In Florida, it is a criminal offense to engage in contracting work or to act in the capacity of a contractor without a valid contract’s license. Unlicensed contracting is a serious crime carrying misdemeanor or felony penalties, depending on the number of prior convictions.

In Florida, unlicensed contracting is generally charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties up to 1 year in jail or 12 months of probation, and a $1000.00 fine.

489.131 (7) Not withstanding s.455.288, the department may impose an administrative fine of up to $10,000 on any unlicensed person guilty f unlicensed contracting. In addition, the department may asses reasonable investigative and legal costs for persecution of the violation against the unlicensed contractor.

According to Florida Statute 455.228, if you hire an unlicensed individual, the Department of Business Regulations (D.B.P.R.) may issue a cease-and-desist order and also may take you to Circuit Court and could impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for aiding and abetting unlicensed activity. You could also be liable for court costs.

Yes, knowingly hiring an unlicensed contractor in Florida is illegal and may create civil liability and other punishment, especially if you are in the construction industry as a general contractor or developer. Demeanor or felony penalties, depending on the number of prior convictions.

Yes, knowingly hiring an unlicensed contractor in Florida is illegal and may create civil liability and other punishment, especially in you are in the construction industry as a general contractor or developer. You should always confirm the contractor license number and its status before agreeing to work. July 13, 2022.

The first offense can result in first-degree misdemeanor that will include penalties or the person receiving 12 months of probation, up to one year in jail, and a $1000 fine. Further offenses are deemed third-degree felonies under Florida Statute 775.083.

The penalty for hiring unlicensed contractor in Florida is outlined in Florida Statutes Section 489.127 In a nutshell, there are nine ways a person can be in a position to commit a crime by being an unlicensed contractor in Florida. Should proof of such a violate be evident, it is sufficient to sustain a conviction in a court of law. Unlicensed contracting can be either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the facts. The first offense can result in a first-degree misdemeanor that will include penalties or the person receiving 12 months of probation, up to one year in jail, and a…

Under Florida law, the offense of “Contracting Without a License” can encompass a broad range of conduct related to the construction and home improvement industries. Section 489.127 Florida Statutes, provide as follows: No person shall: Falsely hold himself or herself or business organization out as a licensee, certificate holder, or registrant; Falsely impersonate a certificate holder or registrant; Present as his or her own the certificate or registration of another; Knowing give false or forged evidence to the board or a member thereof; Use or attempt to use a certificate or registration that has been suspended or revoked; Engage in the business or act in the capacity…

Yes, if you are installing wiring within a structure for any reason including the items listed a license is required. Low voltage wiring work (any wiring under 98 volts) can be done by someone with a certified or registered Limited Energy Specialty license, an Alarm System I or II license, an Electrical Contractor License or a Residential Electrical Specialty license. The license specifically for this work is called the Limited Energy Systems Specialty.

Yes.  If you are not licensed as an electrical or alarm contractor, you must have a limited energy (low voltage) specialty license unless the system falls under the following exemption: PROPERTY OWNERS BEWARE!! A guide to Protecting yourself from unlicensed Individuals posing as Contractors each years property owners lose hundreds or thousands of dollars, not to mention the mental stress, to unlicensed individuals posing as contractors. STATE CERTIFIED, means those who have taken a state exam and can contract anywhere in the state of Florida. The Building Division is committed to protecting the public against illegal contractors. Watch for warning signs which may indicate…

You can greatly reduce your risk of loss to an unlicensed contractor by doing the following: 1st Call to obtain a second bid for the work to be done. 2nd Require references and call to verify those references. 3rd Check on-line at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp to see if the individual has a State License. 4th All Licensed Contractors are aware of the Florida Statute that make it a penalty for them or anyone acting as an agent on their behalf to present, distribute, display a business card, contract, offer of service, sign, letterhead, vehicle or any form of advertising without displaying their Contractor’s License Number.

The Unlicensed Activity (ULA) program within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation exists to serve the citizens of the State of Florida by educating them about the dangers of unlicensed activity and investigating complaints filed against unlicensed individuals. The ULA unit works in conjunction with law enforcement and the state attorney’s offices to prosecute individuals practicing without a license. During a declared state of emergency, the penalty for unlicensed activity is elevated from a misdemeanor to a third- degree felony.

Contractors are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). To file a complaint for suspected unlicensed activity or other inappropriate actions by a contractor, contact DBPR: (850) 487-1395. www.MyFloridaLicense.com.