Scams & Licensing Info — Florida DBPR

Official DBPR / Licensing Resources

Verify a license (search by name or license number):

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&search=Business

Report unlicensed activity / file a complaint

• Call the Unlicensed Activity Hotline: 1-866-532-1440
• Email: ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com
• Report online (DBPR Report Unlicensed Activity): https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/unlicensed-activity/
• DBPR Unlicensed Activity Search (public complaints): https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=&brd=&typ=&ord=&dtr=&p=1
• DBPR Division of Regulation — Complaints: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/division-of-regulation/
• Florida Attorney General — Consumer protection guidance: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/main/18ADA6CF8D8A019285256CC9005EAC9A

Warning Signs of Scams / Unlicensed Contractors

• Refusal to provide license number or proof of licensure
• Requests for large upfront deposits
• Claims such as “no permit needed” or “we’ll handle it later”
• Vague or incomplete contracts
• Cash-only payments / no receipts
• High-pressure tactics to sign quickly
• Out-of-state contractors claiming to work locally
• No insurance or bonding documentation

Important Notes & Your Rights

• Performing contracting work without a license is illegal under Florida law.
• DBPR cannot order refunds, but can refer cases to the State Attorney for prosecution.
• Penalties for unlicensed activity include fines, cease-and-desist orders, and criminal charges in some cases.
• Always get a written contract with clear scope, cost, and timeline.
• Never pay in full upfront — tie payments to milestones.
• Ask for proof of insurance and confirm liability & workers’ comp coverage.

How to Verify a Contractor

1. Ask for the contractor’s license number and business name.
2. Check the license using the DBPR License Search.
3. Ask for proof of insurance and bonding — verify policy details with the insurer.
4. Request a written contract with milestones, deliverables, and payment schedule.
5. Search public complaints using the DBPR Unlicensed Activity Search.

Quick Actions

• Verify license: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&search=Business
• Report unlicensed activity: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/unlicensed-activity/
• DBPR Complaints / Division of Regulation: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/division-of-regulation/
• Florida Attorney General — Consumer guidance: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/main/18ADA6CF8D8A019285256CC9005EAC9A