How do I check a Florida contractor license?

Step by step

• Ask the contractor for their license number. It should also be on their contract, ads and truck.
• Open myfloridalicense.com and choose the option to search for a licensee.
• Search by license number for the most exact match, or by name.
• Check the name: the person or business you're hiring (or their qualifier) should be listed.
• Check the license type: roofing, plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, pool/spa, general, building or residential.
• Check the status (current and active) and the expiration date.
• Look for public complaints or discipline shown on the record.

Certified vs. registered

A certified contractor holds a state license and can work anywhere in Florida. A registered contractor holds a state registration tied to a local competency license and can work only in those local areas. Common certified prefixes include CGC (general), CBC (building), CRC (residential), CCC (roofing), CFC (plumbing), CAC (air conditioning) and CPC (pool/spa); certified electrical contractors usually start with EC. Some trades (such as pressure washing, cleaning, lawn care, tree trimming and handyman work within limits) have no state contractor license.

Beyond the license

• Insurance: ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation (or an exemption).
• Local business tax receipt for the county or city.
• Permits: a licensed contractor pulls permits under their own license, and you can look up permits with the county or city building department.
• Pest control licenses are with FDACS, not DBPR; septic contractors register with the state's onsite sewage program.

How to check the license

Ask for the Florida license number and look it up yourself at myfloridalicense.com (the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation). Check that the name matches who you're hiring, the license type fits the job, and the status is current and active. Certified licenses are good statewide; registered ones only where the contractor holds a local license.

The license record doesn't show insurance, so also ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.

Red flags

• No license number for licensed work, or one that doesn't match the business.
• A large deposit, especially in cash, before any work or permit.
• Offering to skip the permit on work that needs one.
• Pressure to sign today, or door-to-door offers after a storm.
• A vague price with nothing in writing.

Common questions

What if I can't find the license?

Check the spelling and try the number. If you still can't find it, ask the contractor; if it doesn't exist or doesn't match, don't hire them for licensed work. Unlicensed contracting is a crime in Florida and can be reported to DBPR.

Does a license mean the contractor is good?

It means they met the state's requirements and are allowed to do the work. Reviews, references, insurance, a clear written contract and permits matter too.

Does aBlueC check licenses?

No. aBlueC does not vet providers. Pros can add their license details to their profile, and each profile links to myfloridalicense.com so you can look it up yourself.

More guides

• What should I ask before hiring a roofer in Florida?
• Which home pros should I book before hurricane season on Florida's Gulf Coast?
• What are the red flags when hiring a contractor in Florida?
• Does a handyman need a license in Florida?
• All guides