Preventing Home Improvement Fraud in Tampa

By Florida Construction Specialists

Florida Construction Specialists helps property owners protect themselves from contractor fraud with guidance on verifying licenses, recognizing warning signs, and choosing reputable construction companies.

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Construction fraud costs Florida property owners millions of dollars annually. Unlicensed contractors, storm chasers, and outright scammers target homeowners and business owners—especially after hurricanes when urgent repairs create opportunities for exploitation. Florida Construction Specialists, a licensed and established Tampa Bay contractor, shares insights on protecting yourself from fraud and choosing reputable construction companies for your projects. Since 1982, Florida Construction Specialists has combined residential craftsmanship with commercial-grade engineering, backed by CBC license CBC1262722.

Fraud Increases After Storms

After hurricanes and major storms, fraud activity spikes dramatically. Scammers follow storms, going door-to-door offering "immediate" repairs. They collect deposits and disappear, or perform shoddy work that creates additional damage. Take extra caution when seeking post-storm repairs—verify everything before signing contracts or making payments.

Warning Signs of Contractor Fraud

Major Red Flags

Door-to-door solicitation after storms
High-pressure tactics to sign immediately
Demands for large cash deposits
Unwilling to provide license number
No physical business address

Other Warning Signs

Price far below other estimates
Only accepts cash payments
Suggests skipping building permits
Vague or verbal-only agreements
Out-of-state license plates on vehicles

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida law (Chapter 489, Florida Statutes) requires contractors to be licensed for most construction work. Understanding these requirements helps you verify legitimate contractors:

State Certified Contractors

State certification allows contractors to work anywhere in Florida:

• License numbers begin with "C" (e.g., CBC, CCC, CFC)
• Issued by Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Requires examination, experience, and financial responsibility
• Subject to state-level regulation and discipline
• Verify at myfloridalicense.com

Registered Contractors

Registered contractors have local jurisdiction licenses registered with the state:

• License numbers begin with "R" (e.g., RB, RG)
• Can only work in the jurisdiction that issued their local license
• Requirements set by local jurisdiction
• Must also verify local license status

License Categories

• GC/CGC: General Contractor
• BC/CBC: Building Contractor
• RC/CRC: Residential Contractor
• CC/CCC: Roofing Contractor

• EC/CEC: Electrical Contractor
• PC/CPC: Plumbing Contractor
• MC/CMC: Mechanical Contractor
• FC/CFC: Fire Protection Contractor

How to Verify a Contractor

Verify State License

Visit myfloridalicense.com and search for the contractor by name, business name, or license number. Confirm the license is active, check for disciplinary actions, and verify the license type covers your project scope.

Check Local Requirements

Some jurisdictions require local business licenses or occupational licenses in addition to state contractor licenses. Contact your local building department to verify any additional requirements.

Verify Insurance

Request certificates of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation. Call the insurance company to verify coverage is current. Inadequate insurance leaves you exposed to liability for injuries or damage.

Check References and Reviews

Ask for references and actually call them. Check online reviews on Google, BBB, and industry sites. Look for patterns—occasional complaints happen, but repeated issues indicate problems.

Get Multiple Estimates

Get at least three written estimates for comparison. Be suspicious of prices significantly higher or lower than others. Detailed estimates indicate professional operations.

Florida Consumer Protection Laws

Florida law provides specific protections for consumers hiring contractors:

Protection	Requirement	Statute Reference
Written Contracts	Required for projects over $2,500	§489.126, F.S.
Deposit Limits	10% or $1,000 max (whichever is less)	§501.137, F.S.
Lien Notices	Required disclosure in contracts	§713.015, F.S.
Permit Responsibility	Contractor responsible for required permits	§489.105, F.S.
Diversion of Funds	Criminal offense to divert construction funds	§713.35, F.S.

Signs of a Reputable Contractor

Professional Indicators

Valid, active state license
Physical office location
Years of established business
Professional website and materials
Positive online reviews and references

Business Practices

Detailed written contracts
Reasonable deposit terms
Pulls required permits
Carries proper insurance
Responds to questions professionally

If You've Been Defrauded

Steps to Take

1. Document everything: Photos, contracts, communications, payment records
2. Stop payments: Don't make additional payments to the contractor
3. File complaints:
- • Florida DBPR: myfloridalicense.com (licensed contractor complaints)
- • Local building department (unlicensed contracting)
- • Better Business Bureau: bbb.org
- • Florida Attorney General: myfloridalegal.com
4. Contact law enforcement: For theft or fraud, file a police report
5. Consult an attorney: For significant losses, legal action may be warranted
6. Contact your bank: If you paid by card, you may be able to dispute charges

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a contractor's license in Florida?

Verify Florida contractor licenses at myfloridalicense.com, the official Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website. Search by contractor name, business name, or license number. Verify the license is active, not expired or suspended. Check for any disciplinary actions. For local work, also verify any required local licenses or registrations. Don't accept verbal claims—verify independently.

What should a legitimate construction contract include?

Florida law requires written contracts for projects over $2,500. Contracts should include: full company name and license number, complete project scope and specifications, total price and payment schedule, estimated start and completion dates, permit responsibilities, warranty information, dispute resolution process, and required statutory notices about construction liens. Review contracts carefully before signing—legitimate contractors explain terms.

How much deposit should I pay a contractor?

Florida law limits deposits to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, unless the contractor has a payment/performance bond or provides certain financing. Be suspicious of contractors demanding large upfront payments. Progress payments should be tied to completed work. Never pay in full before completion. Final payment should be withheld until you're satisfied with the work and have necessary inspections.

What are warning signs of contractor fraud?

Warning signs include: door-to-door solicitation especially after storms, pressure to sign immediately, requests for large cash deposits, unwillingness to provide license information, no physical business address, significantly lower prices than competitors, reluctance to put things in writing, suggesting you skip permits, and negative reviews or complaints. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.

What should I do if I suspect contractor fraud?

Document everything: photos, contracts, communications, payments. Stop making payments. File complaints with Florida DBPR (for licensed contractor violations), local building department, Better Business Bureau, and Florida Attorney General (for consumer fraud). For significant losses, consult an attorney. Report the incident to help protect others. In active fraud cases, contact local law enforcement.

Work with a Trusted Tampa Contractor

Florida Construction Specialists is a licensed, insured, and established contractor serving Tampa Bay for decades. We operate transparently, with proper contracts, permits, and professional practices. Contact us for a free estimate from a contractor you can trust.