How to Check a Florida Building Contractor's License

Verify Your Contractor's License

For a contractor to perform any type of construction work in the state of Florida, the contractor must be licensed at the local level or certified at the county or state level. A licensed contractor can perform construction only in the jurisdiction where he or she is licensed. A certified licensed contractor can work anywhere in the state. Here are the steps to take to verify a license before having any work performed by a contractor.

Things You'll Need

• Contractor's license number
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Obtain your contractor's license number and a copy of the license.

2. Check to see if the license number begins with a "C". If so, the license is regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, also known as DBPR.

3. Visit the DBPR's website (link provided in reference section) to verify the license number, status and associated personal information.

4. Begin by selecting the search by license number, then click on the search button.

5. Wait for the next page to load then type in the license number. Click the search button and your results will populate.

6. Make sure the contractor's license is valid, allows your contractor to work in your jurisdiction and can obtain permits for your specific type of building with the license provided.

7. Call your local building department if you contractor's license does not begin with a "C" to verify the contractor's license.

8. Ask the local building department to verify the license status, permits and jurisdictions, as well as any history of complaints.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have Internet access, you can call the DBPR at 1-850-487-1395 to check the validity of a contractor's license if the number begins with "C".

• There are 67 counties in the state of Florida and each county has different regulations regarding contractor's specialties and required licensing. Some counties may not even require licensing in certain specialties. You want to confirm this with the local building department before hiring a contractor.

• Each contractor license is issued with applicable jurisdictions and permits to perform specific types of work. Restrictions are not limited to jurisdiction and type of work; however; all licenses will specify what type of buildings the contractor can work on as well. Make sure your contractor can perform work on your structure. If not, you could be held liable if something goes wrong.

References

• Contractor Licenses: Flordia
• Hire Licensed Contractors: How to Verify a Contractor's License
• Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation: Licensing Portal

Resources

• Contractor Licensee Exam: Florida Contractor License Exam