Florida

Florida requires contractor licensing through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under Florida Statutes Chapter 489 for most construction, remodeling, and repair work. The key distinction in Florida is between Certified contractors — who can work anywhere statewide — and Registered contractors — who are limited to the specific local jurisdictions where they have met local competency requirements. Always confirm which type your contractor holds and whether it authorizes work in your county.

Licensed means the contractor holds an active DBPR credential — either Certified (statewide) or Registered (jurisdiction-specific). Bonded means the contractor carries a surety bond required by the DBPR or the relevant licensing board, providing limited recourse if work is not completed as agreed. Insured refers to general liability and workers' compensation; always request certificates and verify them independently with the insurer.

A Certified contractor has passed the state examination and is licensed to work anywhere in Florida without additional local approval. A Registered contractor has met local jurisdiction competency requirements and registered with the state, but can only work in the specific local areas where they are authorized. For homeowners, this matters most on coastal, multi-county, or storm-repair projects — if your contractor is Registered, verify their authorization covers your exact location.

Yes. Florida's owner-builder exemption under §489.103 allows homeowners to perform work on their own primary residence without a contractor license. You must own and intend to occupy the property. Florida requires you to personally supervise the work and prohibits hiring unlicensed persons to do the work on your behalf under the exemption. If you sell the property within one year of completion, you must disclose the owner-builder work to the buyer.

The DBPR issues several license types relevant to homeowners. A General Contractor license covers construction of commercial and residential buildings involving multiple trades. A Building Contractor license covers construction and remodeling of buildings up to three stories. A Residential Contractor license covers single-family and small multi-family residential construction. Specialty trade contractors hold separate licenses for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing. Verify the contractor's specific license type covers your project scope.

Use the DBPR license lookup at myfloridalicense.com. Search by contractor name, business name, or license number. Confirm the license is Active, identify whether the contractor is Certified or Registered, and verify the license classification covers your project type. The DBPR record shows the qualifying individual, license class, expiration, and any disciplinary history. For Registered contractors, also confirm they are locally authorized for your specific jurisdiction.

An Active license means the contractor is in good standing with the DBPR and legally authorized to perform work. An Inactive license means the contractor cannot legally take on new work — typically because continuing education or renewal requirements have lapsed. A Delinquent or Suspended status is a serious warning sign. Always verify Active status on the DBPR website immediately before hiring.

DBPR-licensed contractors are required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have employees, and general liability insurance is required for most license classifications. Bond requirements vary by license type. Florida's insurance requirements are among the more detailed in the country — always request current certificates of insurance and verify them directly with the insurer before work begins.

Performing contracting work without a valid DBPR license is a first-degree misdemeanor under §489.127, and a third-degree felony for repeat offenses. The DBPR can issue cease-and-desist orders, fines, and refer cases for prosecution. Under §489.128, contracts with unlicensed contractors are unenforceable — the contractor cannot sue for payment — and homeowners may be able to recover money already paid through civil action.

An expired DBPR license means the contractor is no longer legally authorized to perform work. Stop payments for work performed after the expiration date and require renewal before continuing. Verify Active status on myfloridalicense.com before releasing further payments. Florida's §489.128 unenforceability provision may apply to work performed during the unlicensed period.

Potentially yes. If a contractor has no workers' compensation insurance and an employee is injured, Florida law may expose you to liability for medical costs and disability benefits as the de facto employer. Florida's workers' comp requirements for contractors are strictly enforced — hiring a licensed contractor with verified current coverage is the clearest way to protect yourself.