Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R–Moriches) joined County Executive Ed Romaine and his colleagues in government on October 28 to officially sign into law Introductory Resolution 1543-2025, which Mazzarella authored to strengthen enforcement against unscrupulous county-licensed professionals and enhance consumer protection measures across Suffolk County.
This new law was inspired by a deeply personal story: after a close friend’s father became the victim of an unscrupulous contractor. The incident underscored the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability within Suffolk County’s licensing system.
“This bill was inspired by a personal story — when a friend’s father fell victim to a deceitful contractor,” said Mazzarella. “No family should have to experience that kind of betrayal. IR 1543-2025 strengthens Suffolk County’s ability to crack down on bad actors, protect consumers, and ensure integrity across every licensed profession.”
While the majority of licensed professionals in Suffolk County conduct business ethically, Mazzarella noted that a small number of bad actors have exploited loopholes in the law — allowing them to continue defrauding homeowners and consumers. This legislation closes those loopholes and ensures that repeat offenders face meaningful consequences.
All license applications must now include the names and residential addresses of all owners, partners, officers, members, and directors — creating transparency and preventing dishonest individuals from hiding behind shell companies or front organizations.
The new law also calls for stronger background checks. Licenses will be denied or revoked if applicants or affiliated officers:
- Have outstanding child support judgments or arrears (unless in compliance with an approved payment plan).
- Are listed on the Registry of Unscrupulous County-Licensed Professionals or affiliated with a business appearing on that registry.
Additionally, there will be tougher penalties for violations. The first offense will be a fine of up to $1,000, up to 15 days in jail, or both. A second or subsequent offenses (within 18 months) will result in a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $5,000 and/or up to one year imprisonment. (Each day, a violation occurs counts as a separate offense.) Operating without a valid license, or after revocation, can result in criminal charges with fines up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail.
Originally limited to home improvement contractors, the “Registry of Unscrupulous County-Licensed Professionals” will now cover all county-licensed occupations. The public will have access to an online database of individuals and businesses found guilty of serious violations — empowering residents to make informed decisions when hiring licensed professionals.
“Suffolk County will not tolerate dishonest business practices,” said Mazzarella. “This law puts consumers first and sends a clear message: if you exploit residents or operate unethically, you will face serious consequences.”