The State of Florida has some of the most strict consumer protection statutes in the country. We also have some of the most strict civil and criminal penalties against companies or individuals who are performing any trade or service that requires a license in Florida. What trades or services are required to be licensed in Florida? EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM.
The law statewide is pretty darn clear. If you pick up a hammer, patch a roof, change a window, replace a door….they need to be licensed. If you do repair work on a swimming pool, they need to be licensed. If a company quotes a job to do carpentry work or replace a water heater, they need to be licensed.
But the banks don’t. They call it “property preservation” or “property security” or (I love this one), “winterization” (how do you like that in Florida?)
So why is so much unlicensed contracting going on all across this state and why is this not being investigated?
Take a look at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website and see all the activities that need to be licensed. Keep in mind also, that most municipalities have their own construction licensing rules.
For all you licensed contractors out there that are losing out on work to unlicensed hacks, it’s time for you to stand up to the banks and protect your licensed trade.
For all you consumers out there, it’s time you demand that Florida’s consumer protection laws are complied with.
