Florida contractor fraud is a real and common problem — especially after storms. If a contractor took your deposit and vanished, you have more options than you think. Here's the step-by-step process to get your money back.
You hired a contractor. You paid a deposit. Maybe a big one. They showed up, maybe did a little work, then stopped returning calls. Stopped showing up. Eventually stopped responding entirely.
This happens in Florida more than it should. After every major hurricane, it spikes dramatically. And most homeowners who find themselves in this situation feel helpless.
You're not. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Verify Their License Status
Go to myfloridalicense.com right now and search for the contractor by name and company. You're looking for a few things:
- Is the license active?
- Is the license the right type for the work they were doing?
- Are there any complaints, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions on record?
If the contractor isn't licensed — or their license was suspended — you now have additional legal avenues available that apply specifically to unlicensed contractors.
Step 2: Send a Formal Demand Letter
Before filing complaints or pursuing legal action, send a written demand letter. This establishes a clear record that you gave the contractor an opportunity to make things right.
Your demand letter should include: - Your name and property address - The contractor's name, company name, and license number - A description of the work contracted and the amount paid - A description of what was not completed or not done correctly - A specific demand for either completion of the work or return of funds within a specified timeframe (10–14 business days is reasonable) - A statement that failure to respond will result in a DBPR complaint and civil action
Send it via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep a copy of everything.
This approach works. We helped a homeowner in Pasco County recover their full deposit from a contractor who had done nothing for six months — within 48 hours of the demand letter being received. The letter cited specific Florida statutes and referenced DBPR's enforcement authority. The contractor knew the consequences and responded immediately.
Step 3: File a DBPR Complaint
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the licensing authority for Florida contractors. When a licensed contractor takes money and doesn't perform, they've violated their licensing obligations.
File your complaint at myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/complaints.
You'll need: - The contractor's name, company, and license number - Documentation of the contract (written or email) - Proof of payment (receipts, canceled checks, bank statements) - A description of what was contracted and what wasn't delivered
DBPR complaints are serious. A licensed contractor with a DBPR complaint has their license at risk. This creates significant leverage — many contractors respond quickly once a formal complaint is filed.
Step 4: File a Claim Against Their Bond
Licensed Florida contractors are required to carry a contractor's license bond. If the contractor failed to complete contracted work or abandoned the job, you may have a claim against that bond.
Contact the bonding company directly. The DBPR license lookup will show the bonding company associated with the contractor's license. File a claim describing the situation and providing documentation.
Bond claims are paid out of the bond proceeds, not the contractor's personal funds — which means you may be able to recover even if the contractor has no money.
Step 5: Florida's Construction Industries Recovery Fund
If the contractor is licensed and bond recovery isn't sufficient, Florida's Construction Industries Recovery Fund may be available. This state-administered fund can provide compensation to homeowners harmed by licensed Florida contractors — up to $50,000 per claim.
You must have exhausted other recovery options first (judgment, bond claim) before the Recovery Fund pays out. But it's a meaningful safety net that most homeowners don't know exists.
Contact DBPR for details on the Recovery Fund application process.
Step 6: Small Claims or Civil Court
For amounts up to $8,000, Florida Small Claims Court is a practical option — filing fees are low, attorneys aren't required, and the process is designed for exactly this kind of dispute.
For larger amounts, circuit court is the appropriate venue, and you'll likely want an attorney. A contractor attorney in Florida can advise you on your options and draft the necessary filings.
If you obtain a civil judgment against the contractor, you can use it to garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and put liens on any property they own in Florida.
If the Contractor Was Unlicensed
Unlicensed contracting in Florida is a crime — specifically, a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a third-degree felony for repeat offenders. If the contractor who took your money wasn't licensed, report them to:
- DBPR (unlicensed activity division)
- Your local state attorney's office
- The Florida Attorney General's office (consumer protection division)
The criminal route doesn't directly get your money back, but it creates serious consequences for the contractor and may motivate them to resolve the civil matter with you.
Protect Yourself Going Forward
The pattern of contractor fraud in Florida is well-established: large upfront deposit, minimal or no work, disappears. To avoid it:
- Never pay more than 10% or $1,000 upfront (whichever is less) — this is actually a Florida statutory limit for certain residential contracts
- Verify every contractor's license before signing anything
- Get everything in writing: scope, timeline, payment schedule, what happens if they don't perform
- Pay by check or credit card — never cash — so you have a paper trail
The Bottom Line
Getting defrauded by a contractor in Florida is infuriating. But you're not powerless. Between DBPR complaints, bond claims, the Recovery Fund, and civil court, there are real mechanisms to get your money back.
Start immediately. Document everything. And don't let the contractor disappear without consequence.
Questions about your specific situation? We're licensed Florida contractors — not a call center. Book a free 15-minute call and get a straight answer.
Questions About Your Situation?
We're licensed Florida contractors — not a call center.
Book a free 15-minute call and get a straight answer about your specific situation.