Contributed by Jamie Tanner, MACCA
A sold-out room, a packed panel, and an important conversation for the industry.
MACCA (Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association) and SWFL PHCC (Southwest Florida Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association) brought contractors and industry professionals together on September 17, 2026, for an engaging discussion focused on unlicensed contractor activity and what licensed contractors can do to help address it.
Held at Courtyard Sarasota University Town Center, the sold-out event gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the regulatory, law enforcement, and legal professionals involved in investigating and addressing unlicensed work.
We extend a sincere thank-you to the panel, Detective Geraldine Brown of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office; Sergeant Jason Farrier and Detective Ryan Emkey of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department; Lieutenant Brian Gregory of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; Detective Corporal Joseph Rogers of the Palmetto Police Department;
Kevin Henson and Nick Lata of the Office of the State Attorney, 12th Judicial Circuit; Lieutenant Matthew Brown of the North Port Police Department; Andrew Van Sickle of the Office of the State Attorney, 12th Judicial Circuit; and Matthew Dunklin, Florida DBPR Field Manager, Central FL/Division of Regulation, for joining us and sharing their knowledge and experience with our members.
Their participation gave contractors a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the agencies involved and gain a clearer understanding of how unlicensed activity is identified, investigated, and addressed. The panel covered what happens when a complaint is filed, what information agencies need, and how licensed contractors can help report potential violations.
For contractors who encounter potential unlicensed activity, gathering as much detail as possible and reporting it is an important first step. Reports can be submitted anonymously through the MACCA website, and MACCA can submit the report on your behalf without including your personal information.
HVAC contractors can report unlicensed activity through the MACCA Unlicensed Contractors Incident Report.
And the response from the industry was clear: this is a conversation contractors want to have. The event sold out before the doors opened, filling the room with professionals ready to learn, ask questions, and engage in a topic that directly impacts licensed contractors and the industry as a whole.
A special thank-you goes to our event sponsors, Bulletproof AC and iMold Cleaning and Restoration, for supporting this important industry conversation and helping make the event possible.
Want to stay connected?
Through the end of the year, MACCA memberships and annual sponsorships will be prorated!
If you’ve been considering joining MACCA or SWFL PHCC, this is a great opportunity to get connected and take advantage of the membership benefits available to you.
Join MACCA: https://macca.us/membership
