Department of Business and Professional Regulation Press Release:

TALLAHASSEE—

Checking a contractor’s license is the best way consumers can protect themselves from unlicensed activity, and checking a contractor’s license online is now easier than before. The only information a consumer needs to check a contractor’s license online is the first and last name of the contractor; the name of the business is no longer necessary.

The 2009 Legislature eliminated the Qualified Business license for construction companies, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation has made Web enhancements to ensure consumers can easily check licenses online.

As of Oct. 1, the Construction Industry Licensing Board only licenses individuals as contractors to perform construction work pursuant to Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. In order to do business as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or any business entity other than a sole proprietorship, the contractor must be approved to qualify that business entity. The name of the approved business entity appears on the contractor’s individual license. Employees of licensed contractors are not required to have individual licenses; the contractor assumes responsibility for his or her employees’ work. If the contractor is operating as an individual without a business name, the word “Individual” will appear on the contractor’s license.

To verify that a contractor is licensed, all consumers will need to know is the contractor’s name.

• Visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

• Click on “Verify a License.”

• Select “Search by Name” and click “Search.”

• Enter the contractor’s last and first names.

• Select “License Category” and click “Constructions Industry.”

• Click “Search.”

• A list of licenses that match the individual name entered will be displayed. Click on each record to view the business name associated with that individual license.

The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.