Choosing the right screen enclosure contractor can make the difference between a beautiful, long-lasting installation and a costly nightmare. In Florida, where pool enclosures must withstand hurricanes, heavy rain, and intense UV exposure, contractor selection is especially critical. This comprehensive guide from licensed contractors with 30+ years of experience will help you make an informed decision.

Why Contractor Selection Matters in Florida

Florida's unique challenges demand expertise:

Hurricane Zone Requirements

Wind load calculations up to 180 mph
Engineered structural design
Impact-resistant materials
Strict building code compliance

Climate Considerations

Salt air corrosion (coastal areas)
Extreme humidity
Intense UV degradation
Heavy rainfall drainage

Regulatory Complexity

State licensing requirements
County-specific building codes
Homeowner association rules
Permit and inspection processes

An unqualified contractor may create structures that:

Fail during storms
Violate building codes
Void your insurance
Decrease property value
Require expensive repairs or replacement

Florida Licensing Requirements: Non-Negotiable

What Licenses Are Required?

State Certifications Required:

Certified General Contractor (CGC)

License format: CGC + 7 digits
Qualifies for all construction projects
Most comprehensive license

Certified Building Contractor (CBC)

License format: CBC + 7 digits
Qualified for residential construction
Common for screen enclosure companies

Certified Aluminum Contractor

License format: CC + numbers
Specializes in aluminum structures
Standard for screen enclosures
Our license: CC# 20-AL-21822-X

How to Verify Florida Contractor Licenses

Step 1: Request License Number

Legitimate contractors provide this immediately
If hesitant = major red flag

Step 2: Verify Online

Visit: myfloridalicense.com/dbpr
Search by name or license number
Check status: "Active" or "Current"

Step 3: Review License Details

Issue date (experience indicator)
Expiration date (must be current)
Qualifier name (person who holds license)
Business name and address
Any disciplinary actions

Step 4: Verify Qualifier is Active

The qualifying agent must be actively working
Some companies keep expired qualifiers' licenses
Call and ask to meet the qualifier

Red Flags: Unlicensed Contractors

Warning Signs:

"License isn't necessary for small jobs"
"I work under someone else's license"
Provides license number but won't let you verify
License belongs to different company
Expired or inactive license
Out-of-state license only

Risks of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors:

No legal recourse if problems occur
Homeowner liable for injuries on property
Voided homeowners insurance
Permit rejections
Failed inspections
No warranty protection
Potential fines: $1,000-$5,000+
Structure may need to be removed

Florida Law: Contracting without proper license is a third-degree felony. Don't enable this crime by hiring unlicensed workers.

Insurance Verification: Protect Yourself

Required Insurance Types

1. General Liability Insurance

Minimum: $1,000,000 coverage
Protects against property damage
Covers accidents on your property
Protects you from lawsuits

2. Workers' Compensation Insurance

Required for companies with employees
Covers injured worker medical bills
Prevents homeowner liability
Minimum coverage: $100,000

3. Builder's Risk Insurance (Larger Projects)

Protects materials and work in progress
Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage
Usually included in contractor's policy

How to Verify Insurance

Request Certificates of Insurance (COI)

Never accept verbal confirmation
Get COI directly from insurance company
Some contractors show fake certificates

What to Check on COI:

Policy is current (check dates)
Coverage amounts meet minimums
Your address listed as project location
You're named as "Additional Insured"

Contact the Insurance Company

Call the agent listed on COI
Verify policy is active and paid
Confirm coverage amounts
Ask about any claims history

Red Flags:

Refuses to provide COI
COI looks suspicious (typos, poor quality)
Can't contact insurance company
Coverage is expired or insufficient
Generic, non-specific policy

Evaluating Experience and Reputation

Years in Business

What to Consider:

10+ years ideal for Florida contractors
Shows survival through hurricanes and economy
Established supply chain relationships
Proven installation methods

Questions to Ask:

"How long has your company been in business?"
"How long have you personally been installing enclosures?"
"Have your installations survived major hurricanes?"
"What's the oldest enclosure you installed that's still standing?"

Portfolio and Past Projects

Request to See:

Photos of completed projects
Similar scope to your project
Various roof styles
Before and after shots
Recent work (within 2 years)

Warning Signs:

Only stock photos from suppliers
Can't show local projects
Photos are watermarked from other companies
Refuse to show portfolio

References and Reviews

Ask for References:

Minimum 3-5 recent customers (within 1 year)
Projects similar to yours
In your area (same building codes)
Mix of project sizes

Questions for References:

"Was the project completed on time?"
"Did they stay within budget?"
"How was their communication?"
"Did they clean up properly?"
"Any issues after completion?"
"Would you hire them again?"
"How did they handle any problems?"

Online Review Research:

Google Reviews

Look for 4.5+ star average
Read both positive and negative
Check review dates (recent activity?)
Look for contractor responses

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Check BBB rating
Review complaint history
See resolution patterns
Verify accreditation

Angie's List / HomeAdvisor / Thumbtack

Cross-reference reviews
Check for consistent ratings
Look for verified reviews
Note any patterns

Social Media

Facebook business page
Instagram completed projects
Real customer interactions
Community engagement

Red Flags in Reviews:

All 5-star reviews (suspicious)
Generic, vague reviews
Reviews all from same period
No response to negative reviews
Many complaints about same issues
Better Business Bureau complaints

The Estimate Process: What to Expect

Initial Contact and Consultation

Professional Contractors Will:

Respond within 24-48 hours
Schedule convenient on-site visit
Ask detailed questions about your needs
Discuss timeline and expectations
Provide educational information

Red Flags:

Can give quote over phone without seeing property
Pressure to sign immediately
Vague about availability
Won't answer questions directly

