Following our September joint dinner meeting with MACCA on unlicensed contractor activity, SWFL PHCC continues to monitor legislative developments and enforcement efforts aimed at protecting licensed contractors and consumers throughout Florida.
During the 2026 legislative session, Senate Bill 492 proposed establishing minimum penalties for certain unlicensed contracting violations. Although the bill did not pass, it highlighted continued legislative attention to the issue.
Under existing Florida law (Statute 489.127), unlicensed contracting is generally classified as a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, with subsequent offenses potentially resulting in third-degree felony charges. Unlicensed contracting during a governor-declared state of emergency may also carry felony penalties.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) continues its enforcement efforts through investigations, citations, cease-and-desist notices, and public awareness initiatives. During fiscal year 2024–2025, DBPR reported more than 5,800 unlicensed activity complaints across the professions it regulates.
What Can Contractors Do?
As emphasized by our panelists during September's meeting, licensed contractors play an important role in identifying and reporting suspected unlicensed activity. Providing detailed information, photographs, advertisements, and other supporting documentation can assist investigators in pursuing potential violations.
While no new penalties resulted from SB 492, enforcement remains an important priority. SWFL PHCC will continue monitoring legislative developments and sharing updates that impact our industry.
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