Hiring a contractor in Florida can feel like a gamble. You pay a deposit, they start the work, and then suddenly — they vanish. If your contractor didn’t finish the job in Florida, you’re not alone, and you do have legal options.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding your rights and what you can do to protect yourself.
🧾 Review Your Agreement — Written or Verbal
Even without a written contract, you may still have a claim. Under Florida contract law, verbal agreements can be enforceable if there was a clear understanding and consideration exchanged (payment, services, etc.).
If there is a written agreement, look for:
- Timelines or milestones
- Payment structure
- Work quality guarantees
- Any penalties or dispute resolution clauses
📸 Collect Proof That the Contractor Didn’t Finish the Job
Documentation is key. To protect your position, gather:
- Payment receipts (Zelle, Venmo, checks, etc.)
- Photos of incomplete work
- Screenshots of text messages or emails
- Any written promises or invoices
You need to show that work began, payment was made, and the contractor failed to complete the job.
⚠️ Understand What Counts as Breach
In Florida, a contractor is in breach of contract if they:
- Leave the job unfinished without a valid reason
- Do work significantly below industry standards
- Take payment and stop communicating or refuse to complete the work
Under the law, even delays or unreturned messages can support your claim — especially if the contractor didn’t finish the job in Florida after being paid or starting the work.
📩 Send a Formal Demand Letter
Before filing suit, send a demand letter that includes:
- A clear summary of the agreement
- The timeline of events and payments
- A deadline for them to respond or fix the situation
- A notice that legal action will follow if ignored
This Florida Courts resource can help you better understand pre-litigation steps.
🏛️ Legal Action You Can Take
If the contractor ignores your demand or refuses to return, your legal options may include:
- Small claims court (for damages under $8,000)
- Civil court for breach of contract or unjust enrichment
- Reporting them to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Filing a complaint with DBPR can lead to fines or license suspension — and supports your civil claim too.
🚫 Unlicensed Contractors? You May Have Extra Rights
If your contractor was unlicensed, you may be entitled to:
- Full restitution (refund)
- Contract invalidation
- Reporting them to the DBPR for penalties
Florida law is especially protective of consumers in unlicensed contracting situations.
✅ Bottom Line
If a contractor didn’t finish the job in Florida, you may feel stuck — but you’re not. Florida law offers real protections and legal tools to help you get compensated, finish the work, or recover your losses.
📞 Need help with a contractor dispute?
Lipinski Civil Law helps Florida clients hold contractors accountable when promises are broken. Whether you’re dealing with unfinished work, poor quality, or payment disputes — we can help.
📍 Serving Clearwater and all of Florida
📩 Visit lipinskicivillaw.com to schedule a consultation.