West Hernando Pools and Spas owner surrenders license amid investigation

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Amid a state regulatory and criminal investigation, Frank Bierwiler, owner of West Hernando Pools and Spas, has agreed to voluntarily surrender his state contractor’s license.

The company has been the subject of an ongoing Better Call Behnken investigation . Customers said they are tired of waiting for answers as to why work isn’t being done on their pool projects.

Bierwiler was ordered by the county to finish 118 pools earlier this year. He worked down the number to 77 in May, and officials said he’s made little progress since.

Public documents, obtained by Better Call Behnken, show Bierwiler has agreed to voluntarily surrender his license to settle an investigation by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

As part of that agreement, Bierwiler agreed that if he ever attempts to reapply for a contractor’s license, he will pay $143,000 in fines and fees, with 18% annual interest.

Customers with unfinished pools have packed county special masters meetings, demanding answers.

Many said they are relieved Bierwiler will no longer be permitted to work as a contractor, but this news means they are officially on their own to finish their pools.

James Fisher said finding a contractor to take on his abandoned pool project has not been easy.

“It affects me mentally and emotionally, not to mention, I am a disabled veteran, and I don’t need that in in my head,” he said.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they have an active criminal case.

If you have one of these unfinished pools, make sure you have filed complaints with the state DBPR, the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Now that the license has been surrendered, you can file for the state’s construction recovery fund.

Also, it’s important that you transfer the permit from Bierwiler’s name to either another contractor – or into your own name.

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