RESOURCES
Demolish Contractor Fraud:
Consumer Tips
These tips can help ensure you’re working with a licensed, legitimate contractor and to avoid falling victim to a contractor scam.
Demolish Contractor Fraud:
Red Flags
Review these Red Flags to help protect yourself from potentially fraudulent contractors.
Don't Be A Victim! Prevent Contractor Fraud & Abuse
Helpful tips to reduce your chance of being victimized by a contractor looking to commit insurance fraud or scam you out of your money.
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FILE A COMPLAINT
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Contractors are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
To file a complaint for suspected unlicensed activity or other inappropriate actions by a contractor, contact DBPR:
- (850) 487-1395
- www.MyFloridaLicense.com
Department of Financial Services
For assistance with your insurance claim or to file a complaint against your insurance company, contact the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline:
- 1 (877) 693-5236
- www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/Consumers/NeedOurHelp
Report insurance fraud to the Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division:
- 1 (800) 378-0445
- www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/CID
Report suspected violation of workers’ compensation insurance requirements to the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Workers’ Compensation:
Local Building Permit Office
For information on required building permits and to file a complaint, contact your local building permitting office. This is typically overseen by county government.
CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY FUND
Florida’s Construction Recovery Fund offers reimbursement for monetary losses caused by certain acts of a licensed contractor or construction company.
To be eligible for recovery, you must have:
- Entered into a signed written contract with a licensed contractor for work on your home.
- Suffered a financial loss due to the contractor violating s. 489.129(1), Florida Statutes
- Received a final judgment or order of restitution against the contractor, financially responsible officer or business organization
Please note, you must specifically file a claim against the Construction Recovery Fund to be considered for reimbursement.
For more information on the Construction Recovery Fund or to file a claim:
- Construction Industry Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2215
- (850) 921-6593
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Florida Bar
Building a Home: Consumer Pamphlet - Information to assist homeowners to minimize legal problems that can arise during construction. This pamphlet generally covers selecting your contractor, construction contracts, construction liens, lien documents and payments to contractors.
Contact Your ICA
Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate
Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate
200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 413-5923
Email: YourFLVoice@MyFloridaCFO.com
