Florida hiring guide

How to Verify a Florida General Contractor's License and Insurance

In Florida, general contractors are licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Construction Industry Licensing Board. A two-minute check before you hire protects your deposit and your permit.

Check the license in five steps

1. 1. Get the exact license number

   Ask for it in writing. Certified general contractors (licensed statewide) carry numbers that begin with CGC; registered contractors (licensed for specific local jurisdictions) begin with RG. Florida law expects the number on contracts and advertising.

2. 2. Search the DBPR database

   Use the DBPR 'Verify a License' search by license number or name. Confirm the status reads current and active, and that the name matches the company on your contract.

3. 3. Match the license to the job

   A registered license only covers the local areas it was issued for, and specialty licenses (roofing, plumbing, electrical) do not authorize general building work. Check the license type fits your project and location.

4. 4. Review complaints and discipline

   The DBPR record shows public complaints and final disciplinary orders. A recent order is worth asking about before you sign.

5. 5. Confirm the permit will be pulled under that license

   Your local building department issues the permit to a licensed contractor. Ask who will pull it — it should be the license you just checked.

Confirm insurance coverage

• Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as certificate holder, sent directly by the insurance agent, and check the policy dates cover your job.
• Florida certified contractors must show proof of general liability and property damage insurance to keep their license.
• Check workers' compensation in the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation 'Proof of Coverage' search. Some company officers hold exemptions — an exemption covers that officer, not their crew.

Red flags to walk away from

• No license number, or a number that belongs to a different name
• Asking you to pull the permit as an owner-builder
• Large cash deposits before any materials are ordered
• Insurance certificates that come from the contractor rather than the agent

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Licensing rules change — always confirm on the official state lookup.