Part 1: A Quiet Crackdown with Big Consequences
Most Utah residents have no idea how widespread unlicensed construction work is, or how aggressively the state is working to stop it. But behind the scenes, the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) has been ramping up enforcement—quietly issuing hundreds of citations and millions in fines against contractors operating without a license.
The damage goes far beyond fines. Unlicensed work puts homeowners at risk of poor craftsmanship, legal liability, and financial loss. It undermines safety codes, weakens consumer protections, and punishes legitimate contractors who follow the rules.
Utah’s Enforcement Machine
In recent years, Utah has participated in multiple statewide and national sting operations aimed at rooting out unlicensed contractors. These are not rare or symbolic actions—they’re large, coordinated efforts with real consequences.
In 2019, Utah contractor Francisco Marquez Jr. was fined $225,000 after DOPL determined he had employed over 225 unlicensed workers, paying them more than $2.3 million in a single year.
In 2024, a 10-day operation led to 77 citations and $130,000 in fines. Three cases were serious enough to be referred for criminal prosecution.
In April 2023, DOPL issued dozens of new citations, with some individuals fined as much as $42,000. Many others received fines ranging from $800 to $17,000, often paired with cease-and-desist orders.
Some of these cases involved contractors who intentionally misrepresented themselves—using fake license numbers, forging documentation, or falsely claiming affiliations. Others were simply operating without the proper state credentials, insurance, or continuing education required by law.
Why It Matters
The consequences aren’t just legal. For homeowners, hiring an unlicensed contractor means:
No legal recourse through Utah’s Residential Lien Recovery Fund
Little to no insurance coverage if something goes wrong
Higher risk of substandard, incomplete, or unsafe work
For licensed contractors, the issue cuts deeper: they face unfair competition from people who skip licensing fees, insurance requirements, and training—but still win jobs through lower bids. In an industry built on trust, that kind of undercutting can erode confidence in the entire profession.
Utah’s Legal Approach
Under Utah law, unlicensed contracting is a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 in fines per violation. Repeat offenders and cases involving fraud or false advertising may be elevated to felony-level charges.
Enforcement is handled by DOPL’s Bureau of Investigation, made up of professionals with law enforcement backgrounds. Investigators often monitor job sites, online ads, and contractor referrals. Public tips play a large role in opening new cases.
What Homeowners and Contractors Should Know
For homeowners:
Always check a contractor’s license at dopl.utah.gov.
Ask for proof of insurance.
Don’t pay large amounts up front, and avoid cash-only deals.
Get a written agreement and detailed scope of work.
For contractors:
Maintain your license and continuing education.
Display your license number on all advertising.
Make sure your employees and subcontractors are licensed when required.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning of a broader look into Utah’s underground construction economy. In future parts of this series, we’ll profile specific cases, explore how online ads and social media have become enforcement hotspots, and examine how honest contractors can help clean up the industry.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Inside the Busts: The Real Stories Behind Utah’s Contractor Crackdown.