Choosing the Right Contractor in Florida’s New Landscape

If there’s one decision that sets the tone for every renovation or new build, it’s choosing the right contractor. Materials can be swapped out, floor plans adjusted, and even designs reimagined—but the contractor you choose will determine whether the project feels like an adventure or a nightmare.

When I was just starting out in Massachusetts, I learned this the hard way. Working my way through college swinging a hammer for a residential general contractor, I saw firsthand how the best projects ran smoothly not because everything went perfectly, but because the contractor was steady, communicative, and respected both the client and the crew. That lesson has stayed with me through every home I’ve built or renovated since.

The problem is that most homeowners—especially those new to Florida—don’t know how to evaluate contractors. It’s tempting to go with the lowest bid or the friend of a friend, but those are exactly the shortcuts that lead to disaster. A too-good-to-be-true bid often signals corner-cutting. A “favor hire” might lack the skill set for your project. And here in Florida, the licensing picture just got even more complicated.

On July 1, 2025, Florida’s Senate Bill 1142 took effect, phasing out local licensing for 24 specialty trades in Collier County. That means vendors in trades like painting, tile and marble, floor covering, and even cabinetry no longer need a county-issued license to operate. In theory, the change was about simplifying and standardizing rules statewide. In practice, it shifts the burden to homeowners to separate the professionals from the pretenders.

Here’s the danger: a painter or tile installer you hire on Marco Island may now be operating without any local license, training requirement, or oversight.

So how do you protect yourself? Think of this as the first step in avoiding the “hidden dangers” this series will explore.

1. Check state credentials.

If the work goes beyond the deregulated trades, confirm the contractor holds the proper state-issued license. Don’t just take their word—verify it online.

To search using the contractor’s individual name:

• Visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com
• Click on “Verify a License”
• Select “Search by Name” and click “Search”
• Enter the contractor’s first and last names and click “Search”
• A list of licenses that match the individual name that you entered will be displayed. Click on each record to view the business name associated with that individual license.

To search using the name of the business:

• Visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com
• Click on “Verify a License”
• Select “Search by Name” and click “Search”
• Enter the name of the business in the line labeled “Organization/Establishment Name” and click “Search”
• A list of licenses that match the business name you entered will be displayed. This list will include the individual contractors that qualify the business entity you are verifying. You should then repeat these steps to perform a license verification check using the contractor’s individual name to ensure that the contractor properly qualifies the business entity. Click on each record to view the name of the licensee as well as the business name associated with that individual license.

2. Push past the “safe” references.

Contractors will naturally point you to clients they know will speak well of them. Instead, ask for someone in your neighborhood or nearby. It’s harder to control the narrative when you narrow the geography. Drive by their projects, see the workmanship yourself, and don’t be afraid to knock on a door.

3. Ask around.

Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools. Mention the contractor’s name to neighbors, friends, your pickleball group or even your HOA Facebook group. The most revealing feedback is often unsolicited.

4. Review the contract carefully.

Boilerplate language always favors the contractor. Florida’s environment makes it even more important to push for specifics:

• Timing and penalties. If your build is promised in 10 months, don’t accept open-ended timelines. Add consequences for delays. For example, ask for a price reduction for each month after 12 months. A reasonable pad, like twenty percent, should be acceptable if they really believe the timeline. My “10-month” build turned into two years—don’t let that happen to you.
• Quality of materials. Require brand names or clear specifications. “Windows” can mean anything from premium Pella to bargain-bin vinyl.
• Lien releases. In Florida, you can pay your general contractor in full and still face a lien from unpaid subcontractors. Protect yourself by requiring signed lien releases with every payment.

5. Look for fit.

Skills and licenses matter, but so does communication. You’ll be in constant contact for months. If a contractor dodges tough questions or glosses over details now, expect more of the same when problems arise.

The bottom line: Florida’s new law doesn’t mean you can’t find excellent painters, tile installers, or landscapers. It just means no one is vetting them for you. The right contractor builds more than your project—they build your trust in the process. In a state where too many newcomers have stories of being taken advantage of, that trust is priceless.