By: Amanda Parker Baggett

Design-build firms are not required to hold a contractor’s license in Florida. They’re also not required to have an engineer’s license. Architect’s license? Nope, they don’t have to hold that one either.

But, there is a catch. A person or entity performing or offering to perform design-build services in Florida must hold at least one of those licenses . Otherwise, the person or company may be engaged in unlicensed contracting under Florida law and exposed to serious legal consequences. 

Additionally, the person or entity must make sure that any scope of work for which it is not licensed is performed by a properly licensed individual or entity. For example, if you are a licensed architect or engineer, the construction services to be performed under a design-build contract must be performed by a licensed general contractor. If you’re a licensed contractor, the architectural or engineering services offered in connection with a design-build contract must be performed by a licensed design professional.

Don’t cut any corners when it comes to proper licensure. The risks involved are just too great. Here’s a look at some of the risks: 

No means to enforce the contract :

An unlicensed person or entity cannot look to the law for help if the other party isn’t carrying out its end of the bargain. In other words, the court will not enforce any contractual provisions that may be favorable to you.