What penalty does a contractor face for working in an unlicensed category?

A contractor working in an unlicensed category typically faces a citation as a penalty. This citation serves as a formal notice of violation for not adhering to licensing requirements set forth by state regulations. A citation can involve fines or other administrative penalties but does not equate to immediate license revocation or a direct notification to the code department without prior due process. Such measures ensure that contractors have a chance to address the licensing issue before more serious penalties, such as revocation or significant legal ramifications, are imposed. This approach allows for enforcement of the law while giving contractors an opportunity to comply with licensing requirements.