Adding a swimming pool to your home can be a rewarding experience that allows your family to easily escape the sultry summer heat by enjoying fun, water-based activities while snagging some exercise at the same time. If a swimming pool is a good fit for your family, it is important that you do your research to confirm you are doing business with a state-licensed pool contractor. As you may be aware, unlicensed activity is against the law and occurs when an individual performs or offers to perform services that require a state license even though the individual does not hold said license. A license is required any time an individual is hired to install, repair, or take apart equipment that is attached to or used for cleaning or water treatment. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for licensing and regulating pool contractors throughout the state of Florida. This work is conducted under DBPR’s Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Essentially, a license is required any time an individual is hired and installs or takes apart equipment that is attached to or used for cleaning or water treatment. Pool cleaning and basic water treatment do not require a DBPR license. There are three main pool contracting licenses that the Construction Industry Licensing Board oversees: the Swimming Pool Residential Contractor License, the Swimming Pool Commercial Contractor License, and the Swimming Pool Servicing Contractor License, all of which allow contractors to perform repairs and service swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. These licensees may contract directly with consumers for residential or commercial pool services that are within the scope of their license. Additionally, the Construction Industry Licensing Board administers several subcontracting specialty licenses, referred to as Swimming Pool Specialty Contractor Licenses. These licenses are issued in an assortment of areas such as layout, structural, excavation, trim, decking, piping and finishes. Subcontractors may possess multiple specialty licenses. It is important to note that Swimming Pool Specialty Contractor licensees may only contract with a Swimming Pool Residential/Commercial Contractor or a Swimming Pool Servicing Contractor.
You can easily verify a pool contractor’s license by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395, or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and the Google Play app stores. If they are licensed, the company or contractor’s name will be displayed in the search results, making it easy for you to make the right choice. From there, make sure the license is active and not delinquent, suspended, revoked or on probation. If you notice or suspect any unlicensed activity, you should report it to DBPR via phone at 1 (866) 532-1440 or email at ULA@myfloridalicense.com.
It is DBPR’s mission to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department provides helpful tools that enable you to make informed decisions regarding who to hire for professional services. Whether you want to add a pool to your house or simply want to repair or update your current pool, be sure to hire a state-licensed pool contractor. This way, you and your family can enjoy your swimming pool all summer long! 
By Erin Reisinger
Unlicensed Activity Manager
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
