Construction Law
It is Dangerous to Contract Without a License Part 1
Our Tampa construction attorneys know how tempting in can be to pursue work even though you may not have secured your contractor’s license with the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). However, we strongly advise against contracting without a license because anything could go wrong. Uncertainty is sometimes the climate in the construction industry. We will tell you why a contractor’s license is vital in this two-part series.
What is Contracting Without a License?
When you engage in the business of construction without obtaining the proper licensure and proceed to construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from or improve a structure under the guise of “contractor,” you are committing an illegal act. For a complete explanation of what is considered to be contracting without a license, read Florida Statutes, Section 489. As always, feel free to consult with a Tampa construction lawyer that understands Florida licensing regulations as it pertains to contractors.
Reasons You Shouldn’t Contract Without a License
It’s tempting to pursue a construction project when the price is right, but you have much more to lose than you have to gain when you contract without a license. The first reason to avoid contracting without a license is the possibility of criminal charges. In Florida, unlicensed contractors can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony and can serve jail time and/or be fined. Legally, an owner is not obligated to pay someone that does not hold a license. In fact, you really do not have any contract rights if you do not hold a license. Unfortunately, you can still be held liable for poor workmanship or incomplete work. A lack of lien rights is another reason to avoid the unlicensed contracting trap.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.