“Property owners should simply not hire someone who isn’t properly licensed or insured. They may not receive the quality of work they expected and if a worker gets hurt while working on their property and doesn’t have the required workers’ compensation coverage, the property owner could be left responsible for unexpected costs. We appreciate the consumer protection work that CSLB investigators do to identify and cite those who are contracting without a license.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – On September 30, 2026, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) announced the results of a recently conducted a two-day undercover sting operation in Arroyo Grande in partnership with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office to combat unlicensed activity and protect consumers.

While the dates of the operation were not provided, CSLB reports that six individuals were issued notices to appear in court for alleged misdemeanor unlicensed contracting and four additional suspects will be referred to the district attorney for similar violations.

The operation, conducted by CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), found that all cited individuals submitted bids for landscaping or tree service work exceeding the legal limit of $1,000, including one bid of $40,000 for landscaping services. The individuals may face additional charges for illegal advertising.

“Contracting without a valid license is a serious offense, carrying significant penalties,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “California remains committed to protecting consumers from unlicensed and uninsured individuals who have not met the state’s strict professional standards.”

CSLB licensure ensures that construction work is performed by contractors who meet required background, experience, and bonding standards. CSLB protects consumers from unlicensed activity through proactive enforcement at active construction sites, undercover sting operations targeting repeat offenders and individuals who unlawfully advertise for construction work, and by investigating more than 2,000 consumer-filed complaints each year.

Penalties for violations can include administrative civil penalties of up to $15,000, as well as misdemeanor charges that may result in sentences of up to six months in jail and a $5,000 criminal fine.