Hire a Licensed Contractor

Unlicensed activity is a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of Florida residents and visitors.  

Here’s some advice from Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board

1. Don’t be victimized by someone making a door-to-door presentation offering to do repair jobs or home improvements "on-the-spot" and requiring a cash deposit.
2. Ask to see their Florida state registered or Florida state certified contractor’s license. Visit www.myfloridalicense.com or call the number below to verify that the license is valid.
3. Get at least three bids, and ask for references of work the contractor has completed in your area. Make personal contacts and ask about the quality of work.
4. Require a written contract with the contractor’s license number on it. Don’t sign if there are any blank areas and until you fully understand the terms.
5. Don’t pay cash, don’t let payments get ahead of the work completed, and don’t pay the full cost of the job up-front. Make sure that building material costs are paid; ask for receipts.
6. Check workers’ compensation coverage by requesting to see a certificate of insurance. If injuries occur on your property, you may be liable.