Building Construction Services

Consumer Information - Warning Signs

General Information - Unlicensed Contractors - Warning Signs
Home Solicitation Sales - Identifying Licensed Contractors - Before You Sign

Warning Signs That a Contractor is Unlicensed

  • Unlicensed contractors may request a large down payment in cash, or a check made out to cash prior to doing any work. They may even offer to drive you to the bank to obtain these funds.
  • Unlicensed contractors will ask you to obtain the permit or advise you that you don’t need a permit. If you would just call the County Building Department at (941) 743-1201 or 743-1202, the staff will be more than happy to advise you whether or not a permit is required for your particular job.
  • Unlicensed contractors often will not provide the consumer with a written contract or guarantee.
  • Unlicensed contractors will not have a valid contractor’s number on their contracts or advertisements, as required by state and county law.
  • Unlicensed contractors often want to do the construction work on weekends.
  • Unlicensed contractors may promise you a large discount if you sign up immediately.
  • Beware of a contractor who claims to have just completed a job down the street and has materials left over from that job who offers to do the work cheap.
  • Beware if the contractor has a post office address with no street address, or gives a local motel as his address.
  • Beware of people wanting to do a free home inspection. Always verify that they are a licensed contractor prior to allowing them to do such inspections.
  • Beware of people soliciting to do roof repair, asphalt or texture coating of driveways.
  • Beware of contractors who want to use your home as a demonstration model.
  • Unlicensed contractors usually do not carry general liability or worker’s compensation insurance.
  • Unlicensed contractors normally target the elderly, uninformed, young and inexperienced.
  • Unlicensed contractors normally use unmarked vans or trucks.

Often, unlicensed contractors will become abusive and threatening when you refuse to do business with them. CALL THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT IF THIS OCCURS 

Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda: 639-2101
Englewood: 475-9005
or if an emergency: 911

Call (941) 743-1210 if you are approached or suspect you are dealing with an unlicensed contractor.

Do not give a deposit or sign a contract until you have confirmed that the contractor is licensed. Ask the contractor to leave the contract with you and come back the next day. This gives you the time to look it over without being pressured or intimidated. Also, you can contact the Building Department if you suspect a possible problem or if you would like to check if the contractor has the proper license. The number to call is (941) 743-1262 or 743-1209.