Hire A Licensed Contractor

While hiring an unlicensed contractor may provide a quick fix in the short term, it could result in many serious and lasting consequences, including further damage to your property. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) receives varying cases of alleged unlicensed construction activity including those alleging substandard work not up to building code, instances of homeowners paying for a job that is not completed as well as contractors abandoning the project.

By hiring a licensed contractor, you will have peace of mind knowing that the project will be done by someone who has taken the time to acquire the appropriate education and the proper workers’ compensation and/or liability insurance and who possesses the necessary experience.

Know the warning signs to protect yourself when hiring a contractor for solar, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, or other building services, to perform work on any home or business.

Before you hire a contractor, ask to see the state-issued license. Also, verify the license number with DBPR and check for any complaints before signing a contract or working with a contractor. A contractor’s license can be verified with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DPBR) at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/. 

Florida law requires a licensed contractor to display their license number on websites, contracts, estimates, proposals, invoices, and vehicles. This information is also required on promotional materials that contain the company or contactor’s name.

Red Flags and Warning Signs to look for:

•    Unlicensed contractors often target uninformed and inexperienced, as well as the elderly. 

•    They try to convince you a permit and inspections are not necessary or that it’s cheaper if you obtain an owner/builder permit. 

•    No contractor license number in advertisement or posting. Contractors licensed by DPBR must include their license number in all advertising. 

•    Being registered with the Division of Corporations as an Inc. or LLC does not qualify an individual or company to act as a contractor.

•    Presents a tax receipt (a/k/a occupational license) as their contractor’s license.

•    They show up in unmarked vehicles offering to do work and often have out-of-state tags.

•    They want most of the money upfront and will only accept cash. They may also want the check made out to them personally or to “cash”.

•    They give a post office box address instead of a street address.

•    Says they can offer a deal or perform the work at a discounted rate because they have a surplus of materials from another job.

•    Has a name listed on business cards, contracts, promotional material, or vehicles that is different from the name listed on the DBPR license.

•    Will not provide a certificate of insurance for general liability and worker’s compensation coverage.

•    Will not provide a written contract or is vague.