06/04/2026
Dangers of hiring unlicensed individuals include:
Poor qualifications. Unlicensed persons typically do not have the education, insurance, or qualification required of a licensee.
Poor quality work. Unlicensed individuals typically do poor quality work or do not finish the project, leaving the homeowner on the hook to repair or finish the project, with no recourse.
Possible criminal background. Unlicensed persons may have criminal backgrounds that may include fraud, theft, violent crime, sexual offenses, and substance abuse.
Likelihood of being the victim of a scam. Unlicensed persons often disappear after taking your money, and the department cannot discipline an unlicensed person, help get your money back, or require the person to finish or improve the work done. Scams in the construction industry, especially home improvement, are sadly widespread. Con artists pose as contractors and often target vulnerable people and take advantage of homeowners’ need for emergency repairs.
Limited resources for broken contracts. When there is a dispute with a licensed contractor, consumers can call the department, which has the authority to discipline and even revoke the license. This gives the licensee more incentive to play fair. However, this type of action is not available against unlicensed contractors and homeowners often find the only answer is an expensive, and generally futile, civil suit.
No insurance and liability for injuries to others. Homeowner may end up being liable for personal or financial injuries to others. An unlicensed individual typically is uninsured and will have no way to pay the customer back for any property damage.
No coverage under homeowner's policy. Most homeowner policies require that work must be done by a licensed contractor and provide no coverage for work that is not.
Noncompliance with building codes. Most projects, even small ones, require permits and inspections that unlicensed individuals ignore or are unfamiliar with. If a project isn't permitted or doesn't comply with the building code, the customer may have to remove or repair the work at their own expense and be subject to fines by local government.
Liens being imposed on property. Homeowners may be subject to liens placed on their property by subcontractors or suppliers.
To protect from unlicensed activity the DBPR suggests consumers research who to hire in the following ways:
Ask for a formal quote and estimate. Do not commit to a contract or pay on the spot. Do not make a payment on the spot or provide personal or financial information. Oftentimes, scams are committed by individuals who pressure consumers to make a decision on the spot by greatly reducing the price. Be attentive to these high-pressure sales tactics and make informed decisions.
Ask for a second opinion. Get three bids, check references, and get a written contract. By asking for a second opinion, you can verify that the first estimate or assessment by a contractor does not contradict.
Ask the individual for their license number. The license number must also appear on all advertising for the business.
With or without a license number, consumers should verify professional licenses by calling the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or visiting the website at myfloridalicense.com.
On any construction or repair job, don't pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less, until the job is complete.
Beware of scams when individuals ask for all the money up-front, will only accept cash, or solicit door-to-door.
Do not sign a certificate of completion until you are satisfied with the work done.
