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Websites for Fort Lauderdale contractors: license, Broward County permits, and what clients ask for
Broward County didn't eliminate its Certificate of Competency: the county still issues it. What changed, as of July 1, 2025, is that county license categories now have to match the state's, and the City of Fort Lauderdale accepts either document to register you and issue permits through LauderBuild. Beyond the license, a client checks your DBPR record, your insurance, and what your website shows.
License or certificate: what actually applies today
Broward's certificate is still alive
Broward County still issues the Certificate of Competency; it didn't eliminate it.
License or certificate: you pick one
The City of Fort Lauderdale accepts a state license or a county Certificate of Competency to register you.
The real date: July 1, 2025
Since then, the county can only keep license categories that match the state's.
Registration is online only
You register on LauderBuild; it's not accepted by mail or email.
Expired credentials, no permits
If your license or certificate expires, the city won't issue permits or let you pay for them.
How you register and pull permits on LauderBuild
“Registration is done online at LauderBuild (registrations and updates are not accepted through email or physical mail).”
If your license or certificate expires, the city won't issue permits or let you pay for them.
What a Fort Lauderdale client checks before hiring you
Your license on DBPR
They look up your name or number on the DBPR's public search tool, and see if your license is active.
Complaints or discipline
DBPR records can show complaints, fines, or disciplinary history tied to your license.
Your insurance
Most Florida license classifications require liability insurance, and workers' comp if you have employees.
The unlicensed activity hotline
To report someone without a license, Florida has the Unlicensed Activity Hotline, at 866-532-1440.
Your license number also belongs on your website
“The registration or certification number of each contractor shall appear in each offer of services, business proposal, bid, contract, or advertisement, regardless of medium...”
In plain terms: your license number must appear on every offer, proposal, contract, or ad, no matter the medium.
“...any electronic media including Internet sites...”
In plain terms: the rule spells out that "advertise" covers any electronic media, including internet sites.
What your website should show to build trust
Your license number
Visible, not buried: the law requires it on every ad, and your website counts as one.
Proof of insurance and permits
Not a legal requirement, but it's the first thing a serious client looks for.
Your service area
Fort Lauderdale and the rest of Broward County, stated clearly.
Real photos of your work
No stock photos: a client can tell.
Lic. # CGC1234567
Check your own website
- Is your license number visible?
- Do you mention your insurance and permits?
- Does it state your service area?
- Do you have real photos, not stock photos?
Already added your license number to your website, but not sure where else it needs to go? Check our guide on the license number on every ad, not just your website.
We'll review your website for free
We'll look at your license number, your LauderBuild status, and what a Fort Lauderdale client checks before they text you.
- We check your license number
- We check what a client looks for before hiring
- Free, no strings attached
Frequently asked questions
Did Broward County eliminate the Certificate of Competency?
No. Broward County still issues the Certificate of Competency. What changed is that the City of Fort Lauderdale now accepts a state license or a county certificate to register you, not that the county stopped issuing it.
Do I need a state license AND a Broward certificate, or just one?
Per the City of Fort Lauderdale's own registration page, you only need one of the two: a state license or a county Certificate of Competency.
When did this actually change?
The state change took effect July 1, 2025, per the Florida DBPR. Since then, counties and cities can only keep license categories that match the state's.
How do I register and pull permits in Fort Lauderdale?
It's all done online on LauderBuild: you upload your license or certificate, your insurance, and your workers' comp proof or exemption. It's not accepted by mail or email.
What does a client check before hiring me?
They look up your license on the DBPR's public search tool, check if it's active and whether there are complaints or discipline, and expect to see your insurance.
Does my license number have to be on my website?
Yes. Florida law requires your registration or certification number on every offer, proposal, or advertisement, no matter the medium, and the rule spells out that this covers internet sites.
Official sources
- Florida DBPR: Hot Topics (state preemption, effective July 1, 2025)
- City of Fort Lauderdale: Contractors & Licensed Professionals
- City of Fort Lauderdale: LauderBuild overview
- Broward County: Building (Building Code Division)
- Florida DBPR: Verify a License
- City of Fort Lauderdale: HB 803 (permit exemptions)
- Fla. Stat. 489.119(5)(b)
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-12.011(3)
We're not lawyers. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current license and permit requirements with Broward County Building Code Services, the City of Fort Lauderdale, or the Florida DBPR before you rely on it.
