How to Look Up a Contractor’s License and Credentials in Florida

How to Look Up a Contractor’s License and Credentials in Florida

How to Look Up a Contractor’s License and Credentials in Florida

When getting work done for your home or business, you should find yourself asking how to look up a Contractor’s license and credentials in Florida. Florida has strict regulations for contractors, but anyone can claim to be a “handyman” or “builder.” Protect yourself and your investment by confirming that your contractor is licensed, insured, and in good standing.

Hiring an unlicensed or unverified contractor can lead to:

• Poor workmanship and construction defects

• Legal liability if accidents or injuries occur on your property

• Financial risk if the contractor goes out of business or fails to complete your project

Even if a contractor seems reputable, checking their license ensures you are working with a professional who has met Florida’s requirements for training, experience, and bonding.

Here’s How to Look Up a Contractor’s License and Credentials in Florida

Steps to Verify a Florida Contractor’s License

Florida makes it easy to verify a contractor’s license online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Go to: www.myfloridalicense.com

• This is the official state site for checking licensed professionals, including general, building, and roofing contractors.

2. Select “Search Licenses”

• Choose the type of license you want to check: General Contractor, Building Contractor, Roofing Contractor, etc.

3. Enter the Contractor’s Information

• You can search by license number, business name, or contractor’s personal name.

• Be as precise as possible to avoid confusion with similarly named contractors.

4. Review License Details

Check for the following:

• License status (active, inactive, or expired)

• License type and classification

• Insurance and bonding requirements

• Any disciplinary actions or complaints

5. Contact the DBPR if Needed

• If you see anything suspicious or unclear, call the DBPR to clarify or confirm details.

Other Ways to Verify a Contractor’s Credibility

In addition to checking their license, you can:

• Read reviews on Google and other platforms to see past client experiences

• Ask for references and photos of past projects

• Confirm insurance coverage for workers’ compensation and general liability

Why Credentials Alone Don’t Tell the Whole Story

While verifying a contractor’s license is a critical first step, it’s not enough to guarantee you’re hiring a trustworthy professional. Unfortunately, even licensed contractors can have a history of fraud, embezzlement, or other criminal activity.

Simply searching for “bad contractors near me” won’t uncover the full picture but a quick Google search like “contractor arrested” or a Facebook search for “bad contractor” often reveals news stories and complaints that illustrate how frequently this happens.

Check Their Track Record Before You Hire

Before entrusting someone with your home or business:

• Look at reviews beyond star ratings ✅Read client comments carefully to see if there are repeated complaints about unfinished work, overcharging, or mismanagement.

• Search for legal issues or arrests ✅Even licensed contractors can face criminal charges or lawsuits for fraud, racketeering, or embezzlement. Public records and news reports often reveal patterns you won’t see on a license search alone.

• Ask for references ✅A reputable contractor should be able to provide recent clients who can speak to their professionalism, reliability, and integrity.

• Check their social media presence ✅Many contractors post updates on Facebook or Instagram, and negative reviews or customer complaints are often visible online.

The Bottom Line

Licenses show a contractor has met minimum training and experience requirements, but they don’t guarantee honesty or quality. Doing a little extra homework by checking reviews, references, legal history, and public complaints can save you from a costly mistake.

La Pera’s General Contracting is fully licensed and insured to handle residential, commercial, and government projects across Northwest Florida. From new builds to renovations, we ensure every job is done correctly, safely, and to code. Our reviews speak for themselves and we are trusted by years of happy homeowners and business owners across Florida.

Certified Building Contractor License - CBC1265681

Certified Roofing Contractor License - CCC1332132

Certified Residential Contractor License - CRC1332714

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