Florida Pool Contractor Deposits: Don’t Pay & Pray
Summary: Too many Florida pool projects stall after a big deposit. This episode gives homeowners (and honest builders) a clear, statute-anchored playbook: the 30-day permit / 90-day start clocks, how to verify a real DBPR CPC license, the red flags before you pay, and exactly how to file complaints if the job goes quiet. Paper over promises—always.
What you’ll learn
- Florida’s over-10% deposit rule → permit in 30 days, start within 90 days (unless changed in writing/just cause)
- The difference between license vs. “certifications” vs. tax paperwork
- A trust-but-verify checklist: DBPR lookup, recent permits, milestone-based draws, lien releases
- Red flags that signal trouble before you pay
- How to write a polite demand, where to file complaints, and when to speak with counsel about Chapter 713 liens
- Reporting unlicensed contracting to the Florida DBPR.
