Licensed and Insured! That’s what it said in his advertisement. We hear about this all too often: contractors claiming to be licensed, but can they perform the scope of work you are requesting for your home renovation project? Hiring an unqualified, unlicensed contractor can lead to headaches and lost money. This is why the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) remain partnered to help Floridians avoid falling victim to unlicensed contractors.
It is important that consumers thoroughly research professionals and businesses prior to hiring and report any suspected unlicensed activity. Unlicensed activity is against the law. BBB and DBPR take unlicensed activity very seriously because it threatens the safety of Florida consumers and takes away business from properly licensed professionals throughout the state.
Together, BBB and DBPR have the tools to help consumers find licensed professionals they can trust. Remember to look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal when choosing a contractor. The seal indicates contractors are properly licensed and have been vetted against BBB’s Standards for Trust, including a commitment to be responsive, advertise honestly and honor their promises. Always verify a contractor’s license by visiting DBPR Online, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app.
Your BBB provides information on how to find properly licensed professionals, including an easy-to-use checklist. Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at your local BBB office. Please visit the BBB website and click on the Better Business Bureau serving your area for more information.
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Five BBB offices service the State of Florida, with primary locations in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Longwood, Pensacola and West Palm Beach.
About DBPR
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and accountants to veterinarians, contractors, and cosmetologists. More Information about DBPR is available online at DBPR Online. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events, and other important news.
