I think that all homeowners should verify any contractor license. Florida is such a transient state, people come & go and if they are not licensed they will not come back. They are only out to make a quick buck and move on the the next homeowner.
HOW TO CHECK A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE
- For a county-licensed contractor, call 954-765-4400, Option 2
- go on line to https://dpep.broward.org/bcs/default.asp?PossePresentationId=1550000
- For a state-licensed contractor, you may call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 850-487-1395.
- Ask if the contractor is licensed to perform the type of work you need. For example irrigation, just because they are a landscaper doesn’t mean they hold a Certificate of Competency/license for irrigation. I know it can sound silly, but there is a big difference.
Many concerns arise with the use of unlicensed contractors which ultimately affect the consumer/homeowner. Did you know that an unlicensed contractor is the direct responsibility of the consumer; thus the consumer is accountable for all outcomes associated with the contractor’s work. Meaning that the homeowner is left holding the bag if something goes wrong. Example, Code enforcement fines that will be charged to the homeowner, if the homeowner doesn’t pay the fine, the city will place a lien on the property.
Additional problems that may occur with the use of an unlicensed contractor. The following information was obtained from Broward County.
Inability to Receive Inspections:
In order to apply for a building permit from any building department in Broward County, a contractor must have a valid license. Failure to obtain required permits will result in jobs being performed without inspections. Such unauthorized construction leaves the consumer with no assurance as to whether the construction work was performed correctly and is safe.
Failure to Meet Florida Building Code standards:
Unlicensed contractors are unable to apply for a building permit therefore their construction work cannot be reviewed or inspected. This eliminates the opportunity to ensure that the work meets Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. Failure to meet the FBC requirements may result in unsafe and hazardous conditions.
Substandard Workmanship
As unlicensed contractors do not go through the process of obtaining a license, they are not aware of required construction standards which are understood by licensed contractors. This leads to shoddy and substandard workmanship. The review of construction plans and inspections by building departments in Broward County provides that work has been performed correctly and meets the standards of the Florida Building Code (FBC), Broward Edition.
Further Cost to the Consumer
The work of unlicensed contractors is often substandard and ultimately leads to costly repairs and corrections that require the services of a licensed contractor. Thus the consumer may pay more money for the job than if they had initially hired a licensed contractor.
Fraud and Exploitation
The continued hiring of unlicensed contractors encourages roving unlicensed contractors who are involved in illicit construction practices. These contractors embark on work throughout the County, often taking money for jobs that are never started, not completed, or are poorly constructed. Ultimately the consumer pays the additional expense for such activities.
Consumer Liability
The consumer is responsible for the hiring of an unlicensed contractor. Consequently, the consumer is responsible for any damages and injuries incurred on the job site since unlicensed contractors often do not have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Legal Action against the Consumer
Since the consumer is responsible for the hiring of unlicensed contractors, they run the risk of being involved in legal action. This legal action may involve lawsuits from various parties due to the unauthorized construction work, thus incurring further cost on the consumer.
Code Enforcement Fines
The hiring of unlicensed contractors violates Florida Building Code requirements. This may subject the consumer to fines and the possibility of facing a judicial hearing in front of a Hearing Officer.
