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Protect Yourself Against Unlicensed Contractors

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFvBI7w9fVQ

As a State licensed Contractor, we feel that anyone who acts as a contractor should follow the same rules and building codes set forth by the State of Florida and the county where the work is being performed. We have dedicated a section of our website to educate homeowners of the dangers of using unlicensed contractors or people who do side work for extra money. The below information will help you choose the right contractor for your needs, and protect your family, home and neighbors.

Contractor Licensing

Did you know you could be arrested for using an unlicensed contractor? It's true. In states that require licensing, hiring an unlicensed contractor is illegal. And if that's not bad enough, did you know an unlicensed contractor who gets hurt on your property could sue you -- and win! Unlicensed contractors are unlikely to carry proper insurance, so it has happened. These are the extremes. But even the average experience with an unlicensed contractor can be devastating. Most consumers who call us for help complain that the unlicensed contractor did shoddy work. Others report the contractor made off with their money and did no work at all.

Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Person

Possible criminal background - Unlicensed persons often have criminal backgrounds that may include fraud, theft, violent crime, sexual offenses, and substance abuse.

Poor qualifications - Unlicensed persons typically do not have the education, insurance, or qualification required of a licensee.

Poor quality work - Unlicensed contractors typically do poor quality work or do not finish the project, leaving the homeowner on the hook to repair or finish the project.

Likelihood of being the victim of a scam - Unlicensed persons often disappear after taking your money, and the department cannot discipline an unlicensed person, help get your money back, or require the person to finish or improve the work done. Scams in the construction industry, especially home improvement, are sadly widespread. Con artists pose as contractors and often target vulnerable people and take advantage of homeowner’s need for urgent post-hurricane property damage.

Limited resources for broken contracts - When you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you call the department, which has the authority to discipline and even revoke the license. This gives the licensee more incentive to play fair. However, this type of action is not available against unlicensed contractors and homeowners often find the only answer is an expensive, and generally futile, civil suit.

No insurance and liability for injuries to others - You may end up being liable for personal or financial injuries to others. An unlicensed contractor typically is uninsured and will have no way to pay you back for any property damage.

Noncompliance with building codes - Most projects, even small ones, require permits and inspections that unlicensed contractors ignore or are unfamiliar with. If your project isn't permitted or doesn’t comply with the building code, you may have to remove or repair the work at your own expense and be subject to fines by local government.

Liens being imposed on your property - You may be subject to liens placed on your property by subcontractors or supplies. Please see this link for more information about Florida lien law.

No coverage under homeowner’s policy - Most homeowner policies require that work must be done by a licensed contractor and provide no coverage for work that is not.

Additional Sources:
- http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/reg/ULA-Consumer-Tips.html#CT5
- http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/reg/UnlicensedActivity.html

$5000 fine for hiring an unlicensed contractor

Some of the risks for using an unlicensed contractor include:

1. According to Florida Statute 455.228, if you hire an unlicensed contractor, the Department of Professional Regulations (D.P.R.) may issue a cease and desist order and also may take you to Circuit Court, which has the authority to impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for aiding and assisting unlicensed activity. You could also be liable for court cost.

2. If you pull a permit for an unlicensed contractor, you are held responsible for the work, not the contractor.

3. If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you may actually pay more for the job, than if you hired a licensed contractor. Especially, if the work is done incorrectly or never finished, you may have to pay twice or more for the same job to be corrected or finished.

4. If the unlicensed contractor fails to pay his sub-contractors or suppliers, you may be required to pay them, even though you have already paid the contractor.

5. Plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning work should be done only by contractors and craftsmen certified in those trades and require separate permits.

6. Home improvement contractors must be certified by the State of Florida as either a General, Building, or Residential contractor.

7. Roofing contractors are required to be certified or registered by the State.

8. There is no such thing as a “legal” jack-of-all-trades.

9. An “Occupational License” is not a regulatory license or a certificate of competency, but a tax for the privilege of engaging in or managing a business, profession or occupation.

10. You may be held liable for injury on your property if the unlicensed contractor has no insurance or Workman’s Compensation.

So if you are looking for a professional plumbing company then please call us today at 866-692-8392 or complete our online request form.