License categories
- CGC (Certified General Contractor): unlimited (commercial, residential, structural).
- CBC (Certified Building Contractor): commercial and residential up to 4 stories.
- CRC (Certified Residential Contractor): 1-2 residential units.
- CMC (Certified Mechanical Contractor): HVAC, refrigeration.
- CFC (Certified Plumbing Contractor): plumbing.
- CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor): roofing.
- CPC (Certified Pool Contractor): pool.
- CEC (Electrical): separately governed via Electrical Contractors Licensing Board.
- Prefix "C" = statewide certified; prefix "R" = registered (county-limited).
How to verify
- Visit myfloridalicense.com (official DBPR site).
- Search by contractor or company name.
- Check status: Active (good standing), Inactive (suspended), Null and Void (cancelled).
- Check workers comp coverage via Florida Division of Workers' Compensation: apps8.fldfs.com/proofofcoverage.
- Check liability insurance via insurance certificate from the contractor.
- Check complaints/discipline via "Contractor Complaint Search".
Risks of unlicensed contractor
- Unlicensed contractor: first-degree misdemeanor (F.S. §489.127), criminal.
- You, owner: not in violation, but lose:
- Work warranty.
- Possibility of disciplinary suit.
- Streamlined civil remedy.
- Mechanic's lien: an unlicensed contractor CANNOT place a mechanic's lien (F.S. §489.128) — reverse protection, but licensed subs of an unlicensed contractor still can.
- Building department inspections can reject the work.
- Insurance may refuse coverage on related damages.
For Canadians: pre-signature checklist
- Verify license at myfloridalicense.com → status Active.
- Verify workers comp and liability — get certificate copies.
- Ask for 3 recent references (prior clients).
- Read Google Maps and Better Business Bureau reviews.
- Demand a written contract with scope, schedule, progress payments (never > 50% before work begins).
- Verify Notice of Commencement (F.S. §713.13) filed for large projects — protects against sub-contractor liens.
Formulaires officiels et pages de référence
Responsabilité du lecteur
Toujours utiliser la dernière version disponible sur le site officiel cité ci-dessous. Les seuils, taux et délais évoluent. CanadaFlorida ne se substitue pas à un professionnel licencié.
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date (Florida Statutes, Florida Department of Revenue, Citizens, FEMA, DBPR).
- F.S. §489.127 — Unlicensed contracting penalty. §489.127
- F.S. §489.128 — Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable. §489.128
- DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). myfloridalicense.com/cilb