Unlicensed Contractors

Hiring someone without the proper State of Florida license means they are not legally authorized to perform that work. In Florida, acting as a contractor without a valid license is a criminal offense, and while unlicensed contractors may appear to be a cheaper option, the quality of their work is often unreliable.

Choosing an unlicensed contractor carries significant risks. Poor workmanship can lead to safety hazards or expensive repairs that may ultimately cost more than hiring a licensed professional. Additionally, many unlicensed contractors lack general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, meaning you could be held financially responsible if they are injured on your property.

For more information: City of Cape Coral Ordinance CHAPTER 6:- UNLICENSED CONTRACTING | Code of Ordinances | Cape Coral, FL

To report an Unlicensed Contractor performing work within the City of Cape Coral, call 239-574-0613 or email Cape Coral Code Compliance at code@capecoral.gov.

• Contractor Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

How to Check a Contractor’s License and Insurance

The State of Florida licenses contractors who are required to hold a license and provides a public online search tool so residents can verify a contractor’s status.

Click here for State of Florida Licensee Search, Filing a Complaint, or Unlicensed Activity

All businesses located within the city limits or businesses located outside of Cape Coral that will be applying for permits will have a business license issued by Cape Coral. This does not ensure they are licensed or insured.

Click here to search public records to verify the status of a contractor

Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor

• Inability to Receive Inspections: Without a valid contractor license, permits cannot be obtained, resulting in work being completed without required inspections. This leaves no assurance that the construction is safe or meets proper standards.
• Failure to Meet Florida Building Code Standards: Unlicensed contractors cannot obtain permits, so their work is not inspected for compliance with Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. This can lead to unsafe and hazardous conditions.
• Substandard Workmanship: Unlicensed contractors often lack knowledge of required construction standards, leading to substandard work. Plan reviews and inspections help ensure construction meets Florida Building Code requirements.
• Further Cost to You: Work by unlicensed contractors is often substandard and can lead to costly repairs that require hiring a licensed professional. In the end, you may pay more than if you had hired a licensed contractor from the start.
• Fraud and Exploitation: Hiring unlicensed contractors encourages illegal practices, including taking payment for work that is never started, incomplete, or poorly done. This often results in additional costs for the customer.
• Consumer Liability: When you hire an unlicensed contractor, you may be responsible for damages or injuries on the job site, as they often lack liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Legal Action Against the Consumer: Hiring an unlicensed contractor can expose you to legal action, including lawsuits related to unauthorized work. This can result in additional costs and liability.
• Code Enforcement Fines: Hiring an unlicensed contractor violates Florida Building Code requirements and may result in fines or a quasi-judicial hearing before a Hearing Officer.

Signs a Contractor May Not Be Licensed

• They are not willing to put a contract in writing.
• They ask you to obtain a permit or say the permit is not necessary.
• They request a large down payment before work begins.
• They ask you to pay in cash or make a check payable to cash.
• They ask you to make a check payable to an individual, instead of a company name.
• They cannot provide proof of insurance.
• They do not display a license number on advertisements.
• They are only willing to work on weekends.

Steps to Take When Working with a Contractor

• Ask to see a state-issued license, which should list the contractor's name, license number, address and specialty.
• If a contractor has multiple employees, ask for the contractor's general liability and worker's compensation insurance policies.
• Get written estimates from several licensed contractors. Make sure the scope of work for the job is clearly detailed in the contract.
• Ask for references.
• Review contracts carefully before signing and ask questions.
• Avoid paying cash.
• Avoid any contractor who requires full payment in advance. Arrange to pay after the contractor completes the work or in agreed-upon installments.
• Don't sign off that work is completed until all work is finished according to your contract, and the contractor has cleared all permits with final inspection approval from the building department.
• Most jobs require permits. Check with the building department regarding permits needed for your project.

To report an Unlicensed Contractor performing work within the City of Cape Coral, call 239-574-0613 or email Cape Coral Code Compliance at code@capecoral.gov.