How to Verify a Contractor License in Florida

Why Verifying a Florida Contractor License Matters

Florida has some of the strictest contractor licensing laws in the country, and for good reason. The state's unique climate — with hurricanes, tropical storms, extreme heat, and heavy rainfall — means that construction quality isn't just about aesthetics, it's about safety. Improperly installed roofing, electrical systems, or structural elements can fail catastrophically during a storm.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees contractor licensing through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Florida offers two types of contractor licenses: state certified and county registered. A state certified license allows a contractor to work anywhere in Florida, while a county registered license is valid only within the issuing county.

Florida law makes it a third-degree felony to contract without a license for projects over $5,000, one of the harshest penalties in the nation. Despite this, the DBPR investigates thousands of unlicensed activity cases annually. Verifying before you hire is essential.

State Certified vs. County Registered Licenses

Understanding the difference between these two license types is important when hiring in Florida. A state certified contractor has passed a state examination and can work in any Florida county. Their license number typically starts with "C" followed by a two-letter trade designation (e.g., CGC for General Contractor, CCC for Roofing).

A county registered contractor has met the requirements of a specific county's construction licensing board. Their license is valid only within that county or counties where they've registered. If you live near a county border, make sure your contractor is licensed to work in your specific county.

Both license types are valid, but if a contractor claims to be state certified, verify that their license number format matches. You can check both types through LicensedCheck or the DBPR's online verification system.

How to Verify Using LicensedCheck

LicensedCheck has over 116,000 Florida professional license records sourced directly from DBPR data. Search the Florida contractors page by name, license number, or business name to instantly see license status, type, issue and expiration dates, and any disciplinary history.

Florida was the first state loaded into LicensedCheck, so the data is comprehensive and well-maintained. You can also filter by city, profession type, or status to browse licensed professionals in your area.

How to Verify Directly Through DBPR

The DBPR offers license verification through its MyFloridaLicense.com website. Use the "Verify a License" tool to search by name, license number, or business name. The results will show the license type, status, effective date, expiration date, and any public disciplinary actions.

You can also call the DBPR directly at (850) 487-1395 for phone verification. For contractor-specific questions, contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

In addition to the contractor's individual license, check whether their business entity (the company they operate under) is also properly registered and in good standing with the Florida Division of Corporations at sunbiz.org.

What to Check on a Florida Contractor License

When verifying a Florida contractor license, confirm several key details beyond just "active" status. Check that the license type matches the work you need — a CGC (Certified General Contractor) can handle most residential and commercial projects, while specialty licenses like CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor) or CFC (Certified Plumbing Contractor) are limited to specific trades.

Verify the contractor's insurance status, including general liability and workers' compensation if they have employees. Check the license expiration date to make sure it's current — Florida contractor licenses must be renewed every two years during odd-numbered years.

Review any complaints or disciplinary actions on file. Florida makes this information public, and it's one of the most valuable data points when choosing a contractor. A single resolved complaint may not be concerning, but multiple complaints or formal disciplinary actions are serious red flags.

After a Hurricane: Beware of Storm Chasers

Florida homeowners face a particular risk after hurricanes and major storms: unlicensed "storm chasers" who go door to door offering quick, cheap repairs. These operators typically come from out of state, collect large deposits, perform substandard work or no work at all, and disappear before you can pursue them.

Always verify a contractor's license before signing anything, no matter how urgent the situation feels. Legitimate licensed contractors will understand your need to verify. The DBPR typically increases enforcement activity after major storms, but the best protection is your own due diligence. Never sign over your insurance benefits to a contractor and never pay the full amount upfront.