Some confuse the Sunbiz listing of corporations, DBAs and LLCs as a "license', it is NOT. It is just a legal registration for tax and liability purposes. Most construction trades are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and that is where you check out to see if a contractor is licensed and for what. Many counties and towns have local licensing ordinances. The Town of Lady Lake has recently began "licensing" tree cutters is an effort to protect their live oaks. A local license is NOT a state license. There is NO Florida license for many of the mon 'n pop type businesses we see in The Villages - like landscapers, lawn services, tree trimmers, driveway pavers or painters, etc. For a more complete list, contact Seniors Vs Crime. The only really important thing not already mentioned is a Release of Lien from you contractor from all Subs and suppliers - you really need to get this. DBPR has an excellent online brochure that explains a Release of Lien - worth a read if you are contemplating a big construction job.
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