LEGAL CORNER: LICENSES ARE NOT OPTIONAL

Florida, and Miami in particular, is filled to the rim with the Joe the plumber, Pierre the drywall installer, and Jose the roofer. However, many of them either don't have a required license or are working under an expired license.

These unlicensed contractors are often unqualified and uninsured, making contracting with one of them a dangerous, and potentially expensive, gamble.

This is why it is incumbent on you before hiring a contractor to verify that they are licensed to do what they are contracted for. You can do that by heading here and performing a search.

However, if for what ever reason you found yourself working with an unlicensed contractor through no fault of your own, remember that the law is on your side.

Under Florida law, work done by an unlicensed contractor may result in severe consequences, including but not limited to:

• The unlicensed contractor may not be able to collect money earned under the contract,

• The unlicensed contractor may not be able to use lien rights for nonpayment under the contract,

• The unlicensed contractor may be prosecuted for entering into an illegal contract,

• The unlicensed contractor may be liable for treble damages for any damages and injuries resulting from the work performed.

• The unlicensed contractor may receive a fine of up to $10,000

Note that most of these consequences apply against the unlicensed contractor, and generally do not limit the rights of an innocent party to enforce the contract.

Disclaimer: We are not lawyers, as such any Legal Information provided is not Legal Advice. For legal advice we urge you to speak with a lawyer.

IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH LEGAL INFORMATION.

Posted by: Eddie Ismail