Under Florida Statute 489.119, what is the maximum penalty for contracting without a license for the first offense?
Correct Answer
C) $5,000 fine and one year in jail
Florida Statute 489.119 establishes that contracting without a license is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 fine and up to one year imprisonment for the first offense.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Florida Statute 489.119 specifically classifies contracting without a license as a first-degree misdemeanor. Under Florida law, first-degree misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of up to $1,000 fine OR up to one year in jail, but for contracting violations, the statute enhances the fine to up to $5,000. This makes option C correct with the $5,000 fine and one year imprisonment maximum for first offense.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: $10,000 fine and two years in jail
$500 is too low and doesn't reflect the enhanced penalty structure for unlicensed contracting under this specific statute.
Option D: $500 fine
While $1,000 and 60 days might seem reasonable, this understates both the fine amount and jail time. The statute allows for enhanced penalties beyond standard misdemeanor limits.
Memory Technique
Think '5 and 1' - $5,000 fine and 1 year jail for first offense unlicensed contracting. The enhanced fine of $5,000 shows Florida takes unlicensed contracting seriously.
Reference Hint
Florida Statutes Chapter 489 - Construction Industry Licensing, specifically Section 489.119 on penalties and enforcement
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