Under Florida Statutes Chapter 489, what is the maximum penalty for contracting without a license for work valued at $50,000?
Correct Answer
A) $15,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
Florida Statutes Chapter 489 establishes that contracting without a license is a third-degree felony punishable by up to $15,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment. The penalty increases with the value of the work performed.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 489.127, contracting without a license is classified as a third-degree felony when the contract value exceeds certain thresholds. For work valued at $50,000, this constitutes a significant violation that carries the maximum penalty of up to $15,000 in fines and/or up to 5 years imprisonment. The statute specifically escalates penalties based on contract value, with higher-value unlicensed work receiving more severe punishment.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: $5,000 fine and/or 1 year imprisonment
While closer to the correct answer, this penalty structure is not what Florida Statutes Chapter 489 prescribes for unlicensed contracting at this contract value level.
Option C: $25,000 fine and/or 10 years imprisonment
This penalty is excessive and not established under Florida Statutes Chapter 489. The 10-year imprisonment term exceeds what is prescribed for third-degree felony unlicensed contracting violations.
Option D: $10,000 fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
This penalty is too lenient for the contract value specified. A $5,000 fine and 1 year imprisonment would typically apply to lower-value unlicensed contracting violations, not work valued at $50,000.
Memory Technique
Think '15 and 5' - $15,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment for serious unlicensed contracting violations in Florida
Reference Hint
Florida Statutes Chapter 489.127 - Penalties for unlicensed contracting activities
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