Escambia County Warns of Unlicensed Contractors Following Hurricane Isaias

Following storm damage caused by Hurricane Isaias, Escambia County is warning the public of unlicensed contractors and home repair scams when beginning to make repairs.

Florida law requires a contractor's license and workers' compensation insurance, and sets specific rules and guidelines for professional licensing, which are standards that protect Floridians from personal harm or financial loss. The liability for injuries to uninsured contractors could be devastating.

Tips for choosing a contractor:

• Ask to see their license and call the appropriate licensing agency: Escambia County Contractor Licensing Division at 850-595-3566 for a county license or DBPR for state license to verify the status and insurance.
• Look up a contractor's license number on MyEscambia.com or the DBPR Contractor Search.
• Ask for and verify references from past customers.
• Check with the local Better Business Bureau.
• Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Be sure that the estimate includes all work to be done by the contractor, the materials involved, date of completion and the total cost.
• Don't simply take the lowest bid. An abnormally low bid could lead to trouble later on.
• If the project is for repairing damage, check with your insurance company before you sign a contractor to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs.
• An occupational license is not sufficient in the construction trades.
• Beware of alleged contractors who ask to be paid in cash or ask for large payments up front.

Residents can quickly and easily verify a contractor's Business Tax Receipt through the Escambia County Tax Collector's website:

• Visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com
• Click Payment Center
• Select Business Tax Receipts
• Search by business name
• Verify that the business has a current, valid Business Tax Receipt

Verification is free and can provide an additional layer of protection when selecting a contractor for storm recovery work.

After you choose a contractor:

• Make sure your contractor obtains a permit and posts it on the front of the property.
• Once you're happy with the quote, get job details, costs and payment schedule in writing before signing the final contract.
• Schedule payments at various stages of completion so you're not paying for work that hasn't been finished or isn't to your liking.
• If the contractor requests a final payment before all final inspections are completed and the permit placard has been signed by the appropriate inspectors, request that your contractor obtains all final inspections prior to your final payment. However, you must abide by your contract.
• Keep records of all paperwork, including quotes from the contractor and receipts for completed work.
• Make sure your contractor provides you with releases of liens from his subcontractors and suppliers.

Before signing a contract, be certain your contract includes:

• The contractor's name, street address, telephone number and state or local license number.
• A precise description of the work to be completed, including a draw schedule and list of materials.
• Completion date, including cleanup after work is finished.
• Warranty agreements, including length, terms and recourse.
• A notice of consumers' rights under the Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund for contracts involving general, residential and building contractors.
• Read your contract carefully and personally fill in any blank spaces. Consider having an attorney review the contract. If you do not have an attorney, the Florida Bar offers lawyer referral services.

Beware of Fraudulent Contractors

• If you are planning to have work done that requires a building permit, take care to select a qualified person to perform the work. Under state and local ordinances, any person you hire under contract (verbal or written) to perform construction on your property must be a licensed contractor. The contractor must be state or county certified. All printed advertising material such as business cards or newspaper ads must show a state license number.
• Beware of anyone who asks you to obtain the building permit as an "owner/builder." This may indicate that they themselves are not properly licensed to obtain the permit.
• Beware of people who claim you will save money by not obtaining a permit. A permit will only lead to compliance with the appropriate building codes; these are only minimum requirements.
• Beware of anyone who makes a request for funds up front. Payment should only be for portions of work or services provided.
• Beware of someone who will not provide a contractor's license and only shows you a business license. Licensed contractors are required by law to include their license number in all advertising.
• Unlicensed contractors do not have insurance coverage. Any injury that occurs on your property will be a claim against your insurance.
• To verify the license of an individual contractor, please call the Escambia County Contractor Licensing Division at 850-595-3566.

Contractors can easily be verified by contacting the Building Inspections Department by email at [email protected] or calling 850-595-3566. Also, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation DBPR can verify licenses at myfloridalicense.com or call 850-487-1395.

Escambia County residents should report suspected unlicensed or unpermitted work by emailing [email protected] or by calling 850-595-3566.