Why You Shouldn’t Work as an Unlicensed Contractor
In Florida, working as an unlicensed contractor is illegal. In fact, it’s a criminal offense. For this topic, the information we will share comes directly from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
If you want to be a contractor, it is in your best interest to get a contractor’s license. If you don’t, not only will you be eligible for fewer jobs, but you run the risk of getting caught working unlicensed, and being charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
Besides having an offense against you on your record, you can also be subject to court-ordered monetary restitution.
If you are in trouble, the homeowners you work for don’t even have to end up paying an you, as an unlicensed contractor, even if the work was done well. Now, not all contracting work requires a license, and there are exemptions. In order to fall under an exemption, you must to make sure you are working legally and properly (licensed required or not) so you will not get in trouble with the homeowner, state, or DBPR.