Most contractor problems can be prevented before the first payment. The checks below take an afternoon and can save months of trouble.
1. Confirm the state license
Many construction trades in Florida require a state license issued through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Search the contractor's name and license number on the state's official license lookup and confirm the license is active, in the right category for the work, and issued to the business you are hiring.
2. Check local requirements
Some trades are licensed locally rather than by the state. In Miami-Dade County, certain trades require a county certificate of competency. If the work needs a permit, the licensed contractor should be the one to pull it.
3. Review insurance certificates
Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the insurer or agent, showing general liability and workers' compensation coverage or a valid exemption. Check the policy dates and coverage limits.
4. Look at history
Search for complaints, disciplinary actions and court cases. A long record is not automatically a problem, but patterns are.
5. Compare written quotes
Get at least two or three written quotes describing the same scope. Compare materials, timelines, payment schedules and who is responsible for permits and inspections.
6. Be careful with deposits
Be cautious about large upfront payments, and tie payments to completed milestones. Florida law places conditions on contractors who accept deposits, so ask how the deposit will be applied.
Our firm performs these checks for clients and presents the results side by side. The contract is always between the property owner and the licensed professional.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
