Why Florida Contractor Licensing Matters
Florida has more unlicensed contractors than almost any other state — and the consequences of hiring one range from substandard work to financial loss when problems arise. Unlicensed work invalidates homeowners insurance claims. Unpermitted work (often performed by unlicensed contractors) must be disclosed when you sell and can be ordered demolished. After hurricanes, unlicensed storm chasers flood affected areas, take deposits, and disappear. Verifying a license takes 60 seconds and eliminates most of these risks.
How to Verify a Florida Contractor License
Visit myfloridalicense.com and search by name, license number, or company name. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) maintains this database for all state-licensed trades. Confirm:
- License status: Current and Active (not expired, suspended, or revoked)
- License type matches the work being performed
- License holder's name matches who you're contracting with
- No disciplinary history (check the complaint tab)
Some trades are licensed at the county level rather than state level — roofing contractors in some counties, for example, may hold county licenses. When in doubt, ask for both state and local license documentation.
License Requirements by Trade
Roofing
Requires a Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) or Registered Roofing Contractor license from DBPR. Always verify. Roofing is one of the most common trades for unlicensed operators in Florida. A licensed roofer will pull permits; an unlicensed one typically won't, creating a liability for you at resale.
HVAC
Requires a Certified Air Conditioning Contractor (CAC) license. Technicians working under a licensed company don't need individual licenses but the company must hold the CAC. EPA 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling (a separate federal certification). Verify the company's CAC license, not just the individual technician.
Electrical
Requires a Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) or Electrical Specialty Contractor license. All electrical work above minor repairs requires a permit in Florida. An unlicensed electrician's work that causes a fire typically voids your homeowners insurance.
Plumbing
Requires a Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC) license. Like electrical, most plumbing work (water heater replacement, pipe repair, fixture installation) requires a permit. Verify before work begins.
General Contractor
Remodeling, additions, and structural work require a Certified General Contractor (CGC) or Certified Building Contractor (CBC) license. This is the license for large-scope projects: room additions, kitchen and bath remodels over $2,500, structural repairs. The GC pulls permits and is responsible for subcontractor compliance.
Solar Installation
Florida solar installers must hold a Certified Electrical Contractor (CEC) or a Certified Solar Contractor license. The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FSEIA) also offers a voluntary certification. Always verify the license covers both electrical and roofing penetration work.
Pest Control
Regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), not DBPR. Verify at fdacs.gov. Companies must hold a pest control business license; individual applicators must hold a pest control operator certification.
Home Inspector
Florida-licensed home inspectors are regulated by DBPR. The license number starts with "HI." Always verify at myfloridalicense.com — Florida implemented mandatory licensing in 2011 and there are still unqualified operators in the market.
What Every Florida Contractor Contract Should Include
Florida law requires written contracts for home improvement work over $1,000. Your contract should specify:
- Contractor's full legal name, company name, license number, and address
- Scope of work in detail — materials, brands, specifications, and square footage
- Total contract price and payment schedule (Florida prohibits requiring more than 10% deposit before work begins for contracts over $2,500)
- Start and estimated completion dates
- Permit responsibility — who pulls permits and pays permit fees
- Warranty terms — workmanship warranty (minimum 1 year on labor) and manufacturer warranty on materials
- Change order process — all scope changes in writing with revised pricing before work proceeds
Red Flags: How to Spot an Unlicensed Contractor
- Cannot provide a Florida license number when asked
- Wants all cash, no written contract
- Arrives door-to-door after a storm offering "leftover materials" from a nearby job
- Asks you to pull the permit in your own name (homeowner-permits are allowed for your own home but excuse contractors from license requirements — don't do this for major trades)
- Significantly lowest bid — often signals cutting corners on materials, permits, or labor costs
- No local business address or office
- Demands more than 10% deposit upfront for jobs over $2,500
Assignment of Benefits (AOB): A Specific Florida Warning
After a hurricane or water damage, you may be approached by contractors (especially roofers and water remediation companies) who ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits form. This document legally transfers your insurance claim to the contractor. Florida passed AOB reform legislation in 2023 that significantly restricts this practice, but it still occurs. Never sign an AOB without understanding exactly what you're agreeing to — consult your insurance agent first. Legitimate contractors don't need AOB authority to get paid for good work.
When Permits Are Required
Florida requires building permits for:
- New construction and additions
- Structural alterations
- Roofing (full replacements in most jurisdictions; repairs over a threshold)
- Electrical panel upgrades and most new circuits
- HVAC system replacement (full system)
- Water heater replacement (in many jurisdictions)
- Pool installation
- Fence installation over a certain height
- Window and door replacement in many jurisdictions
Unpermitted work is a serious problem at resale. Florida sellers must disclose known unpermitted work, and buyers or their lenders may require remediation — which means tearing out and redoing the work with proper permits, often at 2× the original cost. Always ask your contractor: "Will you pull a permit?" A licensed contractor will say yes for any work that requires one.