PALM COAST, Fla. — Four people have been arrested after a “multi-phase undercover operation” targeting unlicensed contractors in the Palm Coast.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office states that the operation began in August 2025, following the submission of “numerous” complaints to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division, and the City of Palm Coast Building Department. Police say that a total of 45 unlicensed businesses were discovered.

After attempting to make contact with these businesses, police say that 19 agreed to complete “work” on a residence.

Police say seven of the 19 contractors met with undercover officers at a residence, where five provided them with estimated costs for work. Those unlicensed contractors include:

• Thomas Rush, 30, of Palm Coast
• Jacob Gayle, 31, of Jacksonville
• Patrick Branigan, 34, of DeLand
• Aristides Chavez Martinez, 68, of Palm Coast

Police say the four were arrested when they returned to the residence to begin work. 

Patrick Branigan and Thomas Rush were both arrested for allegedly offering to perform work as unregistered electrical contractors and contracting without a license. 

Jacob Gayle was arrested for allegedly contracting without a license.

Aristides Chavez Martinez was arrested for allegedly offering to perform work as an unregistered electrical contractor.

Police say that the fifth unlicensed contractor did not return to the residence; however, they said that probable cause for his arrest has been filed with the State Attorney’s Office. The other two contractors, who police say remained in compliance with Florida law, had “advertised outside the scope of their licensure” and will receive citations.

After the suspects were arrested, it was revealed that some had been previously arrested with prior offenses.

“These arrests help prevent future victims in our community and send a strong message that unlicensed contracting work will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “The fact that many of these unlicensed contractors have been previously arrested, some with violent offenses, should be a red flag for residents that it is important to always vet who you let perform work on your home.”

Finding and hiring the right contractor is never easy.

Resources, such as the Better Business Bureau or the City of Jacksonville’s Building Inspection Division, can help you find the right fit.

Complaints or concerns regarding the validity of a contractor’s license should be filed on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations webpage.