A Florida contractor has been arrested after deputies said a Palm Coast couple paid $40,000 for home renovations that were never completed.
Michael Struhar, 43, of St. Augustine, owner of Sunshine State Contractor Services, LLC, was charged with grand theft of more than $20,000, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The couple wired the money in December 2025 after signing a general service agreement for work on their Palm Coast home. The contract called for the project to be completed within three months.
Deputies said Struhar showed up once, removed and painted a single wall, then never returned.
The Work Stopped After One Visit
After the first visit, the homeowners tried to reach Struhar by calls and text messages, according to investigators. The sheriff’s office said those attempts went unanswered.
The couple also sent a certified letter demanding a refund. Deputies said the letter was ignored, and the victims reported the case to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in April.
Investigators Followed The Money
FOX 35 reported that Sheriff Rick Staly said investigators had to obtain certified bank records and subpoena records from banks or cash-app companies to show where the money went.
According to the sheriff’s office, within days of the wire transfer, the account showed about $11,500 in cash and debit-card withdrawals and more than $33,500 in Zelle payments. Deputies said none of the money was spent on materials for the victims’ home.
Baseball Cards Became Part Of The Case
Investigators said the account also showed recurring charges to an online auction site where Struhar collected signed baseball cards. The sheriff’s office said the account was in the negative by the end of December and stayed negative nearly every month afterward.
FOX 35 reported that a baseball card expert told the station the collecting hobby can become expensive quickly.
A Warrant Led To His Arrest
Detective Harrington presented the case to the State Attorney’s Office, and a judge signed a warrant for grand theft of more than $20,000 with a $50,000 bond, according to FCSO.
Struhar was arrested Friday by the FCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit and Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit. He was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on $50,000 bond.
Sheriff Rick Staly said in the release that contractors who take money in Flagler County and pose as honest professionals should expect detectives to track them down.
Deputies Say There May Be More Victims
The investigation remains active. Detectives believe Struhar and Sunshine State Contractor Services, LLC may have additional victims in the area.
Anyone who has done business with Struhar or the company and believes they were defrauded is being asked to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.
Homeowners Should Verify Contractors Before Paying
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said homeowners should verify a contractor’s license before paying for work. The agency pointed residents to the Flagler Home Builders Association member directory and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s license search.
Homeowners should also ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, then contact past customers before signing. A written agreement should list the scope of work, payment schedule, start date, completion date, and materials.
A large upfront payment should be treated carefully. News4JAX reported that reputable contractors typically do not demand the bulk of payment before the work is done.
Payments should leave a paper trail. Homeowners should keep contracts, invoices, receipts, permit records, text messages, emails, photos of progress, license information, insurance documents, and proof of payment. Final payment should wait until the work is finished, permits are closed, and lien releases are provided for payments made during the project.