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if a contractor is not listed on the Florida DBPR website

FloridaLicenses

So, quite simply, if a contractor is not listed on the Florida DBPR website, that means they are NOT "licensed", correct? If they have been doing business for several years as "licensed" they could be in jeopardy of some sort? If they are an LLC, does that mean they automatically get the construction license? Thank you!

1 reply

Oct 30, 2019
If a contractor is licensed in Florida, they should appear in the Florida DBPR license search. But, it's always possible that a contractor might be licensed but that, due to some issue or error with the site, they're not showing up in search results. But, if an unlicensed Florida contractor has been pretending to be licensed, that contractor could face serious penalties.

Penalties for unlicensed Florida contractors

When an unlicensed Florida contractor enters into a contract where the work requires licensure, that contract will be unenforceable by the contractor. So, their customer would generally be able to cancel the agreement or refuse to pay it at any time. Further, the contractor may well be liable for criminal penalties, too. A first violation is "only" a misdemeanor and results in a $1,000 fine (and potentially jail or probation). The second time? A contractor faces a third-degree felony - that's a fine of $5,000 and up to 5 years of jail or probation. For more info: - Florida Contractor’s License: Requirements, Exceptions, and Penalties - Unlicensed Florida Contractors Can’t File Liens – But That’s The Least of Their Worries

LLCs and construction licenses

An LLC does not automatically receive a construction license as a result of the business organization. In order for an LLC to become licensed, generally, at least 1 member or employee of the LLC will need to be licensed to perform the relevant work, and they'll need to be established as the qualified agent for the business. For a little more discussion on that topic: Discussion on Florida Licenses and Qualified Agents.
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