

Authorities say you should always ask to see a contractor's license before you hire.