Oct82025
Licensed Contractor

🛠️ Why Hiring a Licensed Contractor in Florida Matters (and How to Check One)

Hurricane season may officially end in November, but Southwest Florida homeowners know: the rebuilding never really stops. Whether you’re repairing storm damage, updating your kitchen, or tackling a long-overdue remodel, hiring the right contractor can mean the difference between a smooth project — and a financial disaster.

Unlicensed “handymen” often show up after storms offering quick, cheap fixes. But here’s the truth: hiring one could cost you far more than you save.

  1. Licensed Contractors Protect You (and Your Wallet)

In Florida, a Certified Building Contractor (CBC) or General Contractor (CGC) is legally permitted to pull permits, meet code, and perform structural work. They’re also insured and accountable through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).

When you hire licensed, you get:

  • ✅ Insurance protection: Work performed by unlicensed individuals can void your homeowner’s policy.
  • ✅ Code compliance: Florida’s strict building codes exist for a reason — safety in hurricane country.
  • ✅ Accountability: Licensed contractors can be reported or disciplined for violations. Handymen? Not so much.
  1. How to Verify a Florida Contractor’s License

It only takes a minute to confirm that your contractor is legitimate:

  1. Visit the official Florida DBPR License Search (https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=)
  2. Enter their name, company, or license number
  3. Confirm that the license is active and free of disciplinary action
  4. Make sure their license type matches the work being done (for example, “Certified Building Contractor” for remodels and structural work)

💡 Example: Dan Hoffacker — Florida Certified Building Contractor, CBC1262248

  1. Red Flags to Avoid

If someone says…
🚫 “You don’t need a permit.”
🚫 “We’ll save money if you pay cash.”
🚫 “I can start tomorrow — no paperwork needed.”

Run.
Unlicensed work can’t be legally permitted, which means the county can shut your job down or force you to redo everything.

  1. Checklist: Protect Yourself Before Signing

✅ Ask for their license number and verify it online
✅ Require a written contract with clear scope, payment schedule, and warranty
✅ Make sure permits are included where required
✅ Don’t pay in full upfront — standard is a small deposit, then progress payments

  • Visit our Remodeling FAQ to learn what to ask before hiring a contractor.
  • Review our Southwest Florida Remodeling Cost Guide for transparent pricing and expectations.
  • Want to plan like a pro? Grab our free Project Planning Checklist to keep your next remodel on track from start to finish.

Ready to hire with confidence?
Call Dan Hoffacker, Licensed Contractor (FL CBC1262248) at (239) 464-1830 — or request a consultation with Banyan Living: Designing with purpose. Building with pride.

Category: Licensed Contractor