Being kind and charitable is something to be celebrated, however we must all be aware that any construction service offered to you “free of charge” either by friends, neighbors, family members, contractors, charitable organizations, or others, will most likely require proper licensing, permitting and inspections. Whether building a new office space, constructing an accessibility ramp or replacing a roof, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) encourages Floridians to verify the professional licenses of anyone you hire to work on your property.

Helpful tips:

• Ask to see the contractor’s license. The license should be issued from Okeechobee County or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The license will have the contractor’s name, license number, address and specialty.
• Ask for copies of the contractor’s general liability and workers’ compensation insurance policies.
• Ask for a written estimate from several licensed contractors. License numbers are required to be printed on the estimate and/or invoice.
• Make sure that the entire scope of work for the job is written and detailed in the contract.
• Most jobs require a license, building permit and inspections. When in doubt, please contact the Okeechobee County Building Department at (863) 763-5548 for a complete list of licensed contractors and a list of work that requires permits.
• Just because a construction service is offered to you “free of charge” does not necessarily mean you are exempt from the licensing, permitting and/or inspection requirements set forth by the State of Florida and Okeechobee County.
• Ask for references.
• Keep copies of contracts, cancelled checks, receipts, and photos of the work.
• A Business Tax Receipt is not a license to perform contracting work.
• Avoid solicitation from contractors on social media.

Before entering into a contract or working with a professional, ask to see their license or license number and verify it at www.myforidalicense.com. If you encounter unlicensed activity, you are encouraged to report it by calling the unlicensed activity hotline a 1-866-532-1440, using the mobile app or filing a complaint at www.myfloridalicense.com. You can also contact the Okeechobee County Building Department at (863) 763-5548.