Being a licensed contractor in Florida is a privilege. Many do not understand the difference in being licensed and unlicensed. Obtaining and keeping your contractor’s license in Florida is expensive and there are requirements you must meet. An unlicensed company is taking the easy and unethical approach to assisting those in need.
Licensed or Unlicensed – Is It a Big Deal?
When you are in need of repairs, questions run through your head: What does it mean to be licensed? Why are some contractors licensed and others are not? Does it really matter?
Being a licensed contractor means they have passed all required testing, met the minimum experience level of four years, passed a credit and background check and they must carry insurance to cover liability and workers compensation.
Risks or Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor
- No insurance – No liability: An unlicensed contractor is typically uninsured. You may end up being liable for personal or financial injuries to others. If they happen to damage your property, there is no insurance to cover that.
- Poor qualifications and poor quality work: Unlicensed contractors usually do not have the education or qualifications required of a licensee. Therefor, they may do poor quality work and not finish the project, leaving the homeowner to pick up the pieces.
- Possible criminal background: Unlicensed contractors also pose the threat for having a lengthy list of criminal history. This list may include violent crime, sexual offenses, substance abuse, fraud and/or theft. Do you wnat someone like that working on your property?
- Scam artists: Unlicensed contractors often disappear after taking your money. The department cannot discipline an unlicensed person or help you with any recovery of repairs or money lost. These con artists usually try to scam those in need of urgent repairs, such as hurricane damage.
- Not covered under homeowner’s policy: Most homeowner policies require any repairs be done by a licensed individual.
- Limited resources for broken contracts: If you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you have rights and can contact the department who will take disciplinary action. However, this action is not available if the contractor is not licensed.
- Non compliance with building codes: Most projects require permits and inspections. Unlicensed contractors usually ignore such things. If your project isn’t permitted or doesn’t comply with the building code, you may have to remove or repair the work at your own expense and be subject to fines.
Before you agree to any repairs, confirm the individual is licensed and has insurance. Below are some helpful links for you to use:
Click here to verify a Pinellas County license.
Click here to verify a Florida State license.
To report unlicensed contractors in Pinellas County, click here or call 727-582-6767.
Why Hire a Licensed Contractor?
- A licensed person has the required education, experience, insurance and qualifications to obtain a license. They must pass a competency examination before practicing.
- Licensed individuals are screened for prior criminal history.
- The department can discipline and even revoke a license if the person does not live up to professional standards. This is not a total safeguard, but it is a strong incentive for the licensee to do goo work.
- You may be able to sue the licensee in civil court for problems related to the work done.
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