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

Florida has one of the most detailed contractor licensing systems in the country, and home remodeling is fully covered by it. Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, room addition, or whole-house update, Florida law requires the contractor managing your project to hold a valid state license — and verifying that license before signing anything could be the most important step you take.

Does Florida require remodeling contractors to be licensed?

Yes. Florida requires contractors performing remodeling work to hold a valid state license issued through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The two primary license types covering residential remodeling are the Certified General Contractor (CGC) and the Certified Residential Contractor (CRC). Florida has over 100,000 licensed contractors in its database, and the licensing requirements apply statewide to all remodeling projects.

The DBPR manages contractor licensing through myfloridalicense.com. Florida's licensing system is notably strict compared to most states: not only must contractors be licensed, but they must meet continuing education requirements, maintain required insurance, and pass state examinations to qualify for licensure in the first place.

What is the difference between a Certified General Contractor and a Certified Residential Contractor in Florida?

A Certified General Contractor (CGC) holds the broadest contractor license in Florida and is valid statewide for virtually all construction and remodeling work, including residential and commercial projects. A CGC can manage complex projects involving multiple trades, new construction, additions, and renovations of any scale. This is the most comprehensive credential a Florida remodeling contractor can hold.

A Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) is specifically designed for residential construction and remodeling. A CRC can perform and oversee remodeling work on one, two, and three-family residential structures, including kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole-house renovations. The CRC is the most common license held by contractors specializing in home remodeling rather than commercial work.

Both CGC and CRC are “certified” licenses, meaning they are valid anywhere in Florida. Florida also has “registered” contractor licenses, which are valid only within specific counties. If you are hiring a contractor for a statewide referral or a contractor who moves between counties, confirm they hold a certified license rather than a registered one.

How do you verify a Florida remodeling contractor's license?

You can verify any Florida contractor's license through the DBPR's free license lookup at myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Enter the contractor's name, business name, or license number to see their license type, current status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions on record.

Florida's DBPR database is particularly comprehensive. It shows not only whether a license is active but also whether the contractor has met continuing education requirements, whether any complaints have been filed, and the full history of any disciplinary proceedings. Take time to review the full record, not just the active/inactive status.

Also confirm that the license type matches the scope of your project. A contractor with a building contractor license rather than a CGC or CRC may not be authorized to manage every phase of a complex remodel. Verify the specific classification against your project requirements.

What bond and insurance must a Florida remodeling contractor carry?

Florida requires certified contractors to maintain substantial insurance coverage as a condition of licensure. General liability insurance of $300,000 or more is required for CGC and CRC licensees. This coverage protects you if the contractor causes damage to your property during the remodel.

Workers' compensation insurance is required for contractors with employees in Florida. This coverage is critically important for remodeling projects, where multiple workers may be on your property for weeks or months. If a worker is injured and the contractor lacks workers' comp, you may face liability as the property owner.

Ask for a current certificate of insurance before work begins, and call the insurer to confirm the policy is active. Verify that the coverage amounts meet the Florida minimum requirements and are adequate for the scale of your project.

What is the difference between certified and registered contractors in Florida?

Florida's two-tier contractor licensing system creates an important distinction that homeowners often miss. Certified contractors hold a DBPR state license valid throughout all 67 Florida counties. Registered contractors hold a county-level license that is valid only within the county or municipality where they registered — typically issued through the local construction licensing board.

Registered licenses are not the same as certified licenses. A contractor registered in Broward County cannot legally perform remodeling work in Miami-Dade or Palm Beach without additional registration or reciprocity. If you're hiring a contractor for work in your county, confirm whether their license is certified (statewide) or registered (county-specific) and that it covers your location.

What happens if you hire an unlicensed remodeling contractor in Florida?

Hiring an unlicensed contractor for remodeling work in Florida carries serious consequences for both parties. For the homeowner, an unlicensed contractor cannot legally enforce their contract — if they fail to complete work or perform it poorly, they have severely limited legal recourse. However, this also means your options for recovering damages through normal contract channels are complicated.

You lose access to the DBPR's complaint process, which is one of the strongest consumer protection tools in any state. The DBPR can investigate complaints against licensed contractors, require corrective work, impose fines, and revoke licenses. Without a license, the contractor is outside this system entirely.

For the contractor, unlicensed contracting in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor. Knowingly hiring an unlicensed contractor can also expose a homeowner to liability in certain circumstances. Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board takes enforcement seriously, and the state regularly prosecutes unlicensed contracting cases.

How can CheckLicensed help you hire a Florida remodeling contractor?

CheckLicensed.com lets you instantly verify any Florida remodeling contractor's DBPR license before you sign a contract. Enter the contractor's name or license number to confirm their license type — CGC, CRC, or registered — status, expiration date, and any disciplinary history on file. Visit CheckLicensed.com before your next remodeling project and make sure you're hiring someone fully authorized to do the work.