Is Contracting Without a License in Florida a Felony? What Homeowners Need to Know

Home improvement projects are exciting—but they also come with risk if the wrong person is hired. In Florida, homeowners are often surprised to learn that hiring an unlicensed contractor can expose them to serious legal, financial, and safety consequences. And in many cases, contracting without a license is more than just illegal—it can be a felony offense.

If you’ve recently discovered that the person who worked on your home isn’t licensed, or if you’re trying to protect yourself before starting a project, this guide explains everything you need to know.

Understanding Florida Law: When Is Unlicensed Contracting a Felony?

Under Florida Statute 489.127, performing contracting work without a proper Florida license is always illegal—but the severity of the crime depends on the circumstances.

❗ During a State of Emergency: It Is a Felony

When the Governor declares a state of emergency, unlicensed contracting automatically becomes a third-degree felony, including:

• Up to 5 years in prison

• Up to $5,000 in fines

• A permanent criminal record

  
  

After Hurricane Ian, for example, the state of emergency declared on September 24 (and extended through January 23, 2023) meant any unlicensed contracting during that period was a felony offense.

❗ Repeat Offenders: Also a Felony

Even outside a state of emergency, anyone with prior convictions for unlicensed contracting may be charged with a third-degree felony if they reoffend.

What About Handymen? Florida Law Applies to Them Too

Many homeowners don’t realize this, but handymen are extremely limited in the type of work they are legally permitted to perform in Florida.

A handyman cannot legally perform:

• Kitchen or bathroom remodeling

• Cabinet installation that requires altering structure or plumbing

• Any plumbing work

• Any electrical work

• Any HVAC-related work

• Any structural changes

• Any work requiring a permit

  
  

If a handyman performs any of the above tasks, they are legally considered an unlicensed contractor, and the same penalties apply—including felony charges during a state of emergency.

This is one of the biggest problem areas in Florida’s remodeling industry. Many handymen advertise “kitchen and bathroom remodeling” or “full home renovations,” but these are licensed contractor services. If they aren’t properly licensed, they are breaking the law, and the homeowner may be left holding the liability.

When Unlicensed Contracting Is a Misdemeanor

If there is no state of emergency and the individual has no prior offenses, unlicensed contracting is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying:

• Up to 1 year in jail

• Up to $1,000 in fines

• Potential restitution and administrative penalties

  
  

But legal charges are only the beginning—homeowners can face serious problems even if no one is prosecuted.

Why Homeowners Should Never Hire an Unlicensed Person (Including a Handyman Doing Restricted Work)

1. Your Insurance May Not Cover Damages

If work was performed by an unlicensed person, insurance companies may legally deny claims related to that work.

2. You May Be Liable for Injuries

Most unlicensed workers lack workers’ comp. If they get injured on your property, you could be held responsible.

3. Unlicensed Workers Cannot Pull Permits

This means:

• No required inspections

• Hidden safety hazards

• Potential fines

• Trouble selling the home later

• Costly “after-the-fact” permits

  
  

4. No Warranty or Legal Recourse

Unlicensed individuals cannot offer a legitimate warranty, and homeowners often have no legal recourse when the work fails.

5. Owner-Builder Permit Restrictions

If you are forced to pull your own permit to fix unlicensed work, Florida law states you cannot sell your home for one year after the permit is issued.

What To Do If an Unlicensed Person Already Completed Work

If you recently discovered that your project was done by someone unlicensed—or by a handyman doing work outside their legal scope—here are your options:

✔ 1. Contact a Licensed Engineering Firm

They can provide:

• Engineering reports

• Blueprints

• Structural assessments

  
  

✔ 2. Hire a Licensed Florida Contractor

A licensed contractor can:

• Evaluate the work

• Bring it up to code

• Pull an “after-the-fact” permit (when possible)

  
  

✔ 3. Contact Your Local Building Department

They will explain requirements for:

• Engineering documents

• Inspections

• Code compliance

• Corrective permitting

  
  

✔ 4. Report Unlicensed Activity if Needed

You may report violations to:

• Local law enforcement

• The Florida DBPR (Department of Business & Professional Regulation)

  
  

Protect Yourself and Your Home—Hire a Licensed Contractor

Florida’s licensing laws exist to protect homeowners from unsafe, unpermitted, or fraudulent work.

When you hire a licensed Florida contractor, you get:

• Proper permitting

• Code-compliant workmanship

• Valid insurance

• Warranty protection

• Legal accountability

• Peace of mind

  
  

Straight Line Home Repairs & Cabinets is proud to be a licensed, insured, and 5-star-rated contractor serving Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. We believe in doing things the right way—legally, professionally, and with integrity.

Need help fixing unlicensed work or starting a remodel the right way?

We’re here to help.

📞 Straight Line Home Repairs & Cabinets. Your trusted, licensed local contractor for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and custom cabinetry.