Before you sign anything or pay a deposit, check the contractor's Florida license. It takes about two minutes, it's free, and it's the single best way to avoid the worst outcomes of a home project.
Why checking matters
Florida takes unlicensed contracting seriously, but the law mostly punishes the contractor after the damage is done. Under Florida law:
- A contract made by an unlicensed contractor can't be enforced by that contractor in court.
- Unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offence, and a third-degree felony for a repeat offence or during a state of emergency declared by the Governor.
- The state can fine an unlicensed person up to $10,000.
None of that gets your money back or fixes the work. Checking first does.
How to look up a license on the state website
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) runs a free search called Verify a Licensee.
- Open the DBPR Verify a Licensee page (the link is in the sources at the end of this guide).
- Choose Search by License Number if you have the number. It's usually on the quote, the contract, the truck or the company's website. You can also search by name, by city or county, or by license type.
- Read the result. It shows the license type, the name, the license number and the Status/Expires column.
- Click the name for more detail. DBPR says this is where you'll find additional information, including any complaints or discipline.
Read the status the right way
DBPR shows the status in two parts. The first part is Current, Probation or Suspended. The second part is Active or Inactive. When you're hiring, look for Current, Active and an expiry date in the future. Anything else is a reason to ask questions before you go further.
Make sure the license fits the job
A valid license isn't enough on its own; it has to cover the work. These are the common license prefixes DBPR uses:
- General, building and residential contractors: CGC, CBC and CRC (certified), or RG, RB and RR (registered)
- Roofing: CCC (certified) or RC (registered)
- Air conditioning: CAC (certified) or RA (registered). Mechanical contractors (CMC or RM) also cover central air.
- Plumbing: CFC (certified) or RF (registered)
- Electrical: EC (certified) or ER (registered)
- Mold: MRSA (mold assessor) and MRSR (mold remediator)
If a roofer hands you a plumbing license, or a handyman has no license for work that needs one, keep looking.
Certified or registered: where they can work
Florida law says a certified contractor can contract anywhere in the state. A registered contractor met the requirements of a specific local area, and DBPR says registered contractors may only work in that county or city. If you're in Broward and the license is registered somewhere else, ask about it before you hire.
Pest control is licensed by a different agency
Pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), not DBPR. Company license numbers start with JB. You can search them on the FDACS licensing site or call FDACS at (850) 617-7997, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. FDACS also requires pest control vehicles to be permanently marked on both sides.
Watch the money: the 10 percent rule
For residential work, Florida law says a contractor who takes an initial payment of more than 10 percent of the contract price must apply for the permits within 30 days of being paid and start the work within 90 days after the permits are issued. There are exceptions, for example if you agree in writing to a longer period. Keeping the first payment at or under 10 percent, and paying as the work gets done, protects you.
A two-minute checklist
- Get the license number in writing.
- Look it up and confirm Current, Active with a future expiry.
- Check the license type matches the job.
- Check the name matches the company you're hiring.
- Keep the first payment small and get the scope and price in writing.