Protect Your Investment: Why Every Florida Homeowner Should Vet Their Contractor Before Paying a Deposit
You’ve spent months — maybe years — saving for that big home improvement project. Whether it’s building a pool, remodeling your kitchen, or replacing your roof, one decision will have the biggest impact on the outcome: who you hire.
In Florida, far too many homeowners learn the hard way that the wrong contractor can turn a dream project into a financial and emotional nightmare. The good news? Many of these situations can be prevented with one critical step: thoroughly checking the contractor’s background before you hand over a deposit.
When the Dream Project Becomes a Disaster
Here are just a few real examples of what happens when homeowners skip due diligence:
The Disappearing Roofer
After a hurricane, a Tampa family hired a roofer who promised quick work. They paid a $12,000 deposit. Two weeks later, the contractor’s phone was disconnected, the website was offline, and the family never saw him again.
Pools to Nowhere
Several Florida homeowners paid a pool company over $50,000 each for new backyard pools. The company dug holes in their yards — then stopped showing up. Months later, the business folded, leaving homeowners with nothing but dirt piles and legal headaches.
Half-Built Homes
In Nocatee, a builder took millions in deposits from families for new homes. Many of those homes remain half-finished, with owners locked in lengthy legal battles. One couple’s “forever home” was left as a bare concrete frame.
Why Homeowners Get Burned
These scams and failures tend to happen for the same reasons:
- Unlicensed or expired licenses – The contractor isn’t legally allowed to do the work.
- Lack of insurance – Leaving you liable for accidents or damages.
- Large upfront payments – Eliminating your leverage to ensure work is completed.
- Hidden lawsuits or financial trouble – Increasing the likelihood of project abandonment.
- Storm-chasing operators – Temporary businesses that vanish after collecting deposits.
Your Pre-Hire Contractor Checklist
Before you hire — and definitely before you pay — follow these steps:
- Verify the license at the Florida DBPR’s website (MyFloridaLicense.com).
- Request insurance proof directly from the carrier.
- Check court records for lawsuits, liens, or judgments.
- Review complaint history with the BBB and DBPR.
- Ask for and verify references from recent projects.
- Limit deposits to no more than 20% upfront, with payments tied to milestones.
Why Professional Due Diligence is a Smart Investment
While basic checks help, a professional due diligence investigation goes much deeper.
Experienced investigators know where to find information homeowners might miss, including:
- Civil and criminal court records
- Bankruptcy filings
- Regulatory complaints
- Financial red flags
- Negative media coverage
Most major home projects cost $10,000, $50,000, or even more. Spending $120 to $250 on a comprehensive business background check is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing exactly who you’re hiring — and avoiding the risk of losing your deposit to scams or poor performance.
Bottom Line
Big home projects require big trust — and trust should be verified, not assumed. A little research now can save you from months of stress, legal costs, and financial loss later.
For Florida homeowners who want complete confidence before signing a contract, True Court Screening Solutions, LLC offers detailed contractor vetting and business background checks designed to protect your investment and give you the facts before you commit.
