Hiring a contractor in Florida: check, red flags, complaints

Red flags when hiring

• They show a local business tax receipt instead of a contractor license. (source: Florida Statutes 489.127 (opens in a new tab))
• They split one job into small jobs to stay under $2,500. (source: Florida Statutes 489.103 (opens in a new tab))
• A "registered" contractor working outside the area where they are registered. (source: DBPR Construction Industry FAQs (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor before you hire

Penalties for unlicensed work

• Unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor. It becomes a third-degree felony for a repeat offense, during a declared state of emergency, or for pollutant-storage work. (source: Florida Statutes 489.127 (opens in a new tab))
• DBPR can issue stop-work orders. (source: Florida Statutes 489.127 (opens in a new tab))
• An unlicensed contractor's contract cannot be enforced, and they lose lien and bond claims. (source: Florida Statutes 489.128 (opens in a new tab))

How to file a complaint

• File online with DBPR at www2.myfloridalicense.com/file-a-complaint. (source: DBPR: Take action (unlicensed activity) (opens in a new tab))
• Report unlicensed activity on the hotline 1-866-532-1440, online, or in the DBPR app. (source: DBPR: Take action (unlicensed activity) (opens in a new tab))
• The Construction Industries Recovery Fund pays up to $100,000 per Division I claim and $30,000 per Division II claim, for contracts signed on or after 1 July 2024. (source: Florida Statutes 489.143 (opens in a new tab))