A contractor fails to obtain a required building permit before starting work. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 489, what is the potential penalty?
Correct Answer
A) Both fine and license action
Florida Statutes Chapter 489 allows for both monetary fines and disciplinary action against the license, including suspension or revocation, for violations such as working without required permits.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Florida Statutes Chapter 489 provides the Construction Industry Licensing Board with comprehensive enforcement powers for permit violations. The statute specifically authorizes both monetary penalties (fines up to $1,000 per violation) and disciplinary actions against the contractor's license (suspension or revocation). This dual penalty structure ensures that violations have both immediate financial consequences and potential long-term professional consequences, making option D the complete and correct answer.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Fine up to $1,000 per violation
A warning letter only would be insufficient enforcement for permit violations under Florida law. Chapter 489 provides much stronger penalty provisions than just warnings.
Option C: Warning letter only
While fines up to $1,000 per violation are authorized, this is only part of the potential penalties. License disciplinary action is also available, making this answer incomplete.
Option D: License suspension or revocation
While license suspension or revocation is indeed possible, this ignores the monetary fine component that is also available under the statute, making this answer incomplete.
Memory Technique
Think 'Double Trouble' - permit violations get you in trouble twice: once with your wallet (fines) and once with your license (disciplinary action).
Reference Hint
Florida Statutes Chapter 489 - Construction Industry Licensing Law, specifically the enforcement and penalty sections
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