16 Nabbed in Florida Sting Operation for Failing to Get Workers’ Comp Coverage

A sting operation in Manatee County, Florida, has led to the arrest of 16 men who were working without a contractor’s license and without securing workers’ compensation insurance on their employees.

The sting was led by the Manatee Sheriff’s office in cooperation with the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, authorities said.

Details about the operation were not released, but a spokesman for DFS said it was probably similar to a number of other stings in recent years: Authorities advertise for bids on home renovation work; when the contractors show up to take a look, investigators check for a contractors’ license and for workers’ comp coverage.

At least 16 people who looked at the “dummy house” property failed the test and were charged last week, the sheriff’s office said.

Florida law requires that all businesses with four or more employees secure comp insurance. All construction companies with one or more employees must carry coverage for all workers, although company officers can apply for exemptions, according to DFS.