Unlicensed contractor issue with sinking RV pad, need legal advice.

Question

I hired a local company to build and extend a driveway with pavers for an RV pad. The contractor, who turned out to be unlicensed, admitted fault when the pad started sinking less than a year later and promised to fix it. Ten months on, the problem has worsened and remains unresolved. We paid $53,000 and discovered no permit was obtained as required. Efforts to resolve this through legal and official channels, including contacting senior crime support offices, have failed. The builder has stopped communicating. How can we proceed legally to get this issue corrected or receive compensation? What type of lawyer should we contact, considering this is a residential construction issue?

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines · Answer

You need to contact an attorney that is well versed in contract law and litigation.  Sounds like a breach of contract issue but obtaining more facts will allow us to ascertain any additional counts depending on your damages.

Travis S. McConnell · Answer

In Florida, construction dispute resolution procedures are often outlined in the parties' contract. Florida also has laws which bear on construction defect dispute resolution, such as Chapter 558 Florida statutes, and laws regulating contracts with unlicensed contractors (Chapter 489, Fla. Stat.). However, without knowing more particulars, or having the opportunity to review the contract, it will be difficult for anyone on this platform to say how you should proceed.  
 
As others have mentioned, this is a type of legal matter which is usually handled by attorneys who are familiar with construction contract law and civil litigation.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You’ve been more than patient, and it’s incredibly frustrating to invest that kind of money only to be left with worsening damage and no accountability. Since the contractor was unlicensed and didn’t pull the required permits, that adds serious weight to your case. The fact that they admitted fault and then disappeared shows a clear lack of integrity, and possibly fraud. 
 
You may want to speak with a construction or contract law attorney who has experience with residential disputes and unlicensed contractor claims. They can help you file a civil suit for damages, including the cost of repairs and any related losses. Keep all your documentation—receipts, texts, emails, photos, and any notes about conversations where the contractor promised to fix the issue. 
 
In addition to a lawsuit, you might also be able to file a complaint with your state’s contractor licensing board or consumer protection office, even if the person wasn’t licensed. Some states allow criminal penalties or civil fines for unlicensed work. You’ve done what you could on your own—now it’s time to have someone in your corner who knows how to push back. You deserve repairs, respect, and real resolution.

Q: Unlicensed contractor issue with sinking RV pad, need legal advice.