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What can I do to expose this contractor and how can I get paid?

FloridaBond ClaimsCollectionsConstruction ContractLien DeadlinesLien on Funds

I was fooled into doing a lot of work for a Contractor who I thought was my personal friend. He called me in off of my own projects to assist in some large loss claim work in Panama City Beach after Hurricane Michael. I asked repeatedly for a contract or something in writing however he was constantly gone and would never respond. I continued to do what I thought was the right thing at the moment and ultimately i have ended up completing his project and making him very wealthy. He has since been blowing all of the money and refuses to pay me. This is in excess of 1.5 million dollars worth of equipment rental, materials and labor provided on the Bay County Correctional Facility. I am desperately trying to figure out how to not only get paid but to expose his company for what it actually is. A rip off scam for insurance companies during catastrophic events such as hurricanes etc. Any advice is greatly appreciated in advance.

1 reply

Oct 30, 2019
When a considerable amount of time passes after work is performed, some options may not be available - like, potentially, a mechanics lien. Still, that doesn't mean payment can't be obtained in some other way. Generally, when payment isn't made, an action like a breach of contract might be available. Even where a formal, written agreement isn't in place - it's possible that verbal affirmations or implicit understandings might give rise to a verbal contract or an implied contract. Further, it might be possible to pursue a claim under unjust enrichment theory where one party gets enriched at the expense of another - even where there's no contract in place at all. More on that here: Unjust Enrichment in Florida | Brewer Long. These are just a few potential remedies. For the most clarity, it'd be a good idea to consult a local Florida construction attorney - like one of these Florida Experts - to determine how best to move forward. They'll be able to more thoroughly review the circumstances, communications, and relevant documentation and decide how to proceed.

Additional actions to expose a nonpaying contractor

Some additional actions might help to put pressure on a contractor who's acted improperly. For one, making a complaint with the state licensing board could a good step. They've got a lot of power, and a loss or suspension of licensure could both be detrimental to their business and draw publicity. Further, filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau could help (though, to a limited degree). Further yet, keep in mind that high-profile, high-dollar projects can draw local news coverage - so reaching out to a representative of a local news or newspaper might be an option, too. Finally, leaving negative reviews for the business on sites like Facebook, Google, Angie's List, etc. could have some limited benefit, too. But, when filing complaints or making public statements about a business - it's important to stick to the facts of the situation and to avoid saying things that might not be completely true. Lying, fabricating, or exaggerating complaints could compound legal issues. Hope this was helpful!
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