Mayor: Beware of unlicensed contractors
The city of Cape Coral has a message for residents and business owners in need of property repairs: Beware of unlicensed contractors.
Mayor John Gunter said at a press conference on Monday that he has seen many contractors from outside the area and state flock to the city, some of whom may not be qualified to do the job or are here to just rip you off.
“I’m a contractor myself. I have an identification card issued to me by the state and I’m supposed to have it on me at all times,” Gunter said. “The first question you should ask is, if they say they are a contractor, is to provide that card. If they can’t, that’s a big red flag.”
Gunter said the city will do everything it can to make sure that there are only licensed people out there. It’s a criminal offense for people not licensed in the state or who don’t have documentation to show they are a licensed contractor from another state to perform work here.
“There are some that will fall between the cracks and they will be there,” Gunter said. “Don’t give any large payments to anyone if they haven’t provided the appropriate documentation, please beware. We have people who will prey on the weak and vulnerable.”
Gunter said the city has two distribution centers operational and is trying to get two more opened.
Waste Pro will be doing trash pickup only on their assigned days. The city will handle the collection of other debris, which should start by the end of the week.
Gunter also told people that water restrictions in emergencies make it illegal to wash your car or power wash your driveway, and that sewer service is still not at 100 percent with 400 lift stations without power.
City Manager Rob Hernandez told residents to stay safe and keep their generators 20 feet from the house to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which first responders have had to do calls on, and to stay home if possible.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com