Penalties for Working Without a License in Florida

1. Unlicensed contracting in Florida is a crime, with first offenses being a misdemeanor and further offenses being felonies.
2. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation can levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 for unlicensed contracting.
3. Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors are unenforceable in law or in equity.
4. Unlicensed contractors lose their construction lien rights and bond claims.
5. Consumers can receive treble damages in actions against unlicensed contractors resulting in injuries. 1. In Florida, courts have ordered unlicensed individuals to reimburse clients for money paid to them.
2. Courts have also ordered disgorgement of commission funds paid to unlicensed real estate brokers and restitution of funds paid to unlicensed construction contractors.
3. Unlicensed individuals holding themselves as contractors can be sued for unfair and deceptive trade practices, leading to potential attorney’s fees, fraud and punitive damages for the aggrieved party.
4. It is important for consumers to properly vet contractors before hiring them, including checking references, licensure, public records, permitting privileges, local licenses, and obtaining written contracts with a deposit no larger than 10%.

https://www.jimersonfirm.com/blog/2015/11/penalties-for-unlicensed-contracting-in-florida/