Flagler County Arrests Four Unlicensed Contractors in Undercover Operation

In an undercover operation initiated in August 2025, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office arrested four unlicensed contractors in Palm Coast following numerous complaints about illegal contracting activity. The investigation identified 45 unlicensed businesses, with 19 agreeing to perform work during the sting, and seven meeting undercover officers at a residence where four provided estimates without valid licenses. Among those arrested were Patrick Branigan and Thomas Rush, charged with offering electrical contracting services without registration, and Jacob Gayle and Aristides Chavez Martinez also facing charges for contracting without licenses. Some of the arrested individuals had prior criminal records, including violent offenses, raising concerns about the vetting process for contractors. One of the men was found to be in the country illegally and was handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized that these arrests aim to protect the community from unlicensed contractors and urged residents to verify licenses before hiring.