This document is copy of one distributed by Community Development
and Environmental Services
Collier County Contractor Licensing
FIND OUT BEFORE
YOU LOSE OUT!
ARE YOU CONSIDERING REMODELING YOUR HOME, INSTALLING A POOL OR POOL CAGE,
BUILDING AN ADD1TION, HAVING MECHANICAL, ELECRICAL OR PLUMBING WORK DONE?
Then you need a licensed contractor.
Article III Chapter 22 of the Code of Laws and Ordinances for Collier
County and Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes require that contractors
be licensed. The Collier County Building and Review and Permitting
Department, Contractor licensing section regulates licensed contractors
and prosecutes unlicensed contractors. The Contract Licensing Section
can inform you whether your potential contractor is licensed and will
investigate any complaint you may have against a contractor.
UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR EARLY WARNING SIGNS:
Contractor displays only an occupational license. In order to lawfully
engage in contracting, a contractor must be State of Florida or Collier
County certified. Ask to see the contractor's certificate of competency
issued by the state or Collier County.
The contractor is only willing to work on weekends or after hours.
This is often a sign that the person is an employee who is moonlighting
without a license. Licensed contractors are fulltime professionals.
A large down payment is requested before work begins. Payments should
cntracLic.htmlonly be for a part of the work. In order to be licensed,
contractors must demonstrate sufficient financial ability to perform
the type of project for which the license is issued.
Many requests for money during early phases of construction. As stated
above, the contractor should be solvent.
You are asked to obtain the permit. A licensed contractor who is in
good standing will always obtain the permit; unlicensed contractors
cannot pull permits.
Verbal contract only; contractor is not willing to put all terms in
writing. This is always a sign of potential trouble.
The contractor does not have proof of insurance. Licensed contractors
must have general liability and workers' compensation insurance in
effect at all times.
You are informed that the job does not require a permit or an
inspection. Check with your local building official. Almost all
projects require a permit and an inspection. For jobs requiring a
permit, make sure the contractor asks you to sign the "Notice of
Commencement".
Someone other than the person or company contracting to do the work
obtains the permit. As previously stated, a licensed contractor who
is in good standing will obtain the permit.
You are asked to make your check payable to an individual's name it
should be made payable to a company), or asked to make payment in
cash or to make the check payable to "cash". Licensed contractors
will almost always have a separate business account.
Newspaper, advertising flyer or yellow page ads where only the
telephone number appears and there is not a business address.
Licensed contractors are required to include their certificate of
competency license number in all advertising. (This will be a 5-digit
number as opposed to a 6-digit number issued by the State)
No certificate of competency license number on the vehicle, business
cards, contracts, newspaper, advertising flyer or yellow page ads. As
stated above, a licensed contractor is proud to be licensed and will
want that fact known.
WATCH OUT
The biggest protection against unsafe, faulty construction work is
to make sure the contractor you hire has a license from either Collier
County or the State of Florida. By using licensed contractors you can
save yourself time, worry and money, and feel safe from injury. You
can also help by notifying the Contractor Licensing Section of
unlicensed contractor activity by calling (239) 213-2909.
A Public Information Service provided by
Community Development and Environmental Services
2800 N. Horseshoe
Naples, FL 34104
Phone (239) 213-2909
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