Hiring the wrong concrete contractor is an expensive mistake. In Florida, unlicensed or underinsured contractors cause millions of dollars in property damage every year. Here's exactly what to verify before you sign anything.
The 10-Point Checklist
1. **Verify their license** — Search the Florida DBPR database at myfloridalicense.com. They should hold a Certified General Contractor (CGC) or Certified Building Contractor (CBC) license.
2. **Confirm insurance** — Request a Certificate of Insurance showing general liability ($1M minimum) and workers' compensation. Call the insurance company to verify it's active.
3. **Check for complaints** — Search the BBB, Google Reviews, and the DBPR complaint database.
4. **Get a written proposal** — It should include scope of work, material specifications, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. If they won't put it in writing, walk away.
5. **Never pay more than 10-15% upfront** — Florida law limits contractor deposits. Any contractor demanding 50%+ upfront is a red flag.
6. Ask about sub-base preparation — The #1 shortcut bad contractors take is skipping proper base work. Ask specifically what base preparation they include. 7. Verify they pull permits — Permitted work protects your property value and insurance coverage. Unpermitted work can void your homeowner's insurance. 8. Ask for local references — Not just testimonials on their website. Get phone numbers for 2-3 recent projects in your area you can call. 9. Understand the warranty — What exactly does it cover? How long? What's excluded? Get it in writing. 10. Get the timeline in writing — Including start date, completion date, and what happens if they miss the deadline.
Red Flags
Door-to-door solicitation, pressure to sign today, cash-only payment, no physical business address, quote significantly lower than all competitors (they're cutting corners), and unwillingness to provide license number.