Board finds probable cause in $2 million church construction complaint against Parr Church Builders

The Escambia County Contractor Licensing Board found probable cause to move allegations against Parr Church Builders Inc. to a disciplinary hearing after hearing a detailed complaint from Pastor Will Stone of First Baptist Church of Cantonment.

Investigator Melissa Reber summarized complaint number 2512119COM: the church entered a $2,048,000 construction contract in October 2024; the church later paid Parr Church Builders $2,094,779.74 but the project remained incomplete. The church alleges Parr submitted false subcontractor invoices and altered lien releases, failed to pay subcontractors and suppliers, and left stormwater work noncompliant. To protect itself from liens, the church reported paying $53,023.04 directly to subcontractors and suppliers.

Pastor Will Stone told the board the church had to obtain a further loan for $525,000 to complete the project and found an existing lien of $15,500 during closing. Staff also reported efforts to contact the contractor were unsuccessful and that the contractor’s licensing record shows expired or terminated permits on multiple projects.

A board member moved and the board voted to find probable cause for violations of county code section 18-37(c)(6) (financial mismanagement causing financial harm to a customer) and 18-37(c)(11) (fraud, deceit, or gross negligence in contracting). The board directed staff to prepare a disciplinary hearing packet; staff noted the Florida DBPR (state regulator) had also received the complaint and requested additional information.

What’s next: The board will receive a hearing packet and supporting documentation at a future meeting; the complainant was advised to gather evidence of damages to present at the disciplinary hearing.