Hurricane season in Florida isn’t just a test of your home’s strength—it’s a test of your contractor’s integrity. After every storm, unlicensed and uninsured “contractors” come out of the woodwork, offering fast fixes and cheap rates. But if you don’t see a valid license number or proof of insurance, walk away—or risk being left in a mess that costs you far more in the end.
🔍 Always Verify Before You Hire
Before signing any contract or allowing work to begin, check the contractor’s license status with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). It only takes a minute:
👉 Click here to search a license
- Their state contractor license number
- Proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Business name and address that match DBPR records
⚠️ Florida Law Requires License Numbers in Advertising
Per Florida Statute 489.119(5)(b), all advertising—online, print, signage, vehicles, business cards, etc.—must display the contractor’s license number. If a company is advertising without it, that’s a red flag.
You can report unlicensed or improperly advertising contractors directly to the DBPR:
Failing to display a license number is not just shady—it’s illegal.
🚨 Why It Matters: The Real Risks of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors
Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor isn’t just risky—it’s illegal and can leave you exposed to:
- Fines and penalties
- Work that doesn’t meet Florida Building Code
- Delays in permitting and inspections
- No warranty or legal protections
- Lawsuits if an uninsured worker is injured on your property
⚖️ What the Law Says
📚 Florida Statute 489.127(1)(f):
“Engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor or advertise… as a contractor without being duly registered or certified.”
During a declared state of emergency, such as hurricane season, unlicensed activity becomes a third-degree felony.
📚 Florida Statute 489.127(2)(c):
“Any unlicensed person who commits a violation… during the existence of a state of emergency… commits a felony of the third degree.”
📚 Florida Statute 489.13(3):
“The department may impose an administrative fine of up to $10,000 on any unlicensed person guilty of unlicensed contracting.”
🛑 Red Flags to Watch For
- Ask for or require full payment upfront
- Can’t provide a license or insurance
- Refuse to pull a permit
- Pressure you to sign immediately
- Don’t list a license number in their ads or on their vehicle
✅ Your Peace of Mind Starts with a Permit
Legitimate contractors always pull the required permits and follow local code regulations to ensure your project is safe, legal, and storm-ready.
Don’t take chances with your home, your safety, or your wallet. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Do your homework. Ask for the license. Verify it. And if they can’t show you insurance? Just say no.
📣 Need help with your project this hurricane season?
We’re licensed, insured, and ready to protect your home the right way.
📞 Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.