Licensed General Contractor in Florida: How to Verify Before You Hire

Florida requires general contractors to hold a Certified General Contractor (CGC) licenseissued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Florida's licensing system is among the most rigorous in the country, and for good reason — with a booming construction market and frequent hurricane damage, the state has a long history of contractor fraud following major storms.

What Is a Florida CGC License?

A Florida Certified General Contractor (CGC) license authorizes the holder to construct, repair, alter, remodel, or improve any building or structure. “Certified” means the license is valid statewide — the contractor can work in any Florida county without additional local licensing. Florida also issues “Registered” contractor licenses, which are county-specific and require separate approval in each jurisdiction. When hiring, confirm your contractor holds a Certified (not just Registered) license if they plan to work in multiple counties.

Obtaining a Florida CGC requires passing a two-part exam (business and finance, plus trade knowledge), demonstrating four years of experience, submitting financial statements, and meeting insurance requirements. The DBPR also conducts background checks on applicants. Florida has one of the most thorough CGC application processes in the country, which is why the license is meaningful — those who hold it have cleared significant barriers.

Florida's DBPR issues several related license types beyond CGC. Residential Contractors (CRC) are limited to one- and two-family residences and certain smaller commercial buildings. Building Contractors (CBC) cover a broader range. General Contractors (CGC) cover the widest scope. Make sure your contractor holds the appropriate license for your project type.

What Insurance Does a Florida General Contractor Need?

Florida requires licensed general contractors to carry $1,000,000 in general liability insurance. This is a higher minimum than most states and reflects Florida's litigious construction environment. Contractors must also carry workers' compensation insurance for any employees. Florida has strict workers' comp enforcement — the Division of Workers' Compensation conducts active site inspections and can issue stop-work orders for projects where workers are uninsured.

The $1M liability requirement protects you if a contractor causes property damage or personal injury during your project. However, minimum coverage is not always enough for large projects. For major renovations or new construction exceeding $500,000, consider requiring your contractor to carry $2M or more in coverage. Your contract should specify the required insurance limits and require the contractor to name you as an additional insured.

How Do You Verify a Florida General Contractor's License?

The DBPR provides a free license lookup at myfloridalicense.com. Search by name, business name, or license number. The results show license type (CGC, CRC, CBC), status (current, null and void, delinquent), expiration date, and any disciplinary history. Florida's database is one of the most comprehensive in the country — it includes past and current license status, complaint history, and the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings.

When reviewing a Florida contractor's DBPR record, look for: status must be “Current, Active” (not delinquent or null and void), license type must match the project scope, and there should be no unresolved complaints. Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) can revoke licenses for fraud, abandonment, or incompetence — if you see any disciplinary actions in the record, investigate them before proceeding.

What Happens After Hurricane Season — Contractor Fraud Risks in Florida?

Florida sees a dramatic spike in contractor fraud following hurricanes and severe weather events. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, contractor fraud complaints increase by as much as 300% in the months following major storms. Unlicensed contractors from out of state flood affected areas, collect large deposits, and disappear before completing work. Some obtain fraudulent licenses or misrepresent existing licenses.

Florida law prohibits contractors from requiring deposits exceeding 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater, before work begins. Any contractor demanding a large upfront payment before pulling permits or starting work is a red flag. Florida also has a contractor fraud statute (F.S. 489.126) that makes misappropriation of construction funds a felony — but prosecution doesn't get your money back.

Before hiring any general contractor in Florida, use CheckLicensed.com to verify their DBPR license status instantly. For $0.99, you get a report covering license type, status, insurance, and disciplinary history. In a state where contractor fraud following storms is essentially a seasonal phenomenon, that verification is a basic act of self-protection.