Unlicensed Contracting During Florida State of Emergency

Licensing rules still apply during state of emergency and penalties are more severe - no unlicensed contracting.

By Trent Cotney P.A.

Any person engaging in contracting services in the State of Florida must be currently registered, certified, or possess a certificate of authority through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). A violation of this requirement is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

The licensing rules still apply during a state of emergency; however, the penalty for performing unlicensed contracting services during one is more severe. Under Florida Statute 489.127, anyone providing unlicensed contracting services during a state of emergency commits a felony of the third degree.

We advise contractors to abstain from contracting if you do not have a license or if your license is not current with the DBPR.

For more advice on preparing for a Hurricane Matthew, the construction attorneys at Trent Cotney P.A. at 813.605.1389 or http://trentcotney.com.