Contractor Problems in Florida: Complaints and Your Options

Short answerIf a contractor job goes wrong in Florida, here is what we could confirm on official pages: where to file a complaint, contract and cancellation rules, liens on your home. Each item links to its source. Keep your contract, payments and photos.

Where to file a complaint

The Attorney General says you may complain to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395, and should file with the Attorney General's Office online or at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also takes complaints as the state's clearinghouse. Source

Contract and cancellation rules

The Attorney General says the contract should include the required buyer's right to cancel language, within 3 days. It also says Florida law requires a contractor who collects more than 10 percent of the contract up front to apply for a permit within 30 days and start work within 90 days. Source

Liens on your home

Suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor may place liens on your property. The Attorney General says to insist on lien releases from all subcontractors before final payment, and not to sign a certificate of completion until you are satisfied with the work. The page does not state notice deadlines. Source

This is general information, not legal advice. A topic we don't list means we couldn't confirm it on an official page, not that the protection doesn't exist.

Florida licensing and costs · All states

General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.