The Effects
of Hiring an
Unlicensed
Contractor,
Part II:
“You get what
you pay for.”
By Jason Brazelton, Esq.
IT’S 2016 AND THE FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY IS BACK IN FULL SWING. THIS IS GREAT
NEWS FOR JOB-SEEKERS AND THE ECONOMY. THE
FORTUITOUS TURNAROUND HAS ATTRACTED PEOPLE
FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE TO THIS GREAT STATE.
UNFORTUNATELY, THIS ALSO MEANS THERE ARE
“CONTRACTORS” LOOKING FOR WORK WITHOUT THE
APPROPRIATE STRUCTURE AND LICENSING. IN OTHER
WORDS, UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS ARE BACK AND
MORE PREVALENT THAN EVER. AS A HOMEOWNER
LOOKING TO REMODEL, THE PHRASE “LET THE BUYER
BEWARE” SHOULD BE YOUR MANTRA.
I
n the Fall/Winter 2015 issue, NARI Tampa Bay member Doug King
of King Contracting, Inc. discussed practical reasons for licensure
and why hiring unlicensed contractors is a bad idea. As a follow up,
this article will further explore licensing issues crucial for any Florida
homeowner looking to remodel or renovate.
What does it even mean to be a “licensed”
contractor?
There are two general types of licensing in Florida – state and local.
At the state level, the industry is regulated by the Florida Department of
Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”), Construction Industry
Licensing Board (“CILB”). Locally, each county has the authority to
regulate construction practice even further. For example, Pinellas
County has its own Construction Licensing Board referred to as the
“PCCLB.” During your initial discussions with potential contractors,
make sure to ask for proof of state and local licensure. Do not
trust someone that generally tells you they are “licensed” without
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Remodel Tampa Bay
Summer 2016