Knowledge Base

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, homeowners and business owners seeking repair work need to be aware that unscrupulous people often try to take advantage of those in need. The Collier County Contractor Licensing section regulates licensed contractors, prosecutes unlicensed contractors, can inform you whether your potential contractor is licensed and insured, and will investigate any complaint you may have against a contractor.

Florida State Statute 489.127 (2), (c) prohibits unlicensed contracting during a state of emergency and unlicensed persons who perform work during a declared State of Emergency are committing a third-degree felony.

Below are some tips to help maintain contractor awareness.

1. Contractor displays only a business tax receipt. To lawfully engage in contracting, a contractor must be licensed by the State of Florida or Collier County. Always ask to see the contractor’s certificate of competency (license) issued by the State or Collier County.
2. The contractor is only willing to work on weekends or after hours. This is often a sign that the person is an employee who is moonlighting without a license. Licensed contractors are full-time professionals.
3. A large down payment is requested before work begins. Payments should only be for a part of the work. To be licensed, contractors must demonstrate sufficient financial ability to perform the type of project for which the license is issued.
4. You are asked to obtain the permit (as Owner-Builder). A licensed contractor who is in good standing will always obtain the permit; unlicensed contractors cannot pull permits.
5. Someone other than the person or company contracting to do the work obtains the permit. A licensed contractor who is in good standing will always obtain the permit in their name.
6. Verbal contract only; contractor is not willing to put all terms in writing. This is always a sign of potential trouble.
7. The contractor does not have proof of insurance. Licensed contractors must always have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance in effect. Ask to see proof of insurance before contracting.
8. You are informed that the job does not require a permit or inspection. Check with your local building officials. Almost all projects require a permit and an inspection. For jobs requiring a permit, make sure the contractor asks you to sign the “Notice of Commencement”.
9. You are asked to make your check payable to an individual’s name (it should be made payable to a company), or you are asked to make a payment in cash or to make the check payable to cash. A licensed contractor will almost always have a separate business account.

The best protection against unsafe, faulty construction work is to make sure the contractor you hire has a license issued by Collier County or the State of Florida.

Additional information is on the county’s website at: https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/government/growth-management/divisions/operations-regulatory-management/contractor-licensing.