Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Do not use or deal with travis edwards. He stole $600 and ran away
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Old 05-25-2025, 12:27 PM
ithos ithos is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 View Post
I don't agree with paying in advance just because a contractor has a license. Yes, you can file a complaint, but that won't get your money back. Also calling the police or going to small claims court will not get your money back.
Let me get this straight. Someone steals $600 and you are just going to forget about it? Do you really think that this is the only time he will ever rip off people?
At a minimum he has committed a misdemeanor:
Contracting Without a License – Florida Statutes § 489.127
If the contractor is unlicensed, accepting payment and failing to perform the work can result in:
Misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.
Felony of the third degree if the unlicensed contractor takes a down payment and does not perform the work.
������ Construction Fraud – Florida Statutes § 812.014 (Theft)
This law applies to licensed or unlicensed contractors:
If a contractor knowingly obtains money from a homeowner under false pretenses (e.g., promising to do work they never intend to do), it may be considered:
Theft by deception or contractor fraud.
Penalties depend on the amount taken:
Less than $750 = Misdemeanor
$750 or more = Felony

������ Misapplication of Construction Funds – Florida Statutes § 713.345
This statute covers situations where a contractor receives funds specifically for a project and uses the money for other purposes.
Misappropriating construction funds is a felony if more than $100 is misused.

I agree you many not get your money back but I believe the local authorities will take it serious if it is a repeat offense.

Now consider this!
������ Florida Statutes § 825.103 – Exploitation of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult
If a contractor knowingly exploits a senior by deceiving them out of money or property, it can be charged as:


Small amounts can qualify for third-degree felony charges if the intent to exploit is clear.
Felony of the second degree (up to 15 years in prison) if the value is $10,000 or more.
Felony of the first degree (up to 30 years in prison) if the value is $50,000 or more.

Last edited by ithos; 05-25-2025 at 12:33 PM.