Proposed Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Unlicensed Contracting
March 13, 2026
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The Frame
The bill would have created a new mandatory sentencing floor for unlicensed contractors in Florida, removing judicial discretion to impose lesser penalties for first-degree misdemeanor contracting violations.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Unlicensed contractors
The bill would have imposed mandatory minimum jail or probation sentences for those convicted of unlicensed contracting.
Licensed contractors
The bill would have increased enforcement and penalties against unlicensed competitors operating in the same market.
Last recorded activity March 13, 2026.
Introduced.
Background
- SB 492 was a 2026 legislative proposal in Florida aimed at strengthening penalties for unlicensed contracting. context
- The bill failed to advance through the committee process and died in the Criminal Justice committee. context
Summary
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as 'unlicensed contracting' under this bill?
Does a local business tax receipt allow me to act as a contractor?
Why It Matters
The bill would have created a new mandatory sentencing floor for unlicensed contractors in Florida, removing judicial discretion to impose lesser penalties for first-degree misdemeanor contracting violations.
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
1607 STRATEGIES, LLC
on behalf of Assurant, Inc.
2026
“Issues relating to the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, other issues related to flood insurance products and government-sponsored enterprise reform.”
Mary J. Griffin & Associates
on behalf of Correctional Medical Services
Mary J. Griffin & Associates
on behalf of Benova Inc.
McGANN INC. TERRY M.
on behalf of MAXIMUS
KENYON & EDELSTEIN LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATES
on behalf of CALIFORNIA CONTRACT SECURITY GUARD ASSOCIATION
ROSE & KINDEL
on behalf of HERZOG CONTRACTING CORPORATION
Mary J. Griffin & Associates
on behalf of Benova Inc.
EMANUELS AND ASSOCIATES KENNETH
on behalf of CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR MICROENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITY
EMANUELS AND ASSOCIATES KENNETH
on behalf of CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR MICROENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITY
Mary J. Griffin & Associates
on behalf of Correctional Medical Services
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Clarification of Licensing Status
The bill sought to explicitly codify that inactive or suspended licenses are legally equivalent to being unlicensed, closing a potential loophole in enforcement.
Connected Entities
Sources
openstates.org
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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