Don’t Work as an Unlicensed Contractor

In Florida, working as an unlicensed contractor is illegal. In fact, it’s a criminal offense. For this topic, the information we will share comes directly from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

If you want to be a contractor, it is in your best interest to get a contractor’s license for whatever state you plan to work in. If you don’t, not only will you be eligible for fewer jobs, but you run the risk of getting caught working unlicensed, and being charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

Besides having an offense against you on your record, you can also be subject to court-ordered monetary restitution.

If you are in trouble, the homeowners you work for don’t even have to end up paying an you, as an unlicensed contractor, even if the work was done well. Now, not all contracting work requires a license, and there are exemptions. In order to fall under an exemption, you must to make sure you are working legally and properly (licensed required or not) so you will not get in trouble with the homeowner, state, or DBPR.

Currently, the DBPR has a hotline and a mobile app that allows people to report unlicensed activity on the go. This makes it very easy for people to report unlicensed work and workers. It’s not easy to work unlicensed anymore. The DBPR also has a Division of Regulation hosts events to spread awareness to perform stings and sweeps in the communities to stop and educate on unlicensed activity.  In 2016, the organization has conducted more than 921 unlicensed activity outreach events, 49 stings, and 828 sweeps.

Don’t risk your future or career by practicing unlicensed activity illegally. If you are worried about the contractor licensing process, don’t be. At Licenses Etc., we can help you. We can make it easy and achievable for you, so you can have a successful career as a contractor instead of having a felony against you.

We are a group of trained professionals that will help you get your Florida contractor’s license fast. To get started on the process, click our contractor’s license page or our Florida contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.