Don’t Risk Your Home on an Unlicensed Painter

Florida’s warm weather means constant exposure to heat, humidity, and storms — making quality painting work essential for home maintenance. Unfortunately, this also attracts unlicensed and unqualified painters offering “cheap” deals that can cost homeowners thousands later.

Whether you’re repainting your home in Orlando or scheduling exterior work before hurricane season, it’s crucial to confirm that your painting contractor is properly licensed, insured, and registered with the state of Florida.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to verify a painting contractor’s license in Florida, why it matters, and how to protect yourself from potential fraud or liability.

1. Why Licensing Matters for Florida Homeowners

When you hire a licensed Orlando painting contractor, you’re not just paying for paint — you’re investing in accountability, quality assurance, and legal protection.

A. Licensed Painters Follow State Laws

Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regulates licensed contractors, including those performing residential painting, stucco, and finishing services. Licensing ensures painters understand safety codes, environmental compliance, and business ethics.

B. Unlicensed Work Can Void Insurance

If an unlicensed painter damages your property or gets injured, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover it. You could end up responsible for the repairs or medical costs.

C. Licensed Contractors Protect You

A licensed painting company carries:

• General liability insurance for property damage.

• Workers’ compensation for crew injuries.

• State registration and verification numbers you can check online.

In short — a valid license proves professionalism, safety, and reliability.

2. Florida’s Licensing Requirements for Painters

Unlike electricians or plumbers, painting is considered a “specialty trade” in Florida. However, painters still need proper documentation to operate legally.

A. Business License

Every painting company in Florida must hold an occupational license from their county or city (e.g., Orange County or City of Orlando).

B. Contractor Registration

If a painting company performs work over a certain value or includes structural elements, they may also need state-level contractor registration with the DBPR.

C. Insurance and EIN

Painters must maintain:

• Active general liability insurance

• Workers’ compensation coverage (if they have employees)

• A valid EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes

D. Local Permits

For larger commercial or HOA projects, permits may be required — and only licensed contractors can pull them.

3. How to Verify a Painter’s License in Florida

Verifying a painter’s license only takes a few minutes — and it’s free.

Follow these steps before hiring anyone to paint your home in Orlando.

Step 1: Ask for Their License Number

A professional painter should have their license number printed on:

• Their business card or brochure

• Company vehicles

• Website or social media

• Estimates and invoices

If they hesitate or provide excuses (“we’re just a small local company”), that’s your first red flag.

Step 2: Check the License Online

Go to the Florida DBPR License Lookup Portal:
🔗 https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp

Then:

1. Choose “Search by Name” or “License Number.”

2. Enter the contractor’s business name or license ID.

3. Review the results to confirm:

   • License status: Active, inactive, or expired

   • License type: Painting or specialty contractor

   • Expiration date

   • Disciplinary actions or complaints

If no record appears, the company is likely unlicensed or using another business’s credentials.

Step 3: Verify Local Business Licensing

Visit your local municipality’s business licensing portal:

• City of Orlando: https://www.orlando.gov/

• Orange County: https://www.ocfl.net/

Search for the business name under “Business Tax Receipts.”
This ensures they are legally operating in your area and paying required local taxes.

Step 4: Confirm Insurance Coverage

Ask your painter to provide current certificates of insurance directly from their provider.

These documents should list:

• Policy number

• Expiration date

• Coverage limits

• Your name and property address as “certificate holder”

You can also call the insurance company to verify that the policy is valid and active.

Step 5: Look for Online Reputation and Reviews

Even licensed contractors vary in quality. Always check:

• Google Business Profile for verified customer reviews

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating

• Yelp, Angi, or HomeAdvisor listings

Look for consistent feedback about punctuality, communication, and quality of work.

4. Red Flags to Watch For

If you encounter any of the following, walk away immediately:

Professional painting companies in Orlando are transparent, insured, and take pride in their credentials.

5. What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Painter

It might seem harmless to hire a cheaper painter — but unlicensed work can cause serious legal and financial issues.

A. No Legal Recourse

You can’t file a complaint with the state against someone who isn’t licensed — meaning you’re on your own if things go wrong.

B. Home Insurance May Deny Claims

If an unlicensed painter damages your home or injures themselves, your insurer can deny coverage due to “hiring an unlicensed contractor.”

C. Risk of Fines

Homeowners who knowingly hire unlicensed contractors can face fines up to $5,000 under Florida law.

D. Poor Quality and No Warranty

Unlicensed painters often use subpar materials, skip preparation steps, and vanish after payment — leaving you with peeling paint and no guarantee.

6. How to File a Complaint or Report a Suspicious Painter

If you suspect a contractor is unlicensed, report them to:

• Florida DBPR Unlicensed Activity Hotline: 1-866-532-1440

• DBPR Online Complaint Form: https://www.myfloridalicense.com

Provide:

• The painter’s name, company, and phone number

• A copy of any estimate or business card

• Details about your interaction

This helps protect other homeowners from scams and keeps Orlando’s painting industry reputable.

7. Bonus Tip: Check for Memberships and Certifications

Beyond licensing, top-tier Orlando painting companies often hold professional memberships or certifications, such as:

• PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America)

• Better Business Bureau (BBB)

• EPA Lead-Safe Certification for older homes

These credentials demonstrate commitment to safety, ethics, and continuing education.

8. Questions to Ask When Verifying Credentials

When speaking with a potential painting contractor, ask:

• “What’s your Florida license number?”

• “Can I see your proof of insurance?”

• “Are you registered with the DBPR or just locally licensed?”

• “Do you pull permits for larger projects?”

• “Can you provide references from past clients?”

A professional will confidently and clearly answer every one of these questions.

9. Partnering with a Licensed Painter: The Benefits

When you hire a properly licensed Orlando house painter, you’re choosing:

• Safety: Insured workers, safe materials, proper ladders/scaffolding.

• Longevity: Correct prep and paint application for Florida’s humidity.

• Accountability: Warranties backed by a verifiable business.

• Peace of mind: You’re legally protected if something goes wrong.

This is the difference between a paint job that lasts 10 years — and one that fails in two.

Verify Before You Sign

Before you let anyone touch your home, take five minutes to verify their license, insurance, and credentials. The process is quick, free, and could save you thousands in potential damage, liability, or fraud.

In Florida’s competitive home improvement market, licensed painting contractors in Orlando stand out through transparency, professionalism, and craftsmanship.

When you do your due diligence upfront, you’re not just hiring a painter — you’re hiring a partner who will protect your property, your investment, and your peace of mind.