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How to check a Florida vendor's license before you hire

Use DBPR, DFS and FDACS lookups to confirm contractors, insurance agents and pest-control applicators are properly licensed.

General information for Florida associations. This isn't legal advice. Check your governing documents and ask your association's attorney about your situation. Last reviewed October 2026.

Checking a license takes a few minutes. It can save your association from an unenforceable contract, an uninsured injury, or a job that has to be redone.

Contractors and many professions: DBPR

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses construction contractors (general, roofing, pool/spa, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and more), along with many professions. Search by name or license number at MyFloridaLicense.com.

  • Confirm the license is current and active, and that the license type covers the work. A pool contractor license doesn't cover roofing.
  • Note the qualifying agent for a business. Under Florida law, a business is treated as unlicensed if it lacks a qualifying agent for the scope of work.
  • Check for disciplinary history shown on the record.

Why it matters: under section 489.128, Florida Statutes, contracts entered into by an unlicensed contractor are unenforceable by that contractor. Avoid the dispute in the first place by hiring licensed contractors where a state license is required.

Some trades are licensed locally (by county or city) rather than by the state. If a DBPR search finds nothing, ask the vendor which license applies and check with your county's licensing office.

Insurance agents: Florida DFS

Insurance agents and agencies are licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Use the DFS licensee search to confirm the agent's license and the lines they're authorized to sell.

Pest control and lawn chemicals: FDACS

Commercial pest control businesses, including lawn and ornamental pest control, are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Chapter 482. If your landscaper applies fertilizer or pesticides, ask who holds the license.

Always also ask for

  • A certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation or a valid exemption), with the association named as additional insured where appropriate.
  • A W-9 and the exact legal business name, so it matches the contract and license.
  • References from similar Florida communities.

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