Florida requires contractors to be licensed for electrical, plumbing, roofing, and most structural work. The license isn't just a piece of paper — it means the contractor passed exams, carries insurance, and has recourse if something goes wrong. Here's how to verify you're hiring a real pro, not a guy with a truck.
What license do you actually need?
In Florida, specific trades require specific licenses issued by DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation):
- Electrical work: Any wiring, panel upgrades, new circuits. License required for any work touching existing wiring.
- Plumbing: Any work on supply or drain lines. This includes rough-in, repairs, and water heater installs.
- Roofing: Any work on the roof structure, shingles, gutters, or decking. Florida mandates licenses for all roofing in most counties.
- HVAC: Any air conditioning or heating installation, service, or replacement.
- General contracting: Any project over $15,000 (residential) or managing multiple trades.
How to verify a contractor's license
Don't ask them — look it up yourself. Visit myfloridalicense.com and use the license lookup tool. You can search by name or license number. A real license will show:
- ✓License number and expiration date: Active licenses renew regularly (usually annually or biannually). If it expired, they can't legally work.
- ✓Disciplinary history: Any violations, complaints, or civil judgments appear here. Not a dealbreaker if minor, but worth reading.
- ✓Contractor certification: Shows if they're bonded and insured (in most cases required).
What the license number tells you
A Florida license number starts with a code that tells you the trade:
- CGC: General Contractor
- EC: Electrical Contractor
- CFC: Plumbing Contractor
- CCC: Roofing Contractor
- CAC: Air Conditioning Contractor
Red flags: who NOT to hire
- Contractor can't or won't provide a license number — they likely aren't licensed.
- License number doesn't match the trade (e.g., hiring an EC for plumbing work).
- License is expired or shows active disciplinary status with no resolution.
- Won't sign a contract or insists on cash-only payment.
- Quote doesn't mention permits — a red flag they're planning unlicensed work.
Insurance and bonding
Florida requires contractors to carry workers' comp and liability insurance. Ask for a copy of the certificate before work starts. Check the policy date and coverage limits — you want at least $300K in general liability. If they're uninsured and someone gets hurt, you might be liable.
The permit requirement
A pro contractor will always mention permits upfront. Permits protect you — they ensure the work meets code and unlocks an inspection trail. If a contractor says “we can skip the permit and save you money,” they're exposing you to liability and future sale complications. An honest quote includes permits as a separate line item.
Hiring a licensed contractor in Florida isn't expensive — it's how you stay safe. Three minutes on myfloridalicense.com can save you thousands in bad work or legal trouble.