“Contractors beware! Suffolk County is committed to protecting our residents and is strengthening oversight and penalties against unscrupulous contractors. There is no place in our county for those who take advantage of consumers and deceive others for their own financial gain,” said County Executive Ed Romaine.
Legislator Jim Mazzarella joined Romaine in Hauppauge as his bill was signed into law, strengthening enforcement against unscrupulous contractors and bolstering consumer protections across the County.
“I joined County Executive Ed Romaine and my colleagues in government as we officially signed IR 1543-2025 into law — legislation I authored to strengthen enforcement against unscrupulous county-licensed professionals and enhance consumer protections across Suffolk County,” said Mazzarella.
Mazzarella said his bill was inspired by a personal story “when a close friend’s father was victimized by a deceitful contractor. No family should ever have to go through that kind of betrayal.”
While most professionals operate with honesty and integrity, this law ensures that bad actors can no longer hide behind loopholes or shell companies.
“Suffolk County will not tolerate dishonest business practices. This law puts consumers first and sends a clear message — if you exploit residents or operate unethically, you will face serious consequences,” said Mazzarella.
https://www.scnylegislature.us/DocumentCenter/View/123180/Introductory-Resolution-1543-25-PDF
The purpose of the local law is to strengthen legislation regarding occupations licensed and regulated by Suffolk County to further protect Suffolk County consumers by amending the procedure for applying for a license pursuant to Chapter 563.
The law requires more transparency in license applications; strengthens background checks for licensees; imposes tougher penalties for repeat offenders; and expands the Registry of Unscrupulous County-Licensed Professionals to cover all county-licensed trades.
If you feel like you have been a victim of an unlicensed contractor or deceptive practices, please contact the Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs to file a claim at 631-853-4600.