Sarasota Business Owner in Bankruptcy Hits with Two Felony Charges

Key Information

• Defendant: Todd Hoch, 47, of Nokomis.
• Charges: Two felony counts of violating contractor moneys law.
• Company: Sash & Sill, Sarasota window and door company.
• Deposits Taken: $21,000 from Punta Gorda and $12,502 from Port Charlotte homeowners.
• Status: Hoch has pleaded not guilty.
• Arraignment Date: August 25, 2025.

Todd Hoch, owner of the now-defunct Sash & Sill, a Sarasota-based window and door company, faces felony charges in Charlotte County. Hoch has been indicted for two counts of violating Florida state law regarding contractor payments, following his company’s bankruptcy filing last year.

The allegations state that Hoch accepted a $21,000 deposit from a Punta Gorda homeowner without executing any work or obtaining necessary permits. In a similar case in Port Charlotte, a couple paid a $12,000 deposit, but no action was taken on their requested services.

For instance, in Punta Gorda, records indicate that Hoch received a deposit of $21,054.50 in March 2024 for a windows and doors replacement project valued at over $42,000. An email from Hoch on July 10, 2024, notified the homeowner that Sash & Sill would close its operations and seek bankruptcy protection while attempting to complete outstanding projects. Subsequently, a certified letter was sent by the homeowner on July 31, demanding Hoch commence work or refund the deposit.

By September 20, 2024, it was reported that neither work had started nor had any permits been obtained, violating a state law that prohibits contractors from withholding work after receiving payment for over 90 days. These accusations lead to a second-degree felony charge against Hoch.

In the Port Charlotte case, investigators revealed that Hoch committed a third-degree felony for failing to apply for necessary permits after collecting more than 10% of the contract price, as required by law. The couple, who paid a $12,502.50 down payment for a $25,000 window replacement job in April 2024, reported inactivity after three months. Eventually, the couple learned from a representative that work would commence in August 2024.

According to the affidavit, an email dated July 10, 2024, informed clients that Sash & Sill had closed permanently due to unforeseen circumstances impacting financial stability. The pair subsequently sent a certified letter requesting a refund but received no response.

Despite the growing complaints against him, including at least 37 filed in Sarasota County, it remains unclear how Hoch will navigate the legal challenges ahead. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Attorney General’s Office have yet to issue statements regarding ongoing investigations.

After an arrest warrant was issued in late June 2025, Hoch was released after posting a $5,000 bond. His arraignment for both cases is set for August 25 at the Charlotte County Justice Center, where he plans to plead not guilty.

In August 2024, Hoch also filed for personal bankruptcy amid mounting complaints and was found guilty of construction-related fraud by the Sarasota County General Contractors Licensing and Examining Board during a complaint investigation from another homeowner. The penalty stripped him of the ability to pull permits in Sarasota County.

In a statement following the investigation, Hoch expressed regret for the affected customers, stating, “It has been the most difficult situation that I have ever gone through. I am deeply heartbroken.”

This article has been updated to reflect that Todd Hoch’s attorney states he will plead not guilty to the charges.