Contracting for home improvements and storm repairs can pose many difficult problems if you are
not careful. This information can help you make smart choices, and help you avoid an unlicensed
contractor.
Beware of Con Artists. They May
- Target the elderly, uninformed and the young and inexperienced.
- Focus on roofing, remodeling, and repairs.
- Solicit door-to-door.
- Arrive in unmarked vans or trucks, some from out-of-state.
- Have a post office box address with no street address, or give a local motel as their address.
- Offer to work for you only if you will obtain any necessary building permits, which make you
responsible for the work done.
- Ask for all the money up front.
- Hurt themselves at your job site. They could sue you.
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Finding a Reputable and Reliable Contractor
- Ask to see the state contractor's license. All state-generated licenses come with a wallet
card printed on the same paper stock as a main license. Check that the license you are shown
matches the person showing it. Ask to see additional identification.
- Determine how long a contractor has been in business. You may want to check with local
building supply retailers. An established contractor with a reputation for using quality
materials and paying his or her bills with suppliers is more likely to do quality work for
you.
- Check with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or local building
officials to verify that the license is current.
- Ask for references of persons for whom the contractor has done work and CHECK THEM OUT.
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Narrow the Field
- Choose several licensed contractors and always obtain a written estimate from each.
Explain what you want done, specifying such items as the quality and type of materials.
- Bring estimates to your adjuster or agent to verify the proper procedure you must follow to
ensure payment of a claim.
- Obtain detailed estimates from several contractors for material specifications, how long
the job will take and the total cost.
- Be suspicious of a contractor who offers the fastest, cheapest job on a "you must act now"
basis. Poor workmanship, inferior materials and unfinished jobs are often the result.
- Get the agreement in writing.
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Before Signing the Contract
- Read it carefully.
- Fill in all the spaces.
- Consult your insurance agent to see if the repairs are covered by your insurance.
- You may have an attorney review the contract before you sign. Take every reasonable precaution to
protect your interest.
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Be Sure Your Contract Includes
- Contractor's name, address, telephone number and professional license number.
- Precise description of work to be completed and materials to be supplied.
- Construction completion date.
- Any financing information that is required by law or that is part of the transaction.
- Any warranty agreements.
- All necessary building permits or licenses.
- A notice of the consumer's rights under the Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund.
Make sure the job site will be cleaned thoroughly and that no debris will remain after the job is
completed.
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Canceling a Contract
Some home improvement or repair contracts may be cancelled without penalty or obligation by midnight
of the third business day after signing. These contracts include:
- Agreements signed anywhere other than the seller's normal place of business, unless you have requested
the specific goods or services.
- Agreements resulting from door-to-door sales solicitation.
- Agreements that will pay on an installment basis for more than 90 days.
It is important to note that emergency home repairs, made at the owner's request, are not subject to
cancellation under the three-day rule. To protect yourself, consult an attorney.
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Some Helpful Tips
- Avoid paying in cash.
- Avoid any contractor who requires advance payment. Arrange to pay after the work is completed or in
regular payments.
- Don't sign the completion certificate until all work is completed to your satisfaction.
- If your contract exceeds $2,500, become familiar with the Florida Construction Lien Law.
DBPR offers up-to-the-minute information about all our licensed professionals online. To check on an
individual's status, access DBPR's Web site at
www.MyFloridaLicense.com
Florida maintains strict licensure requirements for contractors. If you contract with an unlicensed
contractor, you will not be able to receive compensation from the Florida Homeowners' Construction
Recovery Fund for any financial loss that might occur.
By hiring a licensed contractor, you can have the peace of mind knowing that the project will be done
by someone who has taken the time to get the appropriate education and necessary experience.
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Unlicensed Activity Affects All Floridians
If you have any questions or complaints regarding a contractor's services or if you are aware of
someone working without a license, you should report the matter to the Florida Department of Business
and Professional Regulation.
To Report Unlicensed Activity, Call 850.488.6603
To Check on a License, Call 850.487.1395 or On the Web at
www.MyFloridaLicense.com
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Division of Professions and Regulation
1940 N. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0782
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