Florida · Contractor Dispute
Florida Contractor Demand Letter
Florida homeowners, especially in hurricane-prone areas, face unique contractor risks. Florida requires general contractors to be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Florida Notice of Commencement system (Fla. Stat. § 713.13) protects homeowners from mechanic's liens by subcontractors and suppliers. Post-hurricane contractor fraud (unlicensed, price gouging, abandonment) is actively enforced by the FL AG.
Florida requires contractor licenses and requires contractors to provide a Notice of Commencement, missing this step protects homeowners from mechanic's liens by subcontractors and suppliers.
Governing law
Fla. Stat. § 489 (Contractor Licensing) + Fla. Stat. § 713 (Mechanic's Lien) + Fla. Stat. § 501.204 (UDAP)
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Cites Fla. Stat. § 489 (Contractor Licensing) + Fla. Stat. § 713 (Mechanic's Lien) + Fla. Stat. § 501.204 (UDAP). Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF.
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Florida Contractor Dispute FAQs
How do I verify a Florida contractor's license?▾
Use the DBPR license verification at myfloridalicense.com. Valid contractor licenses show the license type (CG for general contractor, CC for commercial, etc.), expiration, and any disciplinary history. Unlicensed contractor work in Florida is a third-degree felony for work exceeding $1,000.
What is a Notice of Commencement and do I need one?▾
A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is recorded in county public records before construction begins and identifies the property, contractor, and lender. It protects homeowners by creating a public record that subcontractors must serve notices to. Projects over $2,500 in Florida require an NOC under Fla. Stat. § 713.13.
What if my Florida contractor demanded payment and then abandoned the project?▾
File a complaint with the FL DBPR (myfloridalicense.com) and the FL AG's Consumer Protection Division. The FL AG has prosecuted contractor fraud and abandonment as UDAP violations with civil penalties. File in small claims court for amounts up to $8,000; Circuit Court for larger amounts.
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