Port Orange Victim Defrauded of $21,000 and Edgewater Homeowner Scammed Out of $9,000
Port Orange Victim Defrauded of $21,000 and Edgewater Homeowner Scammed Out of $9,000: Busy Bee Roofing Operator Andrew Ingram Arrested for Allegedly Posing as Licensed Contractor, Triggering Criminal Investigation into Unlicensed Roofing Fraud Across Volusia County
In a case that has reverberated across Florida’s home improvement sector and drawn intense scrutiny from law enforcement, regulatory authorities, and a deeply affected local community, Andrew Ingram, the man operating under the business name Busy Bee Roofing, was arrested Saturday night by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Ingram now faces multiple felony charges after allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars from homeowners under false pretenses, promising roof work that never materialized.
Two Victims, $30,000 Lost, and a Pattern of Deceit
The alleged fraud came to light after a Port Orange resident reported in early 2025 that they had paid $21,000 to Ingram in November 2024 for a full roof replacement. The funds were handed over as a deposit, reportedly after Ingram presented himself as a roofing contractor prepared to begin work immediately. But as days turned into weeks—and then months—no work was initiated. There were no permits filed, no materials delivered, and no further contact from Busy Bee Roofing. The homeowner grew increasingly alarmed and eventually filed a formal complaint with local authorities.
Shortly after this first report, a second victim in Edgewater came forward. This individual alleged they had paid Ingram $9,000 up front for roofing work that, once again, never began. Much like in the first case, Ingram allegedly accepted the deposit and then stopped responding to all attempts at communication. The similarities between the two cases—including the method of payment, the abrupt silence following receipt of funds, and the lack of permitting or work—quickly raised red flags for investigators.
By late winter, the Volusia County Financial Crimes Unit had taken over the case. Their investigation revealed that Ingram was not licensed as a contractor in the state of Florida, despite advertising and accepting jobs that required one. Under Florida Statute 489.127, it is illegal to act as a contractor without proper licensing, especially when the value of the job exceeds $500—a threshold both cases cleared by wide margins.
Arrest and Charges: Grand Theft and Unlicensed Contracting
On the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2025, deputies from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office executed an arrest warrant on Ingram, who was taken into custody without incident. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Ingram is now facing:
- One count of grand theft in the first degree (a first-degree felony) for the $21,000 taken from the Port Orange victim.
- One count of grand theft in the second degree (a second-degree felony) related to the $9,000 taken from the Edgewater resident.
- One count of operating as an unlicensed contractor, a criminal offense under Florida law.
The potential penalties for these charges are significant. First-degree grand theft in Florida involves the unlawful taking of property valued at $20,000 or more and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Second-degree grand theft can lead to a 15-year sentence. Meanwhile, operating without a license is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, but can be prosecuted as a third-degree felony if done repeatedly or in conjunction with fraud, carrying a possible five-year prison term.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
This case underscores the high stakes surrounding contractor fraud in Florida, a state already grappling with increased reports of unlicensed work, especially in the roofing sector, following recent hurricanes and a volatile insurance market. As demand for home repairs surges, unscrupulous individuals have found fertile ground to exploit vulnerable homeowners.
“Andrew Ingram’s arrest is a major step forward,” said a spokesperson from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing that the case is still active. “We encourage any additional victims to come forward and report their experiences. This may be just the beginning of uncovering the full scope of Ingram’s activities.”
The Sheriff’s Office has directed any potential victims or those with relevant information to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at (386) 254-1537.
Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is expected to conduct its own administrative investigation into the use of the Busy Bee Roofing name, which did not appear in their licensing records. Operating under a fictitious name without proper registration and licensing is yet another potential infraction under Florida law.
Consumer Vulnerability in a Booming Market
What makes this case particularly concerning is the ease with which Ingram allegedly gained the trust of homeowners, exploiting the urgent need for roofing services in a competitive and often confusing market. Many homeowners are unaware of the requirement that roofing work in Florida must be performed by a state-licensed contractor, and often assume that if a company is advertising or operating openly, it must be legitimate.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Florida Attorney General’s Office have repeatedly warned residents to verify licenses before signing any contracts or handing over deposits, especially for services that exceed a few hundred dollars. Florida law requires licensed contractors to provide their license number in all advertisements and written communications. In Ingram’s case, no valid license was associated with his name or business, which should have been a major red flag.
Possible Civil Remedies for Victims
While Ingram now faces criminal prosecution, his victims may also pursue civil litigation to attempt to recover their lost funds. Unfortunately, in many cases involving fraud by unlicensed individuals, restitution is difficult to secure—particularly if the accused lacks sufficient assets or files for bankruptcy.
Legal experts suggest that homeowners affected by contractor fraud immediately report the incident to the Florida Attorney General’s Office, local law enforcement, and DBPR. Victims may also be eligible for compensation through the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund, though eligibility typically depends on several criteria, including the existence of a valid contract with a licensed contractor—something missing in this case.
A Cautionary Tale and Ongoing Investigation
Ingram’s arrest shines a harsh spotlight on the lack of consumer awareness and regulatory gaps that allow such schemes to persist. His case is far from isolated. Across Florida, particularly in coastal counties like Volusia, residents have been increasingly targeted by individuals posing as professionals in trades requiring state certification.
Ingram’s alleged operation—accepting large deposits with no intent to perform the work—fits a profile commonly seen in contractor fraud cases. Investigators now believe it is possible that Ingram may have defrauded other homeowners who have yet to come forward. The Sheriff’s Office is actively reviewing other complaints and tips and may expand the investigation in the coming weeks.
If additional victims are identified, Ingram could face more charges and a lengthier potential sentence. For now, he remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing, and the legal process is expected to unfold in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Volusia County.
Public Warning and Final Thoughts
Authorities stress that this case should serve as a public warning to both consumers and aspiring contractors. Homeowners must remain vigilant and verify licenses through the DBPR’s online portal before entering any agreement. Conversely, those wishing to operate legally in the contracting business must obtain the appropriate certifications, pass background checks, and carry the necessary insurance.
Andrew Ingram’s arrest may be the conclusion of a months-long investigation, but for his victims—who are left without their money, without the promised repairs, and in some cases with damage worsening by the day—the consequences are ongoing.
The incident is a stark reminder that in Florida’s fast-paced, high-demand housing and repair market, due diligence is not optional—it’s essential.
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