Deposit on contract
If you are signing a contract with a contractor, make sure the payment is made to the company that is listed on the contract.
The name on the contract should match the license number that is registered with your local building department at Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
To verify the name and number match the correct company, search the license or name at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/
If a company is listed as a DBA (Doing Business As) that company should also be listed at DBPR.
Never pay the full amount of a repair up front and hesitate before providing large deposits.
Florida law requires a contractor to apply for a permit within 30 days and start work within 90 days if he collects more than 10 percent of the contract up front.
Click here to see the Florida Statute: