How to Check a Florida Contractor License (DBPR Lookup)

Why Verify a Contractor License in Florida

Hiring an unlicensed contractor can lead to poor workmanship, lack of insurance coverage, and legal issues. Florida law requires most construction trades to hold a state license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Always confirm active status before signing a contract.

Florida Home Network lists 98,541 businesses built from DBPR license and Sunbiz records as of October 15, 2026. This directory helps homeowners connect with verified pros across trades like roofing, electrical, and plumbing.

Under s. 489.128, F.S., contracts entered into by an unlicensed contractor are generally unenforceable by the contractor. This means a homeowner may face challenges recovering payments or enforcing work quality if the contractor lacks proper licensing at the time of the contract. s. 489.13, F.S. addresses unlicensed contracting, including potential administrative fines and restrictions on obtaining building permits.

Homeowners should also note that unlicensed activity can affect insurance claims and liability for injuries on the property. Verifying licenses protects against these risks by confirming the contractor meets state requirements for the specific scope of work.

Step-by-Step DBPR License Lookup

The primary tool is the official verification portal on MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow these steps for accurate results.

1. Go to the online services page and select the Verify a License option.
2. Choose to search by license number for the most precise match. Enter the full number, including any letters, and submit.
3. Alternatively, search by name: enter the individual's first and last name or the business organization name.
4. Review the list of matching records. Click each entry to view details such as license status, expiration date, address, and qualifying business information.
5. For construction contractors specifically, confirm both the individual license and any business entity qualification as outlined on the construction industry business information page.

The mobile app offers the same search options by name or number and displays status, profession, and address. Search results from the portal or app list the name, profession, address, and license status.

When searching, enter the exact spelling as it appears on any documents provided by the contractor. Partial matches may return multiple similar names, so review each one carefully for the correct address or license number. The portal updates regularly, but results reflect the information available at the time of the search.

What the Search Results Mean

Results show the licensee's name, profession or trade, current status, and expiration. Active status indicates the license is valid and in good standing. Expired or inactive status means the person or business cannot legally perform work requiring that license.

Look for the specific license type, such as certified general contractor or registered roofing contractor. Certified licenses allow work statewide, while registered ones are limited to certain local jurisdictions. Confirm the exact classification code and description match the work needed.

Cross-check the business name listed against the individual qualifier to ensure proper coverage for the company. The business entity name appears on the individual license when the contractor qualifies the business organization.

Examples of what to look for include an expiration date that extends beyond the planned project completion and a status clearly marked active without any notations about pending actions. If the results show a qualifier name different from the person performing the work, ask for clarification on who will supervise the project.

Checking for Disciplinary History and Continuing Education

The verification portal shows the licensee's name, profession or trade, current status, and expiration. For disciplinary history, homeowners can check DBPR channels on MyFloridaLicense.com. For larger projects, confirm that the license remains current through the full project timeline, as expiration before completion can create issues.

Most construction licenses require 14 hours of continuing education per biennium. This typically includes modules on workplace safety, business practices, workers compensation, laws and rules, and trade related topics such as wind mitigation for building contractors.

Additional Verification Steps

After the DBPR lookup, review related records on Sunbiz.org for business registration details. This confirms the business organization is properly formed and active under Florida Division of Corporations records. Confirm workers compensation coverage where applicable through official channels, such as the Department of Financial Services Division of Workers Compensation resources. s. 489.114, F.S. requires evidence of workers compensation coverage as a condition for license issuance or renewal for certified or registered contractors.

Contractors in the construction industry generally must maintain coverage if they have one or more employees, including certain business owners. Homeowners can request proof of coverage and verify subcontractor compliance to avoid liability shifts. Under Florida law, the primary contractor remains responsible for ensuring subcontractors carry required coverage; otherwise, the primary contractor may become liable for any injuries.

Use Florida Home Network find a licensed pro page to locate pros already matched to state records. Check how scores work for insights on ranking factors.

Report any concerns about unlicensed activity through the official DBPR channels listed on MyFloridaLicense.com.

Common Trades and License Categories

DBPR regulates many home-related trades under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. Common categories include general contractors, roofing, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and pool contractors. Search results will display the exact classification code and description.

Always match the license category to the specific work needed on your property. For example, roofing work requires a roofing contractor license, while structural changes may need a general or building contractor. Categories such as mechanical, sheet metal, underground utility and excavation, solar, and pollutant storage systems also require state licensing in many cases.

Other regulated areas include residential contractors for smaller projects and specialty classifications for tasks like solar installation. Confirm the license description covers the full scope, including any related electrical or plumbing components that might fall under separate categories.

Understanding Certified Versus Registered Licenses

Certified contractors pass a state examination and can work anywhere in Florida. Registered contractors typically hold local competency credentials and are limited to specific jurisdictions that accept the registration. Verify the geographic scope matches the project location.

Business organizations must have a qualifying agent whose individual license covers the entity's work. The qualifying agent holds final approval authority for construction and business matters. When verifying, ensure the qualifying agent's license remains active and that the business entity appears properly qualified on the individual record.

Practical Checklist for License Verification

1. Request the full license number directly from the contractor in writing.
2. Perform the search yourself on the official portal rather than accepting printed copies.
3. Note the exact status, expiration date, and any qualifiers or business names.
4. Confirm the trade category matches the project scope.
5. Check for any listed disciplinary history or restrictions.
6. Verify the business entity qualification if the contractor operates through a company.
7. Document the search results with screenshots or printouts, including the date of verification.
8. Repeat the verification before major payments or project start dates.
9. Cross-reference the qualifying agents name with the person who will oversee daily work on site.
10. Confirm continuing education compliance appears current for the renewal cycle.

Tips for Homeowners

Request the license number directly from the contractor and verify it yourself. Do not rely solely on printed copies or verbal claims.

Keep records of your verification for any project. This protects you if issues arise later.

For large projects, consider confirming continuing education compliance or any disciplinary history through the same portal. Compare multiple contractors by reviewing their license details side by side. Match the license type precisely to avoid work performed outside authorized scopes.

Homeowners should also review local permitting requirements, as building departments may not issue permits to unlicensed contractors. This adds another layer of protection when planning home improvement projects. Local departments often require proof of the state license before issuing permits for work under Chapter 489.

When reviewing multiple bids, note any differences in license status or qualifying details and ask contractors to explain them. This comparison helps ensure all candidates meet the same baseline requirements for the specific job.