IMPORTANT NEWS...
Beat the Summer Heat and Only Use State-Licensed Pool and Air Conditioning Contractors
June 29, 2009
TALLAHASSEE—The Florida summer is in full swing, and it is hot! Many Florida consumers will be adding swimming pools and tuning up their air conditioning units to help beat the heat this summer. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is reminding consumers when making changes or improvements to their homes to use state-licensed contractors.
“In the rush to stay cool this summer, remember to check your pool and AC contractors license and references before signing a contract and work begins,” said DBPR Secretary Charles W. Drago. “Then go to MyFloridaLicense.com to ensure your contractor’s license is in good standing.”
Unlicensed contracting threatens the financial and personal safety of consumers, leaving them with little to no recourse. State-licensed pool and air conditioning professionals are also impacted by unlicensed activity. Unlicensed individuals often underbid licensed professionals, but they usually do not carry workers’ compensation or liability insurance, posing an increased threat to consumers and cutting out licensed professionals.
DBPR executes a three-tiered approach to combat unlicensed activity through education, prevention and enforcement. Here are some tips to help consumers protect themselves against unlicensed activity:
- Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
- Note the license number and verify that the license is current and in good standing. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
- Ask for references and check each one.
- Do not pay cash and be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.
- Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.
The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
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