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Ocala fines Larry Hyer $380.97 for performing contracting work without a license
Summary
The City of Ocala Contractors Board found that Larry Hyer performed work without a contractor license at 925 SE 17th Street and voted to impose $380.97 in fines and costs; Hyer acknowledged performing the work and asked for leniency, while the property owner described storm damage that prompted repairs.
The City of Ocala Contractors Board voted on Aug. 4, 2025, to find that violations occurred in case CON250031 and to assess $380.97 in total fines and costs against Larry Hyer for performing work without a contractor license. Dale Hollingsworth, the city’s chief code official, told the board that staff observed work at 925 Southeast 17th Street and confirmed with the Building Department that permits were required but none were active.
Hollingsworth said the violations cited were City code section 22-1-51(b)(6) (acting as a contractor without registration or certification) and 22-1-51(b)(8) (commencing work requiring a building permit without an active permit). He told the board that Hyer admitted to physically performing the work and that a certified notice of hearing had been signed. "He did admit that he was not licensed," Hollingsworth said during his presentation.
Respondent Larry Hyer, who was sworn in before speaking, told the board he had recently moved to the area and said he was helping a friend with an emergency roof leak. "I was working in the capacity of a friend of mine," Hyer said, asking the board for leniency and noting he believed he was helping without pay. The property owner also spoke in Hyer’s defense while acknowledging the need to follow permitting rules.
Board members and staff emphasized Florida’s licensing and permitting requirements for work on buildings; staff recommended a penalty smaller than the maximum allowed and sought reimbursement for prosecution costs. The board voted to accept the staff recommendation: a total assessment of $380.97, reflecting the two-violation fine and $180.97 in prosecution costs. The board instructed staff to provide payment instructions; staff noted fines were to be paid by 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, and prosecution costs by 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, as stated during the hearing.
The contractors board then adjourned and the meeting proceeded to the municipal code enforcement board for additional matters.
