The three pool categories
Florida Statutes section 489.105 defines these in subsection (3):
| Category | Scope in the statute |
|---|---|
| Residential pool/spa contractor, (3)(k) | Construction, repair and servicing of a residential swimming pool, hot tub or spa, regardless of use |
| Commercial pool/spa contractor, (3)(j) | Construction, repair and servicing of any swimming pool, hot tub or spa, whether public, private or otherwise, regardless of use |
| Swimming pool/spa servicing contractor, (3)(l) | Repair and servicing of a swimming pool, hot tub or spa, public or private |
A servicing contractor is not a builder. If a company holds only that category, ask who builds your pool.
Certified versus registered
A certified contractor holds a certificate of competency from the state department and may contract in any jurisdiction in Florida without meeting that jurisdiction's competency requirements (subsection 8). A registered contractor registered by meeting the competency requirements of one jurisdiction and may contract only there (subsection 10). Ask which one your builder holds and where.
Source: Florida Statutes 2025, section 489.105, read November 6, 2026.
If the contractor is unlicensed
Section 489.128 says a contract entered into on or after October 1, 1990 by an unlicensed contractor is unenforceable by that contractor in law or equity, and that no lien or bond claim exists in the unlicensed contractor's favor. It carves out exceptions and says it does not affect the rights of other parties. This is a statute summary, not legal advice.
Source: Florida Statutes 2025, section 489.128, read November 6, 2026.
How to check a license
- Take the license number from your written quote or contract, not from an ad.
- Open the DBPR license search and search by license number, or by name if you only have that.
- Confirm the category, the status, and whether it is certified or registered.
- Match the name on the license to the name on the contract.
On our builder profiles we show a license number only when the company's own site shows it, and we say so. We did not check numbers against DBPR, so check them yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What if my builder turns out to be unlicensed?
Section 489.128 says contracts entered into by an unlicensed contractor are unenforceable by that contractor in law or equity, and that the unlicensed contractor has no lien or bond claim. The statute lists exceptions and does not affect the rights of other parties, so talk to a Florida construction lawyer for your case.
Can I search the license by name?
Yes. The DBPR license search page offers search by name, license number, city or county, and license type.