Homeowners Be Aware!
Each year our residents lose money to unlicensed
individuals and craftsmen posing as contractors.
Did you know?
- According to Florida Statute 455.228 if you hire an unlicensed person, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) may issue a cease and desist order and take you to Circuit Court which has the authority to impose a civil penalty up to $5,000 for aiding and abetting unlicensed activity.
- If you hire an unlicensed person, you may actually pay more for the job than if you had hired a licensed contractor. Especially if the work is done incorrectly or never finished. You may have to pay much more to correct or finish the job.
- If you pull a permit for an unlicensed contractor, you are held responsible for the work, not the unlicensed person.
- If the unlicensed person fails to pay the sub-contractor or suppliers, you will be required to pay them, even though you have already paid the unlicensed person.
- Plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning work must be done only by licensed contractors in each specific trade.
- Home improvement contractors must be Certified by the State of Florida or have County Certification.
- Roofing contractors also are required to be Certified by the State or have County Certification.
- There is no such thing as a “jack-of-all trades” or “handyman” that does not require licensure.
- A Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) is not a Contractor’s License. It is a tax for the privilege of engaging in the managing of a business or profession. FS 205.032
- You can be held liable for injury of individuals working on your property if the unlicensed person has no insurance including the unlicensed person’s injuries.
904-677-5884
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