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Business Fraud vs. Breach of Contract: Key Differences

Business Fraud v Brach of Contract

Not every broken promise is fraud — and not every breach of contract is just a business mistake. In Florida, the line between a breach of contract and business fraud can determine whether you can recover punitive damages, rescind a deal, or hold someone personally liable. If your company has been misled, shortchanged, or outright lied to, it’s important … Read more

Are You Personally Liable? Understanding the Risk of Qualifying a Company in Florida

What Every Contractor Should Know Before Lending Their License In Florida, it’s common for licensed contractors to be asked to “qualify” a construction company. Maybe it’s a friend, a former employer, or a business partner offering a monthly fee in exchange for the use of your license. Sounds like easy money, right? But here’s what … Read more

Scope Creep and Extra Work: How to Protect Yourself in Florida Projects

In construction, the original scope of work rarely stays the same from start to finish. Owners request extras. Contractors adjust timelines. Subcontractors add tasks to stay on schedule. Before long, the project has ballooned beyond the original agreement — a phenomenon known as scope creep. If you’re a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier working on Florida construction … Read more

Why Every Contractor Needs a Written Qualifier Agreement—Not Just a Verbal Deal

Protecting Your License, Your Business, and Your Liability In Florida’s construction industry, it’s not uncommon for licensed contractors to “qualify” a business—allowing that business to operate under their license. Often, these arrangements are made informally: a few conversations, a handshake, and maybe some text messages to confirm payment terms. But here’s the truth: qualifying a company … Read more

Can You File a Lien Without a Written Contract in Florida?

In the fast-paced world of construction, not every deal is formalized in writing — especially on smaller jobs or when long-standing relationships are involved. But what happens when payment doesn’t come through? Can you still file a construction lien in Florida if your agreement was verbal? The short answer: Yes, you can — but only under certain … Read more

DPBR Complaint: You received a Uniform Complaint. What do you do now?

The Division of Professional and Business Responsibility (DBPR) is the Florida agency responsible for regulating many licensed professionals through its multiple divisions including contractors, real estate professionals, architects, engineers, and much more. A member of the public can submit a Uniform Complaint form, or the Department may initiate a investigation. If the Department believes that … Read more

Construction Qualifying : No, your Qualifier doesn’t need an ownership interest in the Qualified Business.

(Need a Qualifier Agreement?, Go to our main qualifier agreement page for more infomation, Click Here!) There is no requirement for a qualifier to own a percentage of the qualified business. There is no requirement that the qualifier of your construction business must have an ownership interest in your company in order for the DPBR … Read more

Andrew Douglas P.A. Successfully Defends Felony Unlicensed Contracting Charge for Client

WESTON, FLORIDA – (July, 5, 2018) Andrew Douglas, P.A., is pleased to announce that it has successfully defended its client against a felony criminal charge of Unlicensed Contracting During a Declared State of Emergency (Engage in Contracting Violation During Existence of State of Emergency.) The State Attorney’s Office for the 15th Judicial Circuit, in and … Read more

Financially Responsible Officer Designation Not Available for Electrical Companies

(Need a Qualifier Agreement?, Go to our main qualifier agreement page for more infomation, Click Here!) Florida Statute 489.119 permits Construction Companies to designate a Financially Responsible Officer (FRO). This allows a construction company to bifurcate the construction responsibilities from the financial responsibilities of the company. This is used, generally, when a construction company utilizes … Read more