Unlicensed Contractors

It is a felony to contract without a license in connection with structures damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster for which a state of emergency is proclaimed by the Governor. The crime carries penalties of up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

The District Attorney's Office is partnering with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to shut down unlicensed activity in the fire zones.

In December, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced felony charges against five unlicensed contractors as a result of an operation conducted by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the CSLB. Read the news release.

In addition to prosecuting offenders, the District Attorney’s Office has launched a campaign to warn contractors that they will be prosecuted for unlicensed construction activity in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon Fire disaster zones and educate fire victims on the risks of hiring unlicensed contractors.

We urge the communities impacted by the wildfires to stay vigilant and report unlicensed contractors who are taking advantage of this disaster and putting your safety and property at risk.

Importantly, you are still the victim of a crime even if you knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor and should alert the California Contractor State License Board at https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Report_Unlicensed_Activity.

The Office is distributing warning signs English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Armenian throughout the affected neighborhoods. The signs include a QR code with a link for victims to report unlicensed contractors.

Community members and licensed contractors are encouraged to print and distribute the signs in accordance with local laws.