Cape Coral City Council is moving ahead with new enforcement measures targeting unlicensed contractors, including a dedicated investigator and civil penalties.
Evan Williams
Cape Coral is moving to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed contractors by adding a dedicated investigator and imposing civil penalties. City Council advanced an ordinance allowing code enforcement officers to assess penalties of up to $2,000, while the city’s special magistrate could impose $2,500 per violation. Council also approved creating a licensing investigator position within the Development Services Department to investigate suspected unlicensed contracting. The position would be funded through a $5 fee added to certain building permits. Council member Rachel Kaduk opposed the fee, arguing the city should fund the position through its budget rather than charge permit applicants. The ordinance also preserves existing criminal enforcement options.