From the Department of Business and Professional Regulation:

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is the agency charged with licensing and regulating businesses and professionals in the State of Florida. Our mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.

Unlicensed activity exists within various professions regulated by the department but is most commonly found in the construction and electrical trades. Unlicensed activity affects law-abiding, state-licensed professionals by taking away their business and causes personal and financial harm to consumers. Through our attempts to increase public awareness and by engaging in proactive enforcement, our department works to eliminate unlicensed activity.

• Some of the construction trades requiring a state license are: air-conditioning, building contractors, general contractors, electricians, plumbers, home inspectors, mold-related services, pool contractors and roofers.
• Before you hire a contractor, ask to see the state-issued license. Also, verify the license number with DBPR and check for any complaints. Check with your local building department for any local license and to verify whether a permit is required for the work being performed.
• Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the work the contractor will do, the materials involved, the completion date and total cost.

Unlicensed activity is against the law. The department urges you to report any suspected unlicensed activity by emailing ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1 (866) 532-1440.

For a complete list of the professions regulated by the department please visit our website at www.MyFloridaLicense.com.