My partner and I own a Handyman business in Cape Coral Florida. The business is an LLC and we have a "Property Maintenance" license. We were under the impression that we could do unlicensed jobs as long as they didn't include new construction and were under $1,000. My partner is the craftsman, I handle the paperwork and the promotion.

A women saw our ad on Craigs List. She wanted an estimate on installing ceiling fans and a kitchen sink. We met her and after touring the house and discussing the needed work, we told her, "We will get back to you soon." She insisted that we give her some idea of the cost. We said, "Let us go out and pow-wow in the drive way." When we came back in, she pulled a badge and fined us BOTH $2,500 each for quoting electrical and $2,500 each for quoting a plumbing job. $10,000 in fines.

Our business is only a couple of months old. We really didn't think we were doing anything wrong. Moreover, when we see a job that needs electrical work, as this job needed, we normally don't quote it, we call an electrician to come in and give the quote. But this woman wanted a quote then and there. We didn't want to loose the job, as the market is tough.

$10,000 in fines. My partner and I have not made a combined total of $10,000 this entire year....


Someone please help! Scott 239-878-1974

• Location: Lee/Cape Coral
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests