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.