BBB Tip: Hiring a licensed contractor in Florida – what you need to know

As the demand for home improvement projects increases in Florida, homeowners must be cautious when hiring contractors. The state requires contractors to be licensed and insured, but not all contractors adhere to these regulations. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can put homeowners at risk for subpar work, financial loss, and legal trouble.

As part of Unlicensed Activity Awareness Week June 19-23, 2023, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of West Florida and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) remind Floridians to research professionals and businesses thoroughly before hiring and to report suspected unlicensed individuals. Unlicensed activity is against the law—BBB and DBPR take unlicensed activity very seriously because it threatens the safety of Florida’s consumers and takes away business from licensed professionals throughout the state.

Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services requiring a state license and does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards.

“With summer and hurricane season in full swing, homeowners are searching for contractors to perform quality, affordable home improvement work,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “I encourage homeowners to do their research and verify licenses at MyFloridaLicense.com to ensure they are hiring a licensed professional with the education and experience necessary to do the job correctly the first time.”

To avoid these potential hazards, homeowners should research before hiring a contractor. The first step is to verify the contractor’s license with DBPR. Homeowners can visit DBPR’s website or call their customer contact center to check if the contractor is licensed and has a clean record.

In addition to a license, homeowners should also ask for proof of insurance.  Contractors should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves and the homeowner in case of an accident or injury.

Once the contractor’s license and insurance have been verified, homeowners should ask for references, and examples of work, check a contractor’s track record at BBB.org, and look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal to know the company is committed to BBB’s standards of trust in the marketplace.

“Choosing a licensed contractor is crucial for any home improvement project,” said Karen Nalven, President/CEO of Better Business Bureau serving West Florida.  “Homeowners should take the time to research their options. Go to BBB.org and make sure you are hiring someone who is both qualified and trustworthy.”

Hiring a licensed contractor may require more effort and research, but it can save homeowners time, money, and headaches in the long run. Both BBB and DBPR have online resources to educate consumers on how to hire a licensed professional and report unlicensed activity.

• BBB provides information for consumers to help make informed buying decisions and find properly licensed professionals, BBB Accredited Contractors, and an easy-to-use checklist. Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at BBB.org/consumers.
• Report unlicensed contractors to BBB and DBPR.
• Consumers can verify professional licenses that fall under DBPR’s jurisdiction by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com (click “Verify a License” in the middle of the home page), by calling (850) 487-1395, or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play store.
• An FAQ including information on services requiring a state professional license from DBPR and how to report suspected unlicensed activity is available on the DBPR website.

 

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