Licensing matters more than you think in Florida
Florida bathroom remodeling involves plumbing, electrical, and sometimes structural work — all of which require licensed contractors. Hiring an unlicensed contractor for bathroom work in Florida exposes you to serious financial and legal risk.
Florida requires a Certified General Contractor or Certified Building Contractor license for full bathroom remodels. Plumbing work requires a Certified Plumbing Contractor. Electrical work requires a Certified Electrical Contractor. Verify all licenses at myfloridalicense.com before signing any contract.
How to verify Florida contractor licensing
- Go to myfloridalicense.com
- Click "Verify a License"
- Search by contractor name or license number
- Confirm license is active, in good standing, and covers the work you need
Red flags to watch for
- No physical Florida business address — legitimate contractors have established Florida operations
- Can't provide license number — ask for it upfront and verify before any discussion of pricing
- Suggests skipping permits — any Florida contractor who suggests skipping required permits is proposing illegal work
- Large upfront deposit required — be very cautious of contractors requiring more than 10-15% upfront before work begins
- No written contract — every Florida remodel should have a detailed written contract before work begins
- Can't provide proof of insurance — general liability and workers compensation are required
What a good bathroom remodel contract includes
- Detailed scope of work — specific materials, brands, and finishes
- Start and completion timeline
- Payment schedule tied to milestones, not calendar dates
- Who pulls permits and pays for them
- Change order process and pricing
- Warranty on labor and materials
- What happens if hidden damage (mold, rot) is discovered
Get 3 quotes from licensed contractors. Verify each license before meeting. Compare quotes on identical scope — make sure all three are quoting the same materials and finishes. The lowest quote is not always best if it omits items or uses inferior materials. Ask each contractor for references and actually call them.