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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — 33-year-old Jonathan Michael Keen of Merritt Island has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to unlicensed contracting activities after a state investigation found he had been operating without a proper license while Florida was under a declared State of Emergency.
- Advertisement - According to court documents filed by the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office, Keen faces two criminal counts:
- Count 1: Contracting Without a License During a State of Emergency (Felony, F3) — Florida Statute 489.127(2)(c)
- Count 2: Engaging in the Business of a Contractor Without Being Registered or Certified (Misdemeanor, M1) — Florida Statute 489.127(1)(f)
An Issue Capias was filed in the 18th Judicial Circuit, alleging that Keen operated as or advertised himself as a contractor on October 14, 2024, without being properly licensed, registered, or certified under Florida law. The felony enhancement applies because the alleged violation occurred during a State of Emergency declared by the Governor.
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State Investigation Findings
A Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) investigative report details that Keen, doing business as Paradise Pool Screens, Inc., accepted payment for regulated work that was never completed. The complaint was filed by William White of Rockledge on December 19, 2024, prompting an investigation by DBPR’s Orlando office.
Investigators confirmed that Paradise Pool Screens, Inc. is an inactive corporation, is not licensed with the Construction Industry Licensing Board, and carries no workers’ compensation coverage. Keen was found to have advertised regulated contracting services online despite lacking the required certifications.
- Advertisement - An attempt to serve Keen with a Cease and Desist Order on February 19, 2025, was returned “Unclaimed,” but he later acknowledged receipt after DBPR sent notices by regular mail on March 21, 2025. The investigation concluded on March 31, 2025, with the case approved by DBPR Investigator Supervisor A. Alexander Bell on April 8, 2025.
Arrest and Booking
According to Brevard County Jail records, Keen was arrested on October 18, 2025, at approximately 3:08 p.m. by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. He was booked less than an hour later on the two pending charges under case number 05-2025-CF-052806-AXXX-BC.
Keen’s total bond was set at $3,000, and he remains listed as “awaiting trial” under open charges.
Legal Context
Under Florida law, contracting without a license is a serious offense, particularly during a declared State of Emergency — a provision designed to protect homeowners from fraud and substandard work during disaster recovery periods. Violations under §489.127(2)(c) are elevated to third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The case underscores ongoing enforcement efforts by the DBPR and State Attorney’s Office to crack down on unlicensed contracting throughout Brevard County — a problem that has historically surged following hurricanes and other declared emergencies.
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