Contractor Fraud in South Florida: How to Protect Yourself and Navigate Permitting Issueswith Permit Busters
Introduction
South Florida’s construction boom brings great opportunities… but it also comes with risks. One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is contractor fraud, where dishonest builders take advantage of clients by overcharging, cutting corners, or failing to complete projects.
In response to this growing problem, Florida has introduced new laws to protect homeowners from fraudulent contractors who take payments without performing the work. Learn more about these new protections in this NBC Miami article: New Florida Law Protects You Against Contractor Fraud.
At Permit Busters, we help homeowners and businesses avoid contractor scams, secure proper
permits, and resolve code violations efficiently. Let’s explore the common types of contractor fraud, warning signs, and how you can safeguard your project with our expertise.
Common Types of Contractor Fraud
Contractor scams take many forms, but the most frequent issues involve:
1. Contractors Taking Deposits and Disappearing:- Some contractors ask for large upfront payments and then fail to start or finish the project.
2. Working Without Proper Licensing:- Fraudulent contractors may lack official licensing or insurance, leading to dangerous, subpar work that fails inspections.
3. Inflated Costs & Hidden Fees:- They lure clients in with low initial bids but later inflate costs with unexpected charges OR worse… They lure with lower bids to attract the customer. REMEMBER: “Cheap QUALITY doesn’t exist”
4. Skipping Permits & Violating Codes:- Many dishonest contractors ignore permit requirements, resulting in fines and failed inspections for homeowners.
5. Subcontractor Lien Fraud:- Some contractors fail to pay subcontractors, leaving homeowners stuck with legal property liens.
Avoiding these pitfalls starts with awareness and due diligence. Permit Busters is here to help.
New Florida Laws Against Contractor Fraud
To address rising fraud cases, Florida has introduced stronger penalties for contractors who take payments but fail to deliver work. This law ensures that dishonest contractors face felony charges and legal consequences.
Read more about the law here: NBC Miami – New Florida Law Protects You Against Contractor Fraud.
While this law helps crack down on fraud, homeowners must still take proactive steps to protect themselves when hiring contractors.
Warning Signs of a Fraudulent Contractor
No License or Insurance – Always verify their credentials before hiring.
Large Upfront Deposits – Reputable contractors never demand excessive prepayment.
Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing – Low bids often lead to hidden fees or rushed, poor-qualitywork.
No Written Contract – Avoid contractors who refuse formal agreements.
Failure to Pull Permits – If a contractor skips permits, you will be responsible for legal violations.
Instead of taking chances, let Permit Busters screen contractors for you and ensure your project is handled correctly.
How Permit Busters Protects Homeowners from Contractor Fraud
Permit Busters specializes in helping homeowners vet contractors, navigate permitting, and resolve violations quickly.
- Contractor Screening & Verification
- License & insurance checks to confirm legitimate contractors.
- Referrals to trusted professionals in South Florida.
- Permit Compliance & Code Violation Resolution
- Ensure contractors follow proper permitting procedures.
- Prevent costly permit violations before they escalate.
- Resolve existing permit issues with city officials.
Case Study: How Permit Busters Helped a Fraud Victim
A South Florida homeowner hired a contractor offering a suspiciously low price. The contractor took the deposit and disappeared, leaving the homeowner in financial trouble.
1. Permit Busters intervened, verifying legal documents and connecting the homeowner with a licensed professional.
2. We helped correct permit violations, ensuring compliance with city regulations.
3. The homeowner avoided fines and successfully completed their project.
Need help vetting a contractor or handling a permit issue? Permit Busters is here for you.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Project with Permit Busters
Contractor fraud is a real threat in South Florida—but homeowners and businesses don’t have to face it alone.
Florida’s new laws strengthen fraud prevention—read more here: NBC Miami – New Florida Law Protects You Against Contractor Fraud.
By working with Permit Busters, you can avoid scams, secure legal permits, and ensure your construction project is done right.
Need help with permits or contractor verification? Contact Permit Busters today!
