1. Get at least three estimates from different contractors for the same job.

2. Make sure that the contractor you choose is licensed by the State of Florida or your county government.  To verify if a contractor is licensed, visit https://www.myfloridalicense.com/licensing/wl11.jsp?SID or call 850-487-1395.

3. Ask your contractor for references, and follow up with those references.

4. Read your contract very carefully, including warranty information on any products used to strengthen your home.

5. Make sure that the products used meet code requirements in your area and all appropriate building permits have been pulled.

For more tips when hiring a contractor, visit http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/os/communications_office/unlicensed_activity/ULA%20Brochure.pdf

What is a contractor?

A "contractor" is a person or business that has a license issued based on taking a competency test and/or meeting certain experience requirements as required by local or state authorities.  We are not referring to business or occupational licenses that are obtained by paying a fee.  A business or occupational license does not qualify a person or business to be a participating contractor.

How do I know which contractor should I select?

We encourage you to check with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or your local county building official to see if the contractor you’ve selected has any complaints lodged against him or her.

Do I need a permit?

In most cases the answer is “YES”.  Contractors are required to comply with all local permitting and inspection laws.

How do I know if I am paying a reasonable price?

As with any service you are seeking, you should obtain more than one quote for the work that is being performed.  While many people automatically look to the lowest quote, you may want to obtain some references first. 

How do I find references for a contractor?

Ask the contractor.  Many contractors have a list of previous customers who are willing to give the contractor a reference.  As we’ve recommended previously, always check to see if the individual or company you are hiring to perform work has any complaints.  Contact the state or county licensing authority, as well as your local Better Business Bureau, for any complaints they may have on file for the contractor you are considering.

How do I complain about a contractor?

If your contractor is state licensed, you can call the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at (850) 487-1395, or you can visit the DBPR website at http://www.state.fl.us/dbpr/.

If you have a local contractor, you will need to contact the building compliance department for your city or county.  A complete list of county websites is maintained by the Florida Association of Counties at http://www.fl-counties.com/.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR TERMS

The term “contractor” refers to the person or company responsible for the contract to construct, repair, remodel or improve a building or structure. The following descriptions refer to contractors who are certified or registered with the Florida Department of Business Regulation.

• A "certified contractor" means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "C".

• A "registered contractor" means any contractor who has registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "R".

• Certified General Contractor (CG) and Registered General Contractor (RG) - A "general contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do.

• Certified Building Contractor (CB) and Registered Building Contractor (RB) - A "building contractor" means a contractor whose services are limited to the construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings. These buildings cannot exceed three stories in height. A building contractor may also construct the "accessory use structures" in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding. A building contractor is also a contractor whose services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building - if the services do not affect the structural elements of the building.

• Certified Residential Contractor (CR) and Registered Residential Contractor (RR) - A "residential contractor" means a contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences which are not more than two stories and the "accessory use structures" in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding.

• Certified Sheet Metal Contractor (CS) and Registered Sheet Metal Contractor (RS) - A "sheet metal contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade and who has the experience and skill necessary for the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge. A sheet metal contractor may also work with other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass.

• Certified Roofing Contractor (CC) and Registered Roofing Contractor (RC) - A "roofing contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade. Roofing contractors have the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof.      

• Certified Specialty Contractor (SCC) and Registered Specialty Contractor (RX) - A "specialty contractor" means a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is limited to a particular phase of construction and whose scope is limited to a subset of the activities described in the categories established in s. 489.105, F.S. Specialty contractors include Specialty Structure Contractors, Gypsum Drywall Contractors and Glass and Glazing Contractors.