According to Florida Statute Chapter 489, what is the penalty for contracting without a license for work valued at $15,000?
Correct Answer
C) Felony of the third degree
Florida Statute Chapter 489 classifies contracting without a license as a felony of the third degree when the value of the work is $2,000 or more. Since this work is valued at $15,000, it would be a third-degree felony.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Florida Statute Chapter 489 establishes clear penalties for unlicensed contracting based on the value of work performed. When the value of construction work performed without a license equals or exceeds $2,000, the violation is classified as a felony of the third degree. Since the work in this question is valued at $15,000, which is well above the $2,000 threshold, it constitutes a third-degree felony under Florida law.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Misdemeanor of the first degree
A first-degree misdemeanor would be a lesser charge than what Florida law prescribes for unlicensed contracting work valued at $15,000. The statute specifically elevates this to felony level due to the significant dollar amount involved.
Option B: Misdemeanor of the second degree
A second-degree misdemeanor is an even lesser charge that does not reflect the serious nature of performing $15,000 worth of unlicensed contracting work. Florida law treats high-value unlicensed contracting as a felony offense.
Option D: Civil penalty only
While civil penalties may also apply, they are not the primary penalty under Florida Statute Chapter 489 for unlicensed contracting. The statute specifically provides for criminal penalties (felony charges) when the work value exceeds $2,000, making this a criminal matter rather than just a civil one.
Memory Technique
Remember '2K = 3rd Degree Felony' - once you hit $2,000 or more in unlicensed work, it's always a third-degree felony, no matter if it's $2,000 or $200,000.
Reference Hint
Florida Statute Chapter 489 - Construction Industry Licensing Law, specifically the penalties section
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