Contractors and Repair Shops in Florida
Licensing, written contracts, deposits and estimates for home improvement contractors and auto repair shops in Florida.
Short answer: A contractor (licensed or not) who receives an initial payment of more than 10 percent of the contract price for repair, improvement or construction of residential property must apply for any needed permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after permits issue, unless there is… Fla. Stat. § 489.126
| Home improvement contractors | A contractor (licensed or not) who receives an initial payment of more than 10 percent of the contract price for repair, improvement or construction of residential property must apply for any needed permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after permits issue, unless there is just cause or the owner agreed in writing to a longer period. If not, the owner may send a written demand by certified mail to apply for permits, start work, or refund the payment; failing to do so within 30 days of the demand allows an inference of no just cause. Construction contractors are licensed under Fla. Stat. chapter 489; the licensing requirements were not separately reviewed. Source: Fla. Stat. § 489.126 |
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| Auto repair rules | If repair work will cost more than $150, a motor vehicle repair shop must give a written estimate before doing any diagnostic or repair work (the customer can sign a form waiving it), including the estimated cost, completion date, and a choice on whether replaced parts should be saved for inspection or return. The shop must notify the customer and get oral or written authorization before charging more than the estimate by $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater (but not more than $50). The shop may not keep the car because the customer refuses to pay for unauthorized repairs, and must give an itemized invoice identifying used, rebuilt or reconditioned parts. |
Where to get help in Florida
- Florida Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division (complaints also handled by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
- File a complaint or claim
More Florida consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Florida
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Florida
- Filing a Consumer Complaint in Florida
- All Florida consumer protection rules
FAQ
What are the rules for home improvement contractors in Florida?
A contractor (licensed or not) who receives an initial payment of more than 10 percent of the contract price for repair, improvement or construction of residential property must apply for any needed permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after permits issue, unless there is just cause or the owner agreed in writing to a longer period. If not, the owner may send a written demand by certified mail to apply for permits, start work, or refund the payment; failing to do so within 30 days of the demand allows an inference of no just cause.
What are your rights with an auto repair shop in Florida?
If repair work will cost more than $150, a motor vehicle repair shop must give a written estimate before doing any diagnostic or repair work (the customer can sign a form waiving it), including the estimated cost, completion date, and a choice on whether replaced parts should be saved for inspection or return. The shop must notify the customer and get oral or written authorization before charging more than the estimate by $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater (but not more than $50). The shop may not keep the car because the customer refuses to pay for unauthorized repairs, and must give an itemized invoice identifying used, rebuilt or reconditioned parts.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.