Florida guide
How to avoid fake contractors in Florida
If you've been burned by someone who took a deposit and disappeared, you're not alone. Here's how to protect yourself on the next job — and how TradeRunner helps.
Check the license before any money changes hands
Florida licenses construction contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can look up any license for free at myfloridalicense.com.
Make sure the name on the license matches the person or company you're talking to, and that the license is current.
Red flags
Asking for most of the money up front, cash only, no written estimate, no business name, or pressure to decide today.
Doing contracting work without a license is illegal in Florida, and unlicensed work can leave you without the protections licensed work carries.
How TradeRunner protects you
Post your job free. Only contractors whose Florida DBPR license and photo ID match can respond.
No more than 4 contractors can contact you, your phone and address stay private until you choose to share them, and you message pros inside the app with email notifications.
Your job comes off the map after 5 days, so you're never flooded with calls.
Post your job free. Only license- and ID-checked Florida pros can respond.
Post a free job on the mapBuilt by a craftsman, for the trades — traderunnerhub.com