Homeowners in Palm Beach County, Florida, are speaking out after falling victim to a fraudulent contractor who left them with unfinished projects and thousands of dollars in losses. Franklin Ebersole, the owner of Ebersole Design Build, LLC, has been arrested for operating without a license and scamming clients out of nearly $270,000.
Ebersole, who has a history of complaints dating back to 2009, is accused of taking deposits for home renovations and either delivering shoddy work or vanishing before completing projects. Victims are now warning others to be cautious when hiring contractors.
Homeowners Share Their Nightmare Experiences
Lisa Izquierdo, one of Ebersole’s victims, hired him to remodel her kitchen based on a neighbour’s recommendation. At first, she believed he was a licensed and insured professional, but things quickly turned into a nightmare.
“The cabinets were full of scratches and dents, and there was garbage all over my house,” Izquierdo recalled. “I did some research and found complaints going back years in multiple states.”
Another victim, Oren Narunsky, paid $20,000 upfront for a remodelling project that never even started. “He kept pushing back the start date, making excuses for months,” Narunsky said. “Then, he just disappeared and stopped responding.”
Now facing legal action from multiple victims, Ebersole’s company is under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone else affected to come forward.
Legal Action and Consumer Warnings
Ebersole was arrested and released on a $50,000 bond, but many victims fear they will never recover their lost money, especially since he has filed for bankruptcy.
Law enforcement officials are advising homeowners to always verify contractor licenses before signing any contracts or making payments. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers a free online database where consumers can check for complaints and license status.
“Never trust a contractor based on word of mouth alone,” Narunsky warned. “Check the DBPR website, get the contractor’s full name, and verify their license before handing over any money.”
How to Protect Yourself from Contractor Scams
- Verify the contractor’s license through your state’s official licensing board.
- Get everything in writing, including payment schedules and deadlines.
- Never pay large deposits upfront—legitimate contractors typically require payments in phases.
- Check reviews and complaints online before hiring.
- Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals—they often are.
Final Thoughts
With home improvement scams on the rise, authorities are urging homeowners to stay vigilant. If you suspect a contractor is operating illegally, report them to local consumer protection agencies or law enforcement.