Florida does not require contractors to carry a card in their pocket proving they're licensed. That means the burden falls on you to verify — before anyone signs a contract or breaks ground. Duval County's construction boom has drawn a wave of out-of-state operators, some of whom are not licensed to work in Florida. The lookup itself takes about two minutes. Skipping it can cost you tens of thousands.

Abstract plans and blank clipboard on a kitchen renovation worktable
Editorial illustrationAn unoccupied planning table represents the records and project context gathered before checking a contractor's state license.

Step 1: Go to the Florida DBPR License Verification Portal

Navigate to myfloridalicense.com and click "Verify a License" in the top navigation. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) maintains the official state database for all licensed contractors, including Certified General Contractors (CGC), Certified Building Contractors (CBC), and Registered contractors who are licensed only for a specific county. You do not need to create an account. The search is public and free.

Step 2: Search by Name or License Number

You can search by the contractor's name, business name, or license number. If a contractor has given you a license number (it will begin with CGC, CBC, CRC, or similar prefix depending on the license type), enter it directly — that is the fastest path. If you only have a name, search by last name and narrow using the city or county filter. For Jacksonville-area contractors, filter by "Duval" to reduce noise. The results page will show all matching records with license type, status, and expiration date.

Blank certificate, binder, hardhat, and metal framing samples on a review table
Editorial illustrationBlank qualification records are reviewed field by field because license type, status, and expiration each carry a different meaning.

Step 3: Read the License Status Fields

The results page displays several fields that matter: License Number, License Type, Status, and Expiration Date. "Current, Active" is what you want to see. You may also see "Current, Inactive" (the license exists but the contractor has placed it on hold — they cannot legally work under it), "Delinquent" (renewal fees are past due), or "Null and Void." Any status other than "Current, Active" means the contractor cannot legally pull permits or self-perform work in Florida.

Step 4: Check Active vs. Delinquent Status Carefully

A delinquent license is not automatically suspended, but a contractor operating under a delinquent license is violating Florida Statute 489. If a license shows "Delinquent," ask the contractor to show you a renewed certificate before you proceed. Do not accept verbal assurances. Renewal status updates in the DBPR system within 3 to 5 business days of payment, so if they claim they just renewed, ask them to wait until the system reflects it.

Blank contractor files, hardhat, safety glasses, level, and tablet on a jobsite desk
Editorial illustrationLicense records and insurance documents belong in separate checks before a contractor is approved to begin work.

Step 5: Verify Insurance Separately

The DBPR database confirms a license exists but does not verify current insurance coverage. A general contractor in Florida is required to carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation (or a valid exemption). Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming you as an additional insured, and call the insurance carrier directly to confirm the policy is active and not cancelled. Workers' compensation exemptions are searchable at the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation website at apps8.fldfs.com.

Step 6: What to Do If a License Is Expired or Fake

If the DBPR search returns no results, or shows a status other than active, do not hire that contractor. File a complaint directly with the DBPR at myfloridalicense.com — unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida under Statute 489.127. You can also contact the Duval County Building Inspection Division at (904) 255-8500. If a project is already underway and you discover the contractor is unlicensed, stop work immediately and consult a construction attorney before releasing any additional payment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I actually check if a contractor's Florida license is real?
Go to myfloridalicense.com and click Verify a License. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation maintains the public database for every licensed contractor, the search is free, takes about two minutes, and you do not need to create an account.
The contractor's license shows as delinquent, is that the same as expired or fake?
Not the same, but still a problem. A delinquent license means renewal fees are past due, it is not automatically suspended, but a contractor operating under it is violating Florida Statute 489. Ask to see a renewed certificate before proceeding, and do not take a verbal claim of having just renewed at face value since DBPR status updates take 3 to 5 business days after payment.
The license check came back clean, am I good to sign the contract?
The license check only confirms the license exists, it does not verify current insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured and call the carrier directly to confirm the policy is active, and check workers' compensation exemption status separately at the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation site, since that is a different database from DBPR.