Helpful tips to protect your property:

• Ask to see the contractor’s license. The license should be issued by Manatee County or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The license will have the contractor’s name, license number, address and specialty.
• Ask for copies of the contractor’s general liability and workers’ compensation insurance policies.
• Ask for a written estimate from several licensed contractors. License numbers are required to be printed on the estimate and/ or invoice.
• Make sure that the entire scope of work for the job is written and detailed in the contract.
• Most jobs require a building permit. For a complete list of work that requires a permit, call Manatee County Permitting at (941)-749-3047 ext. 3842 or ext. 380
• Ask for references.
• Keep copies of contracts, canceled checks, receipts, and photos of the work 

What you SHOULD do before hiring a Licensed Contractor

• Ask for at least 3 estimates from certified/ licensed contractors.
• Ask to see the contractor’s license, liability and workman’s compensation insurance. Be sure to check the expiration date. 
• Verify that the license holder (the contractor) is actively registered with Manatee County by contacting our Building Department in addition to verifying the license holder’s status at www.MyFloridaLicense.com 
Ensure the entire scope of work is documented and in detail on the contract. Understand the contract before you sign it.
• Keep copies of all contracts, cancelled checks, receipts and photos of the work.

Be careful IF the following occur:

• If a written estimate/contract has the name of the company and/or address handwritten. 
• If the individual offers a verbal contract only.
• If you are asked to pay in cash or make your check payable to an individual or “cash” instead of a company name. 
• If a large down payment is requested before work begins.
• If the vehicle has no company name or contractor license number on it.
• If there’s no contractor license number on business cards or other forms of advertisement.
• If the contractor asks you, the homeowner, to obtain a permit.
• If the individual prefers to work on the weekends or after hours.

Things to AVOID

• Don’t write checks to the individual. Make sure the check is written in the company’s name.
• Don’t pay cash.
• Don’t sign an estimate/contract that has a Post Office box instead of a street address.
• Don’t accept a verbal estimate/or contract.
• Don’t pay the entire invoice up front. Only partial payments (draws) should be made until the work is completed.
• Don’t pull an owner/builder permit because the individual suggests it will cost less.
• Don’t be fooled by a Business Tax Receipt in place of a contractor’s license