An operation against builders in Hillsborough County has led to the arrest of 50 people in a crackdown on unlicensed contractors. The sheriff's office codenamed it 'Operation Bad Builder' and used detectives posing as residents to locate contractors looking to perform work without a license.
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, who revealed operation details in a news conference on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the undercover probe spanned over a month, targeting suspected unlicensed contractors in Hillsborough County. 'Operation Bad Builder' ran from June 2 through October 1, 2026. The sheriff said the detectives set up a location in Riverview and went undercover as homeowners seeking construction services.
The investigators made contact with people who listed their services online and invited them to provide estimates. Some were already under watch as complaints were filed against them for unfinished or poorly executed work, while others were identified through online advertisements, the sheriff said.
"A contractor's license is more than a piece of paper. It is proof that the person working on your home has the training to do the job safely," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
While highlighting the motive of the operation, Chronister added, "When someone with no license and no training touches your wiring, your roof, or your home's foundation, they are putting your family in danger." He further stated that this operation was about more than just arrests.
It was about protecting residential properties and local communities from fraudulent practices and substandard construction work. The crackdown involved coordinated efforts by multiple law enforcement divisions to verify credentials and ensure compliance with local zoning and licensing laws across the county.
Authorities have urged residents to always verify contractor credentials before hiring anyone for home improvement projects to avoid falling victim to similar scams. The 'Operation Bad Builder' led to the formal arrest of 50 people, with charges involving alleged unlicensed contracting and other building code violations.