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Article Courtesy of WINK
NEWS
By Maddie Herron
Published October 1, 2026
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WATCH VIDEO |
CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association is hosting a
two-day event designed to help homeowners avoid construction fraud.
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The free event acts as
a one-stop shop for homeowners to meet licensed contractors
and local agencies. Some attendees tell WINK News they had
been burned by contractors and were looking for help, while
the majority of neighbors showed up to learn tips on how to
protect their homes and their wallets from construction
fraud.
When North Port neighbor Mary Davis moves into her new
house, she says licensed and insured contractors are a
priority.
"I don't want somebody working on my home that's not, and
then you can't find that person when something goes wrong,"
Davis said.
Construction fraud is a reality for many people across the
state. Donna Barrett, executive officer of the Charlotte-DeSoto
Building Industry Association, said the area was hit with
five named storms in three years, and she still gets phone
calls at the office from people dealing with construction
fraud. |
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"This event here is to help educate and give them also the resources of who
to talk to for recourse," said Barrett.
That need is why the association is putting on this home building and
remodeling show called "Show Me the License." The event's core goal is
education.
"I hadn't really thought about the contractor fraud. We're trying to be very
careful about that," said Bernie Fox, a North Port neighbor.
North Port couple Rosemary and Bernie Fox are looking to hire for light work
around their home. Rosemary says they've heard the horror stories.
"Down payments, and then them not showing up, or the work not being
satisfactory—all the typical things that a scam will do, a scam person would
do," Rosemary Fox said.
The Foxes are two of dozens of people who are taking up the opportunity to
ask experts licensing questions and learn about the permitting process.
"Think of your home like your body. You wouldn't hire the cheapest
cardiologist if you needed heart surgery," Barrett said. "I know building
prices are going up, but that is the cost sometimes of doing the business,
but we just want to make sure that you know who to hire and that they're
licensed correctly."
Barrett said the CDBIA offers a free service that helps homeowners verify
whether the company they plan to hire is licensed correctly. She told WINK
News anyone interested in the free service can call their team at
941-625-0804.
The fairgrounds will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is free
for the public to attend.
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