Why hire a licensed pool contractor to build your pool or make any repairs?
- The state of Florida requires a license to build or repair pools; you can confirm licenses and read information on licensing at www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
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- A licensed person has the required education, experience, insurance and qualifications to obtain a license. They must pass a competency examination before practicing.
- Licensed individuals are screened for prior criminal history.
- The department can discipline and even revoke a license if the person does not live up to professional standards. This is a not a total safeguard, but is a strong incentive for the licensee to do good work.
- You may be able to sue the licensee in civil court for problems related to the work done.
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- Non-licensed contractors may not be insured, leaving you liable for any injuries or damages. There may be little recourse if you have issues with non-licensed contractors since the state isn’t governing their actions.
See what a contractors’ license looks like and other certificates that are NOT licenses. An occupational license / business tax ID is not a contractors license. A CPO or CPT certificate is not a contractors’ license.
Non-licensed contractors performing work which requires a license can be reported to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Call the DBPR’s toll-free hotline 866-532-1440 or e-mail ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us (report is forwarded to local office / investigator). A list of regulation offices can be found at www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/reg/contact.html
Download the DBPR app to make reports quickly and easily.
Types of Licenses
There are four swimming pool contractor licenses. More detailed descriptions can be found here.
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- Commercial pool/spa contractor: They can repair, build/install and service residential and commercial pools and spas.
- Residential pool/spa contractor: They can repair, build/install and service residential pools and spas (not commercial).
- Swimming pool/spa servicing contractor: They can repair and service (not build) commercial and residential pools and spas.
- Residential pool/spa servicing specialty contractor: They can repair and service (not build) residential pools and spas (not commercial).
Here is a contractor’s license. Scroll down to see other items that are NOT licenses!