SARASOTA COUNTY — The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has enhanced its efforts to protect citizens from unlicensed contractors.

According to an SCSO release, two detectives are working closely with Sarasota County Code Enforcement and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The detectives investigate claims against people who engage in contracting work without proper licenses, permits or certification. A first offense usually results in a civil citation by code enforcement, but subsequent violations lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges.