You can verify a Florida contractor license for free using the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) license lookup at myfloridalicense.com. Search by the contractor's name or license number, then confirm the license is current and matches the type of work you're hiring them to do.
It takes just a few minutes, and it is one of the smartest things you can do before signing a contract for a new home, a remodel or a roof. Here is how to do it and what to look for.
Step by Step: Using the DBPR Lookup
The DBPR site lets anyone check a license. Here is a simple way to do it:
- Go to myfloridalicense.com and choose the option to verify a license.
- Search by license number if you have it, or by the contractor's name or business name.
- Open the result and check the license type, the name on the license and its status.
- Make sure the status shows the license is current and active.
- Look for any public complaints or disciplinary history the site displays.
Want to practice? Look up our own licenses. Coastal Home Creations & Roofing holds General Contractor license CGC1506738 and Roofing Contractor license CCC1335297, under owner William R "Bill" Edwards. Searching those numbers shows you exactly what a license record looks like.
Certified vs Registered
Florida contractor licenses generally come in two forms, and the difference is about where the contractor can work.
- Certified contractors hold a state certification and can generally work anywhere in Florida.
- Registered contractors hold a license tied to specific local jurisdictions where they have a local competency license, and can generally work only in those areas.
You can often tell from the license number prefix. Certified licenses typically begin with "C" codes like CGC or CCC, while registered licenses use "R" codes. If you hire a registered contractor, make sure their license covers your city or county. When in doubt, ask DBPR or your local building department.
Match the License Type to the Job
Not every license covers every job. A few common types:
- General Contractor (CGC): can handle a wide range of residential and commercial construction, including custom homes and major remodels.
- Roofing Contractor (CCC): licensed specifically for roofing work.
- Building and Residential Contractors: other license types with their own scope limits.
Roofing work in Florida generally requires a contractor licensed for roofing. If a company is replacing your roof, check that the license covers it. This is one reason we hold both: our custom home and remodeling projects fall under the general contractor license, and our roofing work under the roofing license.
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance
A license is only part of the picture. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage, and ask about workers' compensation coverage or a valid exemption. Look at the policy dates to make sure coverage is current. Some homeowners ask the contractor to have the certificate sent directly from the insurance agent. Requirements can vary, so check with DBPR or your local building department if you have questions.
Make Sure the Permit Is in the Contractor's Name
For work that needs a permit, the licensed contractor should pull it in their own name. Be careful if a contractor asks you to pull an owner builder permit for work they are doing. That can shift responsibility onto you. You can usually check permit records through Volusia County Building & Code Administration or your city's building department.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A license number that doesn't match the company name
- A license that is expired, inactive or the wrong type
- Pressure to pay large sums up front
- Reluctance to share insurance or permit details
Have questions about your project? Learn more about us or contact us for a free consultation.
FAQ
Is it free to look up a Florida contractor license?
Yes. The DBPR license lookup at myfloridalicense.com is free and open to the public. You can search by name or license number.
What is the difference between CGC and CCC licenses?
CGC is a certified general contractor license, and CCC is a certified roofing contractor license. Each covers a different scope of work, so match the license to your project.
Should my contractor pull the permit?
Yes. For permitted work, the licensed contractor should pull the permit in their own name. Be cautious if someone asks you to pull it as an owner builder.
Written by the Coastal Home Creations team: third-generation builders licensed in Florida (GC CGC1506738, Roofing CCC1335297). General information only; for your specific home, call 386-785-3651.
