If you do not intend to do the work yourself and have been asked by someone without a contractor’s license to pull the permit, you are at risk of financial harm.
Section 489.103 (7), Florida Statues requires that when property owners act as their own contractor, they must supervise the work being performed. Any person working on your building who is not licensed must be employed by you, which means that you must deduct F.I.C.A. and withholding tax and provide workers’ compensation for that employee.
Without workers’ compensation insurance, you could be held liable for injuries incurred on your property. Typically, your homeowners’ insurance policy will not honor your claim if the work being performed required a licensed contractor. You could end up being responsible for thousands of dollars of medical bills.
NOT ONLY IS IT DANGEROUS, BUT IT IS AGAINST THE LAW.
Section 455.227(1 )U), Florida Statutes prohibits any person from aiding, assisting, procuring, employing or advising any unlicensed person or entity. Individuals who aid unlicensed persons may face fines of up to $5,000.
Is it worth it? For more information, speak with your local building department before you apply for a permit or contact the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at 727-582-3100 or online at www.pcclb.com.