While hiring an unlicensed contractor may provide a quick fix in the short term, it could result in many serious and lasting consequences, including further damage to your property. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) receives varying cases of alleged unlicensed construction activity including those alleging substandard work not up to building code, instances of homeowners paying for a job that is not completed as well as contractors abandoning the project.
By hiring a licensed contractor like HW Automation, you will have peace of mind knowing that the project will be done by properly vetted employees with no criminal background who has taken the time to acquire the appropriate education and the proper workers’ compensation and/or liability insurance, and who possesses the necessary experience.
Tips for Hiring a Contractor:
• Before you hire a contractor, ask to see the state-issued license. Also, verify the license number with DBPR and check for any complaints.
• An occupational license does not qualify an individual to act as a contractor.
• Being registered with the Division of Corporations as an Inc. or LLC does not qualify an individual or company to act as a contractor.
• Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the work the contractor will do, the materials involved, the completion date and total cost.
• Beware of contractors who claim to be the fastest or the cheapest. Hiring them could result in poor workmanship, inferior materials or unfinished jobs.
• Check with your local building department for any local license requirements.
Contact DBPR
Customer Contact Center: 850-487-1395
Report Unlicensed Activity: 866-532-1440
www.MyFloridaLicense.com
Contractor Trades Requiring a State License:
Burglar Alarm Systems
Fire Alarm Systems
Access Control Systems
Audio/Video Distribution Systems
Home Theater Surround Sound
Movie Theaters
Smart Lighting
Smart Cameras
Home Networking
(to name a few)
Warning Signs a Contractor May Not Be Licensed
Unlicensed contractors often target the uninformed and inexperienced, as well as the elderly.
No license number in advertisement or posting. By law, contractors licensed by DBPR must include their license number in all advertising.
They want all or most of the money up front and will only accept cash. They may also want you to write the check to them individually or to “cash”.
They give a post office box address instead of a street address.
They show up in unmarked vehicles offering to do work and often have out-of-state tags.
They try to convince you a permit is not necessary or that it’s cheaper if you obtain it yourself.
How to Report Unlicensed Activity
Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Floridians are asked to report any suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by emailing ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1 (866) 532-1440.
HW Automation is a Licensed and Insured Contractor
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss with you all that your system is capable of from smart cameras, thermostats, and lighting to scene setup and rule making that will make living in your home that much more enjoyable for you and your family.
Imagine for example never having to turn your exterior lights, landscape lights, etc. on or off as your smart light switches know exactly when it is sunrise and sunset.
How about a smart smoke detector that tells a smart thermostat to shut off the air circulation when smoke is detected in the home?
Please do not hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our home technology consultants. We look forward to the discussion about how our technology can simplify your lifestyle.
Did I mention, it is all controlled from a single app. Your video doorbell, and all smart home devices controlled from a single app. It does not get more convenient than that!
We appreciate your consideration.
HWA Digital Brochure – CLICK BELOW LINK
HW Automation, Inc. | Office 954-322-0136
Fax 954-322-0137 | email: info@hwautomation.com
web address: www.hwautomation.com
State License # EF20000457