How to check a Florida contractor license (in about two minutes)

Florida makes this genuinely easy: every state-issued contractor license is public record, searchable in under two minutes. Before any significant job — roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural work — run the check.

The two-minute check

1. Go to the DBPR license portal at myfloridalicense.com and choose "Verify a License."
2. Search by name, business name, or license number (a pro will give you the number without hesitation — hesitation is itself information).
3. Read three things: the status, the expiration date, and any discipline history.

Decoding the statuses

• Current, Active — good to go.
• Current, Inactive — the license exists but the holder isn't practicing under it. Ask why.
• Delinquent / Expired — not authorized for licensed work. Walk.
• Null and Void / Revoked — walk faster.

What actually requires a license in Florida

Structural, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and pool construction work require state licensure. Handyman-scope work (assembly, minor repairs, painting, most cosmetic jobs) generally doesn't — which is legitimate, just know which kind of job yours is. County-level competency licenses also exist for some trades.

Two red flags worth walking away from

1. "We'll pull the permit later" or "you pull it as the homeowner." Owner-pulled permits shift liability onto you.
2. A license number that belongs to someone else. "Qualifying" arrangements exist legally, but a name mismatch you can't explain is a classic scheme.

On our listings, where state license data is shown it's cited to the record we pulled it from with an access date — and we say this on every profile: verify independently. Records change, and two minutes is cheap insurance. Browse licensed pros near you or read how our directory works.