Unlicensed Contractors

UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR
An unlicensed contractor, as defined herein, does not have the proper licensure from either the State of Florida or the City of Cape Coral to engage in the type of work being performed.
The use of an unlicensed contractor may result in the following problems:
- Inability to Receive Inspections: To apply for a building permit, a contractor must have a valid license. Failing to get required permits will result in jobs being performed without inspections. Such unauthorized construction leaves you with no guarantee as to whether the construction was performed correctly and is safe.
- Failure to Meet Florida Building Code Standards: Unlicensed contractors can’t apply for a building permit; therefore, their construction work cannot be reviewed or inspected. This eliminates the opportunity to ensure that the work meets Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. Failure to meet FBC requirements may result in unsafe and hazardous conditions.
- Substandard Workmanship: Unlicensed contractors do not go through the process of getting a license and do not know the required construction standards which licensed contractors understand. This leads to substandard workmanship. The review of construction plans and inspections by building departments provides that work has been performed correctly and meets the standards of the Florida Building Code.
- Further Cost to You: The work of unlicensed contractors is often substandard and ultimately leads to costly repairs and corrections that require the services of a licensed contractor. You may pay more money for the job than if you had initially hired a licensed contractor.
- Fraud and Exploitation: The continued hiring of unlicensed contractors encourages unlicensed contractors who are involved in illicit construction practices. These contractors often take money for jobs that are never started, incomplete, or poorly constructed. Ultimately, you incur the additional expense for such activities.
- Consumer Liability: You are responsible for the hiring of a contractor. Consequently, you are responsible for any damages and injuries incurred on the job site since unlicensed contractors often do not have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Legal Action Against the Consumer: Since you are held responsible for hiring an unlicensed contractor, you run the risk of being involved in legal action. This legal action may include lawsuits from various parties due to the unauthorized construction work, thus incurring further costs.
- Code Enforcement Fines: Hiring an unlicensed contractor violates Florida Building Code requirements. This may subject you to fines and the possibility of facing a quasi-judicial hearing in front of a Hearing Officer.
Before hiring a contractor or signing any contracts with them, verify that they are Licensed.
Contact the City of Cape Coral Licensing Division at 239-574-0430 to verify if a contractor is properly licensed and insured in the City of Cape Coral.
To report an Unlicensed Contractor performing work within the City of Cape Coral, call 239-242-3783 or email Cape Coral Code Compliance at unlicensed@capecoral.gov.
- City of Cape Coral Ordinance CHAPTER 6: - CONTRACTORS AND CONSTRUCTION REGULATION BOARD | Code of Ordinances | Cape Coral, FL | Municode Library
- § 6-5 - Unlawful to act as a contractor without a license, presumption:
It shall be unlawful for any person or firm to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor or subcontractor within the city limits without first possessing a valid and appropriate contractor's license. Any person not having a valid contractor's license while holding themself out to be a contractor shall be subject to the provisions and penalties of this code, and the representations shall be considered prima facie evidence that the person or firm purported to have the authority capacity to act as a contractor. Furthermore, it shall be unlawful for any person or firm to advertise themselves as available to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor within the city limits without first possessing a valid and appropriate contractor's license. Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable in law or equity as a matter of public policy (Ord. 54-89, 9-1-1989; Ord. 70-13, 12-16-2013)
- Florida Statute 489.103 Chapter 489 Section 103 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (flsenate.gov)