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1. How do I know if I am dealing with a reputable contractor?

• Verify that the Contractor is licensed. Florida Law requires that a General Contractor or Home Improvement Contractor be licensed.
• Verify that the Contractor is insured. State Law requires that they carry workers compensation insurance. Ask to see a certificate of insurance. You may also want to ask for references and be sure to check them all out.
• Make sure all agreements are in writing. Be sure to reduce all change orders or contract amendments to writing. Make sure the Contractor obtains all required building permits and pass the required code inspections. Before making the final payment be sure to obtain a certificate of completion or certificate of occupancy issued by the Building Department.

Many citizens in Florida have fallen victim to dishonest, unlicensed, or improperly licensed contractors. Florida Statute 489 requires all construction contractors to hold a valid contractor’s license prior to engaging in contracting. Always require that a contractor show you a valid contracting license before you sign a contract.

Some indications that a contractor may be unlicensed are:

• Contractor requests a large deposit or all the money up front before any work has commenced
• Contractor asks you to pull a homeowner permit
• Contractor pressures you to sign a contract today or they can’t give you this special price

To verify license of contractor, you may call the State of Florida Department of Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395. The City requires proof of license from contractors who pull permits for properties located in the City, so be sure to require that the contractor pull the permit in his name, not your name.

2. What types of work needs a building permit?

Section 104 of the Florida Building Code states: It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or move, remove, or demolish any building, structure, or any part thereof or any equipment, device, or facility therein or thereon, or to change Occupancy of a building from one use Group to another requiring greater strength, means of egress, fire and sanitary previsions; or to change to an unauthorized or prohibited use or to install or alter any equipment for which provisions is made or the installation of which is regulated by this code: without first having filed application and obtained a permit thereof, from the building Official, validated by payment thereof. Permits are required for any structural, window, and door replacement, electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work. If you have any questions on what requires a permit, please contact the Building Department at (386) 410-2800.

3. What if I have a permit and do not call for inspection?

Permits expire after 180 days if no required inspections have been approved. In order for a project to be complete, it must pass final inspections. In some cases, a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Occupancy may also be required. If a permit expires before final inspections, it becomes null and void, and the project is in violation of the Code. If this is your case, please call our office at (386) 410-2800. We will help you get the project back on track. Our main interest is seeing the project completed, including all final inspections and the protection of life and property.