Are you considering remodeling your home, installing a pool cage, or having electrical or plumbing work done? If so, make sure the contractor that you hire has a license.
Remember, faulty construction is not just a waste of money and time, but it can be a serious hazard that can endanger you or your loved ones. To ensure your safety and avoid unnecessary expenses, hiring a licensed contractor provides some safeguards. This is also in accordance with Florida Statute 489 and the Collier County Ordinance 2006-46, which states that “any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity who engages in any construction contracting business, or advertises or represents himself/herself as such, must have a county contractor license/certificate of competency or be a state-certified contractor.”
Hiring a licensed contractor for your construction plans helps with the competency of your workers and the quality of their work. Unlicensed contracting is subject to lawful punishments under the Florida Statute. The Collier County Growth Management Department—Division of Operations and Regulatory Management, Contractor Licensing section, or simply the Collier County Contractor Licensing, grants and regulates contractor licenses and prosecutes unlicensed contractors.
Before hiring a potential contractor, homeowners and consumers can verify their contractor’s state license at myfloridalicense.com and their local license at cvportal.colliercountyfl.gov. If you identified an unlicensed contractor or you need to report issues with a contractor, please call Collier County Contractor Licensing at (239) 252-2431 or file a contractor complaint online.
You can also check our online court records for prior or current litigation cases involving your potential contractor at collierclerk.com. Please verify your contractor PRIOR to contracting.
Unlicensed Contractor Early Warning Signs
- Contractor displays only a business tax receipt. To lawfully engage in contracting, a contractor must be licensed by the State of Florida or Collier County. Always ask to see the certificate of competency (license) issued by the State or Collier County.
- The contractor is only willing to work on weekends or after hours. This is often a sign that the person is an employee who may be moonlighting without a license. Licensed contractors are full-time professionals.
- A large down payment is requested before work begins. Payments should only be for a part of the work. To be licensed, contractors must demonstrate sufficient financial ability to perform the type of project for which the license is issued.
- You are asked to obtain the permit as the Owner/Builder. A licensed contractor who is in good standing will obtain the permit. An unlicensed contractor cannot obtain a permit.
- Someone other than the person or company contracting to do the work obtains the permit. A licensed contractor who is in good standing will always obtain the permit in their name.
- Verbal contract only. If a contractor is unwilling to put all terms in writing, this is a sign of potential trouble.
- The contractor does not have proof of insurance. Licensed contractors must have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance in effect. Ask to see proof of insurance.
- You are informed that the job does not require a permit or inspection. Almost all projects require a permit and an inspection. Check with Collier County building officials. For jobs requiring a permit, make sure the contractor asks you to sign the “Notice of Commencement.”
- You are told to make your check payable to an individual’s name rather than made payable to a company. A licensed contractor will almost always have a separate business account.
- You are asked to make a payment in cash or make the check payable to cash. A licensed contractor will always almost have a separate business account.