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Unlicensed Contractors

How to Protect Yourself
Protect yourself by avoiding unlicensed contractors. Volusia County is committed to protecting its residents from unlicensed contractor activities and scams. Volusia County has adopted an ordinance, which enables the county's staff to write citations imposing fines against violators in the un-incorporated area of Volusia County. Working without the proper license is against the law. Be aware of what can happen if you hire an unlicensed contractor. If the work is not done to code or workmanship standards there is no recourse against the unlicensed contractor, other than through the civil courts. Contractor license information can be located on this Web Site.  Unlicensed activity reports can be found at the DPBR web site.

A Handyman is not a licensed contractor and cannot obtain building permits. If you want to find out if an individual is properly licensed, please call Volusia County Contractor Licensing at (386) 736-5957 Option 2.

Early Warning Signs of an Unlicensed Contractor

  • A large down payment is requested before work begins.
  • Many requests for money during early phases of construction.
  • You, as the homeowner, are asked to obtain the permit.
  • Verbal contract only, the person is not willing to put all terms in writing.
  • The contractor does not have proof of insurance.
  • You are informed that the job does not require a permit or inspection. (You can always call the Volusia County Permit Center at (386) 736-5929 to verify if a permit is actually required.)
  • The contractor is only willing to work on weekends or after hours.
  • Someone other than the person or company contracting to do the work obtains the permit.
  • Contractor displays only an occupational license. (An occupation license is not a license to perform contracting work.)
  • You are asked to make checks payable to an individual when the contract is with a company, or asked to make payments in cash, or to make the check payable to "cash".
  • Newspaper/flyers or yellow page ads where only the telephone number appears and there is not a business address.
  • License numbers are not on the vehicle, business cards, contracts, flyers, newspaper or yellow page advertisements.

You, the homeowner, can also ASK QUESTIONS

  • Ask what type of license they have. The license should be issued from Volusia County or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
  • Ask to see a copy of their license. In order to lawfully engage in contracting, a contractor must be either State Registered or State Certified, or Locally Licensed.
  • Ask for a copy of their liability and workman's compensation exemption or insurance. Licensed contractors must have general liability and workers compensation exemption or have insurance in force at all times.

Remember an occupational license or handyman license is not a license to perform contracting work. If in doubt, you can always call us at (386) 736-5957, Option 2. Contractor license information can be located on this Web Site.

Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors face several potentially costly penalties. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation can issue an order to stop construction and can levy a $5,000.00 fine for aiding and abetting unlicensed contractors.

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Volusia County, Florida.