Who we represent
- Certified and registered general, building and residential contractors
- Roofing, pool, plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal and other specialty contractors
- Electrical and alarm contractors
- Qualifying agents and the business entities they qualify
- Applicants with criminal history, prior discipline or financial responsibility issues
Common complaints
- Workmanship and building-code violations
- Abandonment of a project and failure to complete
- Failure to obtain permits or inspections
- Financial mismanagement, liens and failure to pay subcontractors
- Misapplication of construction funds
- Aiding and abetting unlicensed activity
- Expired insurance, workers' compensation and financial responsibility
- Criminal convictions and failure to report them
- Unlicensed contracting citations and cease-and-desist orders
Workers' compensation stop-work orders
The Division of Workers' Compensation notifies DBPR when it issues a stop-work order to a licensed contractor, which can open a separate disciplinary case. If you have been served, see our stop-work order defense page and stopworkorder.com.
Restitution, probation and the Recovery Fund
Contractor discipline often includes restitution to the homeowner, probation with reporting requirements, and exposure to Construction Industries Recovery Fund claims that can suspend a license until repaid. We work to limit both the finding and its financial tail, and we represent contractors on probation through their compliance appearances.
Frequently asked questions
A homeowner filed a DBPR complaint over a dispute I think is really about money. Can the Board discipline me for that?
A pure contract dispute is not a licensing violation, but DBPR will look for abandonment, permit, code or financial issues underneath it. How the complaint is answered determines whether it is closed as a civil matter or charged.
I was cited for unlicensed activity but I thought the work did not need a license. What now?
Citations can be contested, and the scope of what requires a license is a real question in many trades. Note that unlicensed contracting can also be prosecuted criminally, so get advice before paying a citation or giving a statement.
Can I get a contractor license with a felony on my record?
Often, yes. The Board looks at the offense, the time elapsed and your record since. Honest, complete disclosure and preparation for the application review are what make the difference.
Complaints against contractors are handled by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. That page explains the agency's process in more detail.
This page is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Deadlines and procedures vary by case and change over time.