PRISON FOR UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR WHO STOLE FROM HURRICANE VICTIMS

State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office announced that yesterday Justin Hoover was sentenced to thirty-six counts of Unlicensed Contracting During the State of Emergency, thirty-one counts of Grand Theft from Persons 65 years of Age or Older, six counts of Grand Theft and one misdemeanor count of Unlicensed Contracting. The Defendant received a prison sentence of 5 years Department of Corrections on one count of the Information. The Court further sentenced the defendant to 5 years of probation on each remaining felony count to each run consecutive. The Defendant was ordered to pay $212,417.80 in restitution to the victims. Circuit Court Judge Dana Moss presided over the sentencing.

Between the months of January and April of 2023, Justin Hoover, of J & J Screens LLC, entered into signed contracts and collected deposits from several residents in Sarasota County, mostly in the Venice Isles Estates community. Deposits ranged from $1,500 to $15,000. The Defendant was contracted to perform work such as the repairing/building new car ports, repairing/building new screen rooms, and building new sheds to the residents after sustaining damage from Hurricane Ian.

Amanda Morris, Economic Crime Prosecutor, stated “Because we live in Florida, damage from hurricanes is always on the mind of our citizens and for these victims it became a reality. Unfortunately, not only did they have to suffer from the impacts of Hurricane Ian but also from the impact of Justin Hoover who was not a licensed contractor and never completed the work. Justin Hoover stole the hard-earned money of veterans, seniors and those on fixed incomes and now he faces the reality of a prison sentence for his actions.”

The State Attorney’s Office wants to remind its citizens to always confirm that a contractor you are working with is licensed in the State of Florida by checking the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website and to be cautious when a contractor is asking for more than a 10% deposit.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Amanda Morris at the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4447.