PALM COAST, Fla. — Four people have been arrested after a “multi-phase undercover operation” targeting unlicensed contractors in the Palm Coast.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reports that the operation was initiated in August 2025 after receiving “numerous” complaints directed to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division, and the City of Palm Coast Building Department. Law enforcement discovered a total of 45 businesses operating without the required licenses.

After attempting to make contact with these businesses, police say that 19 agreed to complete “work” on a residence.

Authorities indicate that seven out of 19 contractors made contact with undercover officers at a residence, where five of them provided cost estimates for work. Those contractors without licenses include:

• Thomas Rush, 30, of Palm Coast
• Jacob Gayle, 31, of Jacksonville
• Patrick Branigan, 34, of DeLand
• Aristides Chavez Martinez, 68, of Palm Coast

Police say the four were arrested when they returned to the residence to begin work. 

Patrick Branigan and Thomas Rush were detained for allegedly offering to carry out work as unregistered electrical contractors and engaging in contracting without a license.

Jacob Gayle was arrested for allegedly contracting without a license.

Aristides Chavez Martinez was arrested for allegedly offering to perform work as an unregistered electrical contractor.

Authorities note that the fifth unlicensed contractor did not return to the location; however, probable cause for his arrest has been submitted to the State Attorney’s Office. The other two contractors, who remained compliant with Florida law according to the police, had “advertised outside their licensed scope” and will receive citations.

After the suspects were arrested, it was revealed that some had been previously arrested with prior offenses.

“These arrests help protect future victims in our community and deliver a clear message that unlicensed contracting work is unacceptable,” stated Sheriff Rick Staly. “The fact that many of these unlicensed contractors have previous arrests, some involving violent offenses, should alert residents to thoroughly vet anyone performing work on their home.”

Finding and hiring the right contractor is never easy.

Resources, such as the Better Business Bureau or the City of Jacksonville’s Building Inspection Division, can help you find the right fit.

Concerns or complaints about the legitimacy of a contractor’s license should be directed to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations’ website.