Go to myfloridalicense.com, select “Verify a License,” and enter the contractor’s name or license number. Confirm the status reads “Current Active” and the license category covers demolition. This takes two minutes and protects you from unlicensed crews who cannot legally pull a Broward County permit.
What License Category Covers Demolition Work in Florida?
Florida DBPR issues standalone demolition contractor licenses under the contractor licensing division. Some certified general contractors also hold demolition scope within their license.
Always ask for the license number before the estimate and verify the specific category on the DBPR website, not just the contractor’s name.
What Insurance Does a Licensed Demolition Contractor Need in Broward County?
A licensed contractor must carry general liability insurance and active workers’ compensation before the Broward County Building Division issues a demolition permit.
The minimum general liability coverage is $1,000,000 per occurrence for commercial projects and $300,000 per occurrence for residential projects. However, most reputable Fort Lauderdale contractors carry $1,000,000 per occurrence as standard on all projects.
Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured. If the contractor cannot provide it within 24 hours, do not hire them.
What Are The Red Flags Of An Unlicensed Demolition Contractor in Fort Lauderdale?
Under Florida Statute 489.103, hiring an unlicensed contractor for demolition work in Broward County exposes the property owner to full liability for any injury, damage, or code violation on the site.
Unlicensed crews cannot pull permits, carry no verified insurance, and leave you responsible for everything that goes wrong.
The most common red flags to watch for in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Broward County cities:
- Asks you to pull the permit yourself
- Cannot provide a DBPR license number in writing
- Bid is significantly below every other quote
- Requests full payment before work begins
- No certificate of insurance available on request
Can Broward County Building Division Verify a Contractor For Me?
Yes. Call (954) 765-4500 and provide the contractor’s name or license number. You can also search the Broward County permit portal to review their permit history and passed inspections. A legitimate contractor with Broward County experience will have a visible, consistent record of completed, permitted work.
Understanding which factors increase demolition costs in Florida before comparing bids also helps you identify quotes that omit critical line items, such as asbestos inspection or debris disposal fees.
What Five Questions Should I Ask Before Signing a Demolition Contract in Broward County?
Ask for the DBPR license number before the meeting ends. Confirm they pull the permit, not you. Ask whether asbestos inspection is included for any pre-1981 structure. Request the insurance certificate naming you as additional insured. Get a written timeline covering permit application, utility disconnections, and demolition start date.
Any contractor who cannot answer all five in writing is not the right hire for a Broward County project. For full permit details, see our residential demolition permit guide.
FAQ
Where do I verify a demolition contractor’s license in Florida?
Go to myfloridalicense.com, select “Verify a License,” and search by name or license number. Confirm the status is “Current Active” and the category covers demolition. The search is free, takes under two minutes, and should be the first step before signing any contract in Broward County.
Can an unlicensed contractor pull a demolition permit in Broward County?
No. Broward County Building Division requires a valid Florida contractor license to issue any demolition permit. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit yourself or says the job does not need one, stop immediately. All structural demolition in Broward County requires a permit under Florida Building Code Section 105.1.
What insurance minimum should a demolition contractor carry in Fort Lauderdale?
At minimum, $1,000,000 per occurrence general liability and active workers’ compensation. Request a certificate naming you as additional insured before work starts. A contractor who cannot provide this within 24 hours of your request should not be hired for any Broward County demolition project.
How do I report an unlicensed demolition contractor in Broward County?
File a complaint at myfloridalicense.com or call Florida DBPR at (850) 487-1395. You can also report unpermitted demolition activity to Broward County Code Compliance at (954) 765-4500.
Reporting protects adjacent property owners from uninsured work and stops unlicensed crews from operating in Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods.
Does Florida allow homeowners to do their own demolition without a contractor?
Florida Statute 489.103(7) allows an owner-builder exemption for a primary residence but does not remove the permit requirement or NESHAP asbestos obligations.
Most licensed abatement firms will not work under an owner-builder permit due to liability exposure. For anything beyond a small accessory structure, a licensed contractor is significantly lower risk.
Work With a Verified Licensed Demolition Contractor in Broward County
Florida Demolition Experts holds License #86-4496-D-X, carries full general liability coverage, and pulls every permit directly through the Broward County Building Division.
We serve Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and all of Broward County.
