Go to the Florida DBPR Verify a Licensee page and search by name or license number. Check that the name matches the person or company quoting you, the license is current, and the type covers electrical work. A certified license (EC) works statewide. A registered one (ER) works only where it is held.
How do I look up an electrical license in Florida?
Use the state's search page. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) keeps the records and lets anyone look them up.
- Ask for the details. Get the contractor's full name, business name and license number.
- Open the search. Go to Verify a Licensee.
- Search. The license number is the cleanest. Name, city or county and license type also work.
- Read the result. Look at the name, the license type and the status.
- Keep a record. Screenshot it before work starts.
What do EC, ER, ES and ET mean on a Florida license?
They tell you what the license covers and where it works. These four types come from the DBPR's electrical contractor FAQ.
| Prefix | License | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| EC | Certified Electrical Contractor | Covers all types of electrical and alarm work, anywhere in Florida |
| ER | Registered Electrical Contractor | Holds a local certificate, and works only where they hold that local license |
| ES | Certified Electrical Specialty Contractor | A narrower scope. Check it fits your job |
| ET | Registered Electrical Specialty Contractor | A narrower scope and a local license. Check both |
What should I look for on the license record?
Three things: the right name, a current status and the right type for your job and city.
- Name. It should match the person or the business on your quote. If it is a different name, ask how they are connected.
- Status. You want it current and active. Anything else deserves a direct question.
- Type. A specialty license may not cover a panel. A registered license may not reach your city.
What are the red flags with an electrician?
The biggest one is being asked to pull the permit yourself. The City of Winter Garden warns homeowners that an unlicensed contractor asking you to pull your own permit may be a red flag. A few other things are worth a second look. None of them proves anything alone, but together they tell you to slow down.
- No license number, or a reluctance to give one.
- A license number that will not come up, or belongs to someone else.
- "We do not need a permit for that," with no reason given. Check the permit guide.
- No written price before work starts.
Should I also ask about insurance?
Yes. The license lookup tells you about the license, so ask separately for proof of insurance and for what warranty comes with the work. A contractor who has both will not mind the question.
What can I do about unlicensed electrical work?
Report it to the state. The DBPR's FAQ lists a toll-free unlicensed activity complaint line, 1.866.532.1440, and an online complaint option. If there is a safety problem, leave the work off and get a licensed electrician to look at it.
How do I get a licensed electrician in Orlando?
Get a typical price for your job and get matched with a licensed electrician. You get their name when we arrange your visit. Run the search above. It takes a few minutes, and you should do it every time. See every service or the cities you can book in.
Common questions
What is the difference between a certified and a registered electrical contractor in Florida?
A certified contractor passed the state exam and can work anywhere in Florida. A registered contractor holds a local certificate and can only work where they hold that local license, says the DBPR.
Is it free to check a Florida contractor license?
Yes. Anyone can search the state's Verify a Licensee page without an account.
What if the name does not match the license?
Ask why before you sign or pay. It may be a business name, and the contractor should be able to show you how the two connect.
