Guides
Florida Homeowner Guides
Plain-English guides for Florida homeowners: checking contractor licenses and workers' comp, permits, hurricane prep and repairs. Sourced from DBPR, DFS and Florida Statutes.
Impact Windows vs Hurricane Shutters in Florida: Codes and Insurance
Compare impact windows and hurricane shutters under the Florida Building Code, including product approvals, HVHZ rules, windborne debris protection, and insurance premium discounts for homeowners.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Hiring a Pest Control or Termite Company in Florida: FDACS Licenses Explained
Understand FDACS pest control business licenses and certified operator categories in Florida, with focus on termite and wood-destroying organism rules, inspections, and verification steps for homeowners.
October 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Hiring a Roofer After a Florida Storm: Avoid Storm Chasers
Learn red flags of storm chaser roofers in Florida after disasters and how to vet licensed contractors using official DBPR checks, contract rules under s. 489.147, F.S., and insurance consumer guidance.
October 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Going Solar in Florida: Permits, Net Metering and Licensed Installers
Learn Florida solar installation rules, including local permits, utility net metering programs under s. 366.91, F.S., and requirements to hire licensed contractors from DBPR records.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Florida Contractor Fraud Red Flags: Deposits, Liens and Notice of Commencement
Learn common contractor fraud red flags in Florida involving deposits, liens and the Notice of Commencement. Practical steps and legal protections from official sources to safeguard your home project.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Hiring a Florida Pool Contractor: CPC Licenses, Permits
Learn CPC license requirements for pool contractors under Chapter 489, F.S., when building permits are triggered, and residential pool safety rules from official Florida statutes and DBPR guidance.
October 15, 2026 · 8 min read
Florida Screen Enclosures: Permits, Wind Codes, Licensed Builders
Learn Florida requirements for screen enclosures and pool cages including building permits, wind load engineering under the Florida Building Code, and rules for licensed contractors. Practical guidance for homeowners.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Florida Home Projects: Permit Rules and Owner-Builder Risks
Learn which common Florida home improvement projects require permits, owner-builder exemption rules under state law, and key responsibilities and risks for homeowners acting as their own contractor.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Why Your Florida Contractor Needs Workers' Comp (and How to Check It)
Learn Florida contractor workers' compensation rules, why coverage matters for homeowners, verification steps using official databases, and risks if a contractor lacks proper insurance under state law.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Wind Mitigation Inspections in Florida: Insurance Premium Savings
Learn how a wind mitigation inspection documents features like roof attachments and shutters to qualify for hurricane premium discounts on Florida homeowners insurance policies under state law.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Florida Roof Replacement: Permits, 25% Rule and Insurance
Learn about Florida roof replacement permit requirements, the 25 percent rule in the building code, insurance considerations including law and ordinance coverage, and steps for homeowners. Practical guidance based on official statutes and the Florida Building Code.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
How Florida Home Network scores contractors (and what a score is not)
Learn how Florida Home Network builds contractor scores from DBPR licenses, Sunbiz records and DFS workers compensation data, plus the limits of those scores for homeowners.
October 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Seawalls and Docks in Florida: Permits, Agencies, Licensed Contractors
Learn FDEP and US Army Corps of Engineers rules for Florida seawall and dock permits, plus how to find licensed marine contractors through DBPR. Practical steps for homeowners.
October 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund: Eligibility and Claims
Learn who qualifies for the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund and the step-by-step claim process administered by DBPR and the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Chapter 489, F.S.
October 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor in Florida
Learn key questions to ask Florida contractors about licenses, insurance, and contracts. Use official DBPR resources to verify credentials and protect your home project.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Water Damage in a Florida Home: First Steps and Mold Prevention
Immediate safety steps after water damage in Florida homes, drying within 24-48 hours, and licensed mold remediation rules under state law. Practical guidance from official Florida Department of Health and DBPR sources.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
AC Replacement in Florida: SEER2 Rules, Permits and Costs
Learn Florida's SEER2 efficiency requirements for air conditioner replacements, when permits are needed, sizing and duct rules from the energy code, and key factors that affect project costs for homeowners.
October 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Florida Hurricane Prep Checklist for Your Home
Pre-season maintenance steps to protect your Florida home from hurricanes, including roof, windows, yard and utility checks from official state and federal sources.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Unlicensed Contracting Penalties in Florida
Learn Florida penalties for unlicensed contractors under state law, risks to homeowners, and steps to verify licenses before hiring for home projects.
October 15, 2026 · 7 min read
General Liability Insurance for Florida Contractors: What to Ask
Learn the minimum general liability insurance amounts Florida contractors must carry, how to request and verify certificates of insurance, and key questions homeowners should ask before hiring for home projects.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Check a Florida Contractor License (DBPR Lookup)
Learn the official step-by-step process to verify a Florida contractor license using the DBPR online lookup at MyFloridaLicense.com. Understand what results mean and why verification matters for homeowners.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Certified vs Registered Contractors in Florida
Understand the differences between certified and registered contractors in Florida, including statewide versus local work limits, verification steps, and protections for homeowners hiring for repairs or builds.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read