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Unlicensed contractors hiding in plain site!

FloridaLicenses

I spoke with Volusia County Code Enforcement and was told that big companies are manipulating Florida law. I was told there is a big problem with corporations or franchises that have a single license and then hire unlicensed help (subs or employees) who are covered under the masters license. I was told there is no competency test and that these employees or subs are poorly monitored. So my issue is if an electrician, plumber or HVAC company doesn't need licensed journeyman or even an apprentice license how does anyone know their skill level? We just had over $8000 in damage done to our home and even getting the insurance company involved has taken many hours. The whole thing seems rigged! We have suffered major loss only to find out this company doesn't have certified anything outside of a single masters license. The company is ARS Rescue Rooter or AMP Electric. Companies like this are putting lives in danger. ARS left our home fill up with water that will eventually mold and kill us. To our suprise we had to threaten code enforcement to get someone to come out and look at what these guys did. How do we check to see if the employees in these companies really are employees and not some form of sub. Do subs need to have a license or are they covered under the master license. I have many questions and will be writing an article about my findings. Would appreciate any feedback... Thanks Tom

2 replies

Jul 7, 2020
Generally, Florida construction businesses must have a qualifying agent who is licensed. That agent may be the only party with a license at that company - though they're required to "supervise, direct, manage, and control the contracting activities of the business..." So, it's pretty common that not all workers will be licensed, but the person who is licensed is supposed to oversee that work. Unfortunately, not every business operates responsibly. With that being said, Florida licensing isn't an area I have a ton of practical experience with. Still, the resources below should help to clarify licensing issues. - Licensing of Florida Contractors | Florida Bar Journal - Contact Us | Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
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Jul 7, 2020
Thanks. I did file with the DBPR and finally got code enforcement to flag the unit. The whole thing is a huge mess and we are still trying to get it all fixed. https://thomasbowmanhandyman.com/an-honest-2020-review-of-ars-rescue-rooter-orlando-florida/
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