Fort Myers condo association fights to recover $368K from contractor

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—A condo complex still recovering from Hurricane Ian says a contractor took $368,000 for roof repairs but never did the work.

Michael Contorno, president of the Windsor West Condominium Association, first shared his concerns with WINK News at a WINK Listens event. For him, this isn't just business—it's personal.

"This is really frustrating. We could really use that money," Contorno said.

Hurricane Ian severely damaged the Windsor West Condos in Fort Myers. Pictures Contorno sent to WINK News only tell part of the story, he said.

"We had a board of directors that was just trying to get their way through, you know, all the damage that happened, and so they handed over a $368,000 check to a roofer who performed no roof work whatsoever," Contorno said.

After the roofer was paid, Contorno joined the board and took over as president. Through mediation, there was a settlement.

Court records show the agreement required the contractor, Shieldtech Roofing Solutions, LLC, to pay the money back and write a letter of apology. The owner of Shieldtech wrote in the letter, "I apologize for taking $368 thousand dollars without performing the contracted roofing work."

Shieldtech Roofing never paid the money back, Contorno said. That infuriates the attorney representing the condo association.

"It would be great to have the weight of law enforcement, and in the state of Florida, you know, to come in and hold these people accountable," said Jason Mikes, attorney for Windsor West Condominiums.

Mikes said at this point, he feels it's gone beyond a civil matter.

"We can't find the person. We can't find any assets … Justice would be law enforcement stepping in and pursuing a criminal action against this person," Mikes said.

Shieldtech Roofing's website only says "coming soon." With a phone number and an email, WINK News reached out to the contractor multiple times by phone and email, but received no response.

Contorno hired another roofing company to fix the roof and make repairs. But what he really wants is the money the association is owed.

"It's a huge burden to shoulder all the time, and I get very emotional about it, because this is my family. This is my community, and I would really like to see something done on their behalf," Contorno said.

Since WINK News got involved, the case is again before the judge, but the wheels of justice are turning slowly. The condo association has also filed complaints with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Attorney General's Office.

If you are hiring a contractor, check their licensing with DBPR. Ask for references and follow up with those clients. Set up a payment schedule and never pay the full amount up front.