Contractor checks

Before someone works on the house, check the license and the permit path.

A good contractor should make the paper trail boring: license, scope, permit, inspections, payments, and final sign-off.

First pass

Do the boring checks before the deposit.

License

Search the license before the estimate feels real

DBPR's license search lets you look up Florida businesses and professionals by name or license number.

DBPR license search

Scope

Make sure the license fits the work

DBPR's construction pages separate certified and registered contractors. A certified contractor can work statewide; a registered contractor is tied to listed local jurisdictions.

Construction industry licensing

Permit

Ask the local building office what permit is needed

A state license does not answer every city or county permit question. The local building department controls the permit path for that address.

Find the local place

Complaint

Know where to report a problem

DBPR has complaint and unlicensed-activity paths. Keep the contract, license number, photos, payments, and messages in one folder.

File a DBPR complaint

Watch-out

A license number belongs on the paperwork.

DBPR tells registered or certified contractors to include the license number on permits, offers, proposals, bids, contracts, ads, signs, and certain vehicles.

Watch-out

Storm rush makes bad choices easier.

After a storm, pause before paying large sums, signing a vague scope, or letting someone start work without the license and permit picture.

Watch-out

Local permission still matters.

A contractor can be properly licensed and still need a city or county permit before the work starts.

Neighbor answer

The license search is the start, not the finish.

Search the license, read the exact license type, check the local permit office, and keep the job paperwork. If the person dodges the license number, wants the work hidden from permits, or pushes you to decide during a storm mess, slow down.

Search a license Find local office

Official checks

Sources used for this page

Last checked June 29, 2026. Use DBPR, the local building department, your contract, and your insurer before you rely on a contractor or permit answer.

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