Which licensed contractor fixes this?
Tick the work your code violation notice calls for. See the Florida license that usually does it, the DBPR codes to look for, who pulls each permit, and how to check a license before you hire. It runs in your browser, and nothing you tick is sent anywhere.
Florida · licenses checked against Chapter 489 F.S.
What does the notice say needs fixing?
Tick every item that applies, in any group. If your notice is about a lien or daily fines, tick the work behind the original violation.
Tick at least one item above, and the Florida license that usually does that work, the DBPR codes to look for and how to check a license appear here.
How this works
Florida licenses contractors by category. Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes sets out general, building and residential contractors, who can run a whole job, and trade contractors such as roofing, plumbing, air-conditioning, mechanical and pool/spa, each limited to its trade. Electrical contractors are licensed by a separate board under Part II of the same chapter. DBPR shows each license with a code, such as CBC for a certified building contractor or CCC for a certified roofing contractor.
Each item you tick is matched to the category that usually does that work, using the scopes in s. 489.105 and, for screen enclosures, shutters, siding and gutters, the specialty structure rule. A job that crosses trades shows every license involved, because a general, building or residential contractor has to subcontract trade work it isn't licensed for. Some work, such as mowing and debris removal, isn't a state-licensed trade at all, and the tool says so.
It runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent anywhere. It is general information about how code enforcement usually works in Florida, not legal advice. Your notice, your city or county’s code and the code office named on the notice are what count. For legal questions, talk to a Florida attorney.
Questions people ask
- What license does a contractor need to fix a code violation in Florida?
- It depends on the work. Structural and building work is usually done by a general, building or residential contractor; roof work by a roofing contractor; and electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning and pool work by a contractor licensed in that trade. Florida's contractor categories are set out in s. 489.105 of the Florida Statutes, and electrical contractors in s. 489.505. Your building department decides which license it accepts for each permit.
- How do I check a Florida contractor's license?
- Use the license search on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Search by license number or by name, then check that the name matches the company on your estimate, the license type matches the work, and the status shows the license is current and active. Florida law requires a contractor's license number on its proposals, bids, contracts and advertisements.
- What is the difference between a certified and a registered contractor?
- A certified contractor holds a state certificate of competency and may contract anywhere in Florida. A registered contractor met a local area's competency requirements and may contract only in the areas it was registered for. Both show on DBPR's license search.
- Can a general contractor do the roofing, electrical or plumbing work?
- Under s. 489.113(3), a general, building or residential contractor must subcontract electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming pool and air-conditioning work unless it also holds that trade's license. And under s. 489.113(3)(g), a general, building or residential contractor certified after 1973 can't act as a roofing contractor unless it is also certified or registered as one, apart from a narrow exception for shingle or shake roofing on a new building it built itself.
- Do I need a licensed contractor to clear an overgrown lot?
- Mowing, clearing brush and hauling debris aren't among Florida's state contractor categories, so there is no state contractor license to check. Some counties and cities may have local license or registration rules, and removing a tree often needs a city permit. Check with your city.
- Can I fix the violation myself?
- Florida law lets an owner act as their own contractor on their own one- or two-family home in some cases, with conditions, including direct, onsite supervision of any work not done by licensed contractors and a signed disclosure statement at the building department. Ask your building department whether it fits your case, and a Florida attorney for legal questions.
Other free tools
- Notice decoder: What does my notice mean?
- Deadline checker: How many days do I have?
- Permit checker: Do I need a permit?
- Florida Building Code lookup: Which part of the Florida Building Code covers my job?
- After-the-fact permit checklist: How do I permit work that's already done?
- Open & expired permit finder: Are there open or expired permits on my property?
- Lien search guide: Is there a lien on my property?
- Hearing prep checklist: What do I bring to my code hearing?
- Proof-of-compliance photo guide: What photos prove it's fixed?
- Pool barrier checker: Does my pool barrier meet Florida's rules?
- Property upkeep checklist: What would a code officer notice at my property?
- Selling with open violations or permits: What should I sort out before I list the house?
Have 360 Home Improvements look at it
360 Home Improvements is a licensed Florida contractor: Florida Certified Building Contractor CBC1267336 · Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1335340. Tell us what the notice says and request a free estimate for the work it calls for.