How do you check a contractor's license in Florida?

Search the contractor by name or license number on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation site, MyFloridaLicense.com, before you sign anything. Brevard County homeowners can confirm license status in minutes.

After closing on a home in Brevard County, the to-do list gets long fast: a roof repair, a new pool cage, a bathroom update, an AC replacement. Most of those jobs mean handing a stranger a deposit, so it pays to confirm who you are hiring before the first check is written.

This guide walks through what the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) says about contractor licensing, how to look someone up, and what to do if something seems off. Nothing here is legal advice, and DBPR is the authority on licensing rules.

Where Do You Verify a Florida Contractor License?

DBPR keeps a public records database that you can search through MyFloridaLicense.com or the department's mobile app. You can look up a contractor by name or by license number. The site also features a "Verify a License" link on its home page.

Ask the contractor for a license number up front. A licensed professional should be able to give it to you without hesitation, and you can then confirm that the number belongs to the person or company in front of you.

What Is the Difference Between a Certified and a Registered Contractor?

DBPR describes two paths to licensure, and the difference affects where a contractor can work:

License Type How It Is Earned Where the Contractor Can Work
Certified contractor Completes the Florida contractor's examination Throughout the state
Registered contractor Obtains a local, county, or city license Only in that county or city, plus any adjoining locales that accept the registration

For a Space Coast homeowner, that means a registered contractor should be working in the jurisdiction where they are registered. If your home sits in Melbourne, Viera, Titusville, or anywhere else in Brevard County, ask which type of license the contractor holds and confirm it matches the job location.

When Is a License Required?

DBPR states that unlicensed contracting violates Florida law, and that most construction work requires state certification or local registration. There is one narrow exception: handyman jobs where the total construction cost is below $2,500 are exempt from state licensure when the work is casual, minor, or inconsequential in nature.

That exception is small. A roof replacement, an electrical panel upgrade, or a pool renovation is not a casual, minor job, so do not assume a low quote puts a project in exempt territory. When in doubt, ask DBPR.

A Pre-Hire Checklist for Brevard County Homeowners

  1. Get the contractor's full name, business name, and license number in writing.
  2. Search the license number on MyFloridaLicense.com and confirm the name matches.
  3. Check whether the license is certified or registered, and confirm it fits your Brevard County job site.
  4. Get a written scope of work and price before any deposit changes hands.
  5. Keep copies of your contract, estimates, and messages in one folder.

Buyers who are also preparing a listing should keep the same records. Paperwork for past repairs helps you answer questions from future buyers when you sell a home on the Space Coast.

What If a Contractor Turns Out to Be Unlicensed?

DBPR runs a toll-free unlicensed activity complaint line at 1.866.532.1440. If you suspect someone is working without the required license, that is the number the department lists. You can also reach the department through MyFloridaLicense.com to ask about complaint options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up a Florida contractor without a license number?

Yes. DBPR's public records search lets you look up a contractor by name or by license number. A license number is faster and reduces the chance of mixing up two people with similar names.

Does a county registration work in every Florida county?

No. DBPR says a registered contractor may only practice in the county or city where they are registered, plus adjoining locales that accept the registration. A certified contractor can work statewide.

Is any work exempt from licensing?

DBPR notes that handyman jobs under $2,500 in total construction cost are exempt from state licensure when the work is casual, minor, or inconsequential. Larger or more involved projects generally need a licensed contractor.

Sources

Hiring the right people after a purchase protects your investment across Brevard County. My partner Nichole and I got your back. Reach out anytime at (321) 212-7676 or www.livingspacecoast.com.