How to File a Complaint Against a Florida Contractor

When Things Go Wrong: You Have Recourse

Hiring a contractor is an act of trust — you're inviting someone into your home and giving them money in exchange for professional work. When a contractor abandons a project, produces dangerous or defective work, violates the terms of your contract, or operates without a required license, Florida law gives you meaningful tools to fight back.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the state agency responsible for licensing and disciplining contractors. Filing a formal complaint with the DBPR is often the most effective action a homeowner can take — it triggers a state investigation, can result in real penalties for the contractor, and creates an official record that protects future homeowners.

This guide walks through the process step by step.

What Qualifies as a DBPR Complaint?

Not every contractor dispute warrants a state complaint — some issues are better resolved through small claims court or direct negotiation. DBPR complaints are most appropriate when a contractor has:

Performed work without a required license (unlicensed contracting)
Abandoned a project without justification after receiving payment
Failed to obtain required permits or have work inspected
Produced work that violates Florida Building Code (structural, electrical, plumbing defects)
Misrepresented their license status, scope, or qualifications
Violated contract terms in a material way (different materials, reduced scope)
Demanded unreasonable advance payments in violation of §489.126
Failed to apply for permits within 30 days after receiving an initial payment of more than 10% of the contract price on a residential project (§489.126)
Committed fraud or misrepresentation in connection with licensed activity

If the contractor is licensed, the DBPR has direct authority to discipline them under Florida Statute §489.129, which lists over 20 specific grounds for disciplinary action — from incompetence and negligence to fraud and unlicensed activity.

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

A well-documented complaint is far more likely to result in action than a vague one. Before filing, collect everything you have:

The written contract — essential. If the contractor gave you a written proposal or agreement, have it ready.
All payment records — checks, bank statements, credit card receipts, cash receipts. Document every dollar paid.
Written communications — texts, emails, voicemails. Screenshot text conversations and save them.
Photographs and videos — document the work performed (or the lack thereof), any defects, any damage, and the current state of the project. Date-stamp your photos.
The contractor's license number — look it up on FloridaContractorCheck to confirm the license number and current status.
Witness information — names of anyone who observed the work, the contractor's conduct, or the problems.
Expert assessments — if another licensed contractor evaluated the work and documented code violations or defects, get that in writing.
Permit records — check your county's building department online portal to see whether permits were actually pulled.

Step 2: File Your DBPR Complaint Online

The DBPR accepts complaints online at myfloridalicense.com. Navigate to "File a Complaint" and select the appropriate profession (Contractor). You can also submit complaints by mail or call the DBPR Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.

Your complaint should include:

Your contact information
The contractor's full name, business name, license number, and contact information
A clear, chronological narrative of what happened (dates, amounts, what was promised, what was delivered)
The specific violation(s) you believe occurred
Copies of supporting documentation (the online portal allows uploads)

Be specific and factual. Avoid emotional language — stick to who did what, when, and how it harmed you. A detailed, documented complaint is your most effective advocacy.

Step 3: Understand the Investigation Process

Once submitted, your complaint enters the DBPR's intake process. Here's what typically happens:

Intake review (2–4 weeks): DBPR staff review the complaint to determine if it falls within their jurisdiction. Complaints against unlicensed individuals are referred to the Unlicensed Activity (ULA) unit. Complaints against licensed contractors go to the Division of Professions.
Investigation (1–6 months): A DBPR investigator is assigned. They may contact you for additional information, interview the contractor, review permit records, and inspect the work if warranted. Complex cases involving construction defects often take longer.
Probable cause determination: If the investigation finds sufficient evidence, the case is forwarded to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) for probable cause review.
Formal complaint and hearing: If probable cause is found, a formal administrative complaint is filed. The contractor can settle (consent order) or request a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Complaints are generally confidential while under investigation. Once probable cause is found and a formal complaint is filed, the case becomes public record — searchable through the DBPR's online system. You can contact the DBPR for updates on your complaint's status.

What Disciplinary Actions Are Possible Under §489.129?

Florida Statute §489.129 authorizes the CILB to impose a range of penalties on licensed contractors found in violation:

Revocation of the contractor's license (permanent bar)
Suspension of the license for a defined period
Administrative fines up to $10,000 per violation
Probation with conditions (supervision, additional education)
Requirement to make restitution to the homeowner
Denial of license renewal
Letter of guidance or reprimand for less serious violations

Serious violations — abandonment after collecting substantial payment, fraudulent misrepresentation, unlicensed activity — can and do result in license revocation and referral to law enforcement for criminal charges.

The Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund

If a licensed contractor caused you financial harm, you may also be able to file a claim against the Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund (§§489.140–489.143). The fund compensates homeowners who suffered actual losses from licensed contractors for specific violations. Payment caps depend on when you signed the contract and the contractor's license type — for contracts signed on or after July 1, 2024, up to $100,000 per claim for general, building, and residential contractors, and up to $30,000 per claim for specialty contractors (older contracts have lower caps). A claim generally requires a court judgment, arbitration award, or CILB restitution order first — but this is a real financial recovery path that many homeowners don't know exists.

Contact the DBPR or a Florida construction attorney to understand your eligibility for Recovery Fund claims.

Filing Against an Unlicensed Contractor

If the contractor who harmed you was unlicensed, the DBPR still handles complaints — through the Unlicensed Activity (ULA) program operated by the Division of Regulation. Unlicensed contracting in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor (and can be elevated to a third-degree felony in some circumstances under §489.127).

For unlicensed contractor complaints:

File with the DBPR as described above
Also file a complaint with your local county or city building department
Consider filing a police report if money was taken and work not performed (this may constitute fraud or theft)
The Florida Attorney General's office also handles consumer fraud complaints at myfloridalegal.com

Your Civil Remedies Run in Parallel

Filing a DBPR complaint does not prevent you from pursuing civil legal action simultaneously. For disputes under $8,000, Florida small claims court is an accessible option. For larger amounts, consult a Florida construction litigation attorney. The DBPR complaint creates an official record and may result in findings that support your civil case.

Remember: under §489.128, an unlicensed contractor cannot enforce the contract against you — but you as the homeowner do not lose your claims. You may still pursue the contractor for breach of contract, fraud, negligence, or unjust enrichment. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.

Prevention Is Always Better

The best way to avoid the complaint process entirely is to verify contractor credentials before work begins. Use FloridaContractorCheck to confirm any contractor's license is Current, Active, and appropriate for your project. Check for prior disciplinary history. Require proof of insurance. And get everything in writing before the first nail is driven.

If you're at the stage of filing a complaint, we're sorry you're dealing with this. The DBPR process, while slow, does work — and your complaint protects the next homeowner too.

This article is general information, not legal advice. FloridaContractorCheck is not a law firm, and reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Statutes and dollar limits change; for advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney.