The Anatomy of a Scam
Unlicensed contracting and permit fraud cost Florida residents millions of dollars annually. Fraudsters rely on urgency, ignorance of the law, and low prices to trap victims. If you experience ANY of the following red flags during the bidding or contract phase, terminate communications immediately.
Red Flag 1: "You Need to Pull the Permit as an Owner-Builder"
This is the most dangerous phrase in Florida real estate. When you pull an owner-builder permit, you are legally swearing an oath to the county that you are doing the work, or that you are supervising uncompensated labor. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit, they are doing it because they do not have the legal license required to pull it themselves. If a worker gets injured, or shoddy work causes structural failure, you are entirely legally and financially liable.
Red Flag 2: Requiring 50% or More Upfront
While a deposit is standard to secure materials and scheduling, a demand for half or more of the project value before a hammer swings is a massive warning sign of an undercapitalized business. Professional contractors usually operate on a deposit of 10-30%, followed by progress payments tied to specific, verifiable milestones (e.g., passing a rough electrical inspection).
Red Flag 3: Unmarked Vehicles and Cash Demands
Legitimate contractors run businesses. They have company accounts, branded trucks, and verifiable digital footprints. If your "contractor" demands to be paid in cash, refuses check or credit card, and operates out of an unmarked sedan—you are not dealing with a company. You are dealing with an individual avoiding taxes, liability, and paper trails.
Red Flag 4: High-Pressure "Today Only" Pricing
Scammers use high-pressure sales tactics to bypass your rational evaluation. "I have leftover materials from a nearby job" or "This discount expires when I walk out the door" are classic tactics. A legitimate DBPR-licensed professional provides a written estimate that remains valid for at least 30 days.
Always Trust the DBPR
No matter the excuse, if their Call Charlie profile says their DBPR license is Delinquent, Suspended, or Non-Existent—do not let them start demolition on your home.