Check a contractor’s license in Florida.

Some trades need a Florida state license and some don’t. Here’s which, who issues it, and how to check in a minute.

Who licenses what

Trade	State license?	How to check
Heating & cooling (HVAC)	AC and heating contractors need a Florida state license (air-conditioning or mechanical).	DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab)
Plumbing	Plumbers need a Florida state plumbing contractor license.	DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab)
Roofing	Roofers need a Florida state roofing contractor license.	DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab)
General contractor	General, building and residential contractors need a Florida state license.	DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab)
Pool building & remodeling	Pool builders need a Florida state pool/spa contractor license.	DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab)
Pool service & repair	Routine cleaning needs no state license; repairing or replacing a pump, filter or heater does.	DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab)
Pest control	Pest control companies need a Florida pest control business license from FDACS.	Ask for the license number; FDACS confirms it
Lawn care & landscaping	Anyone applying fertilizer for pay needs an FDACS fertilizer certification; mowing alone doesn’t.	Ask for the license number; FDACS confirms it
Handyman & home repairs	No state handyman license. Plumbing, electrical, AC and roofing work still need a licensed pro.	No state license. Check insurance and references
Painting	Painters need no state license, and Florida bars cities and counties from requiring one.	No state license. Check insurance and references
Pressure washing	No state license, and Florida bars cities and counties from requiring one.	No state license. Check insurance and references

How to check on the DBPR lookup

Open the DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab) and search by the person’s or company’s name, or the license number on their quote or truck.
Check the status says current and active, and the license type matches the job (a roofing job needs a roofing license, for example).
“Certified” means they can work anywhere in Florida; “registered” means only where they hold a local certificate.

Before you pay anything

Deposits over 10%: the contractor must apply for permits within 30 days and start within 90 days after they’re issued.
Who pulls the permit: the licensed contractor, in their own name. Be wary of anyone who asks you to pull it as the owner.
After a storm: unlicensed contracting during a declared emergency is a felony in Florida. Check the license before signing with anyone who knocks on your door.

QUICK ANSWERS

Questions homeowners ask.

How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Florida?

For construction trades (AC, plumbing, roofing, pool, general, building and residential contractors), search the business or person on the Florida DBPR license lookup at myfloridalicense.com and check that the license is current and covers the work. Pest control and fertilizer applicators are licensed by FDACS instead: ask for the license number and FDACS can confirm it.

Does a handyman need a license in Florida?

No. Florida has no handyman license and cities and counties may not require one. Minor jobs under $2,500 in total are exempt from contractor licensing, as long as the job isn’t split up to stay under that and the person doesn’t advertise as a contractor. Plumbing, electrical, AC and roofing work need a licensed contractor whatever the size.

Do painters need a license in Florida?

No state license, and Florida law bars cities and counties from requiring one for painting, pressure washing, flooring, stucco and a few other jobs. Ask for proof of insurance and recent references instead.

How much deposit can a Florida contractor take?

There’s no flat cap, but a contractor who takes more than 10% of the price up front must apply for any needed permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after the permits are issued, unless there’s just cause or you agree otherwise in writing.

What happens if a contractor is unlicensed?

Contracting without a required license is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida for a first offense, and a third-degree felony for a repeat offense or for any offense during a declared state of emergency, such as after a hurricane.