On-Site Evaluation

What Professional Contractors Do:

Measurements

Accurate measurements of pool/patio area
Note roof heights and obstacles
Identify utility lines
Check property slope and drainage

Assessment

Evaluate existing structures
Check foundation condition
Identify potential challenges
Discuss HOA requirements

Discussion

Listen to your goals and preferences
Explain options and trade-offs
Discuss material choices
Provide professional recommendations
Answer all questions thoroughly

Time Required: 45-90 minutes for thorough evaluation

Written Estimate Components

Comprehensive Written Estimates Include:

1. Project Scope

Detailed description of work
Square footage calculations
Specific roof style
Entry and door specifications
Any special features

2. Materials Specification

Screen type and brand
Aluminum grade and finish
Hardware specifications
Fastener types
Any custom materials

3. Itemized Costs

Material costs (broken down)
Labor costs
Permit fees
Engineering fees
Disposal fees (if demolition)
Any additional features

4. Timeline

Estimated start date
Project duration
Milestone dates
Weather delay contingency

5. Payment Schedule

Deposit amount (max 25% in Florida)
Progress payment schedule
Final payment terms
Accepted payment methods

6. Warranty Information

Material warranties
Workmanship warranty
Warranty duration
What's covered and excluded

7. Terms and Conditions

Permit responsibility
Change order process
Cleanup procedures
Dispute resolution
Cancellation policy

8. License and Insurance

License number
Insurance certificate attached
Qualifier name

Red Flags in Estimates:

Handwritten on torn paper
Vague scope ("install pool cage")
No material specifications
Lump sum with no breakdown
No timeline
Payment terms unclear
No warranty mentioned
No license/insurance info
Verbal only (no written)

Comparing Multiple Estimates

How Many Estimates to Get?

Recommended: 3-5 estimates

Why Multiple Estimates:

Price comparison (expect 10-25% variance)
Different approaches and solutions
Material option comparison
Various warranty offerings
Gauge professionalism and communication

Warning: The lowest bid is rarely the best choice

What to Compare Beyond Price

1. Scope of Work

Are all estimates quoting the same thing?
Same square footage?
Same features included?
Similar material quality?

2. Material Quality

Screen type and thickness
Aluminum gauge and finish
Hardware quality
Brand names

3. Warranty Terms

Length of coverage
What's specifically covered
Process for warranty claims
Transferable to new owner?

4. Timeline

Realistic start date
Project duration
Weather contingency
Completion guarantee

5. Payment Terms

Deposit percentage (25% max)
Payment milestones
Final payment timing
Financing options

6. Communication Style

Responsiveness
Clarity of explanations
Willingness to answer questions
Professional demeanor

7. Contract Terms

Comprehensive and clear
Change order process
Dispute resolution
Permits and inspections

Understanding Price Differences

If One Bid is Much Lower:

Could indicate:

Lower quality materials
Less experienced crew
Unlicensed operation
No insurance coverage
Won't pull permits
Hidden costs to come
Financial trouble (may not complete)

Questions to Ask Low Bidder:

"What specific materials are included?"
"Are permits included?"
"How many years of experience do you have?"
"Can I see your current insurance?"
"What's your warranty?"

If One Bid is Much Higher:

Could indicate:

Premium materials
More comprehensive scope
Better warranty
More experienced contractor
Additional features included
Or simply overpricing

Questions to Ask High Bidder:

"What makes your price higher than others?"
"What additional value am I getting?"
"Can you provide detailed comparison?"

Contract Must-Haves: Protect Your Investment

Essential Contract Elements

1. Detailed Scope of Work Every aspect in writing:

Exact dimensions
Material specifications (brands, models, gauges)
Color selections
Features included
Exclusions clearly stated

2. Total Project Cost Breakdown

Itemized materials
Labor costs
Permit fees
Engineering
Disposal
Upgrades/options
Sales tax
Total amount clearly stated

3. Payment Schedule Florida law limits deposits:

Initial deposit: Maximum 10% or $1,000 (whichever less)
Can increase to 25% once work begins
Progress payments tied to milestones
Final payment on completion and approval
Never pay in full upfront

4. Project Timeline

Specific start date (or estimated if permits pending)
Completion date
Milestone dates
Weather delay provisions
Penalty for delays (optional but recommended)

5. Warranty Coverage

Workmanship warranty: minimum 1 year (3-5 years better)
Material warranty: varies by product (5-20 years typical)
Specific items covered
Claim process
Transferable provisions

6. Permit and Inspection Responsibility

Who obtains permits
Cost responsibility
Inspection scheduling
Code compliance guarantee

7. Change Order Process

How changes are requested
Pricing approval before work
Written documentation required
Payment terms for changes

8. Cleanup and Disposal

Daily cleanup standards
Final cleanup expectations
Disposal of old materials
Landscaping protection

9. Insurance and Liability

Contractor's insurance coverage
Property damage responsibility
Worker injury coverage
Homeowner liability waivers

10. Dispute Resolution

How disputes are handled
Mediation or arbitration
Attorney fees responsibility
Jurisdiction for legal action

Contract Red Flags

Never Sign If:

Verbal contract only
Vague scope of work
No material specifications
No payment schedule
Requires full payment upfront
Requires large deposit (over 25%)
No start or completion dates
No warranty information
Missing contractor license number
No permit plans
Handwritten on informal paper
You feel rushed or pressured
You don't fully understand terms

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Technical Questions

"Will this enclosure meet current Florida building codes for my area?"
- Answer should be confident "yes" with specific code references
"What wind load rating will my enclosure have?"
- Should reference your specific wind zone (varies by county)
"Will you provide engineered, stamped plans?"
- Required in most jurisdictions
"What type of aluminum will be used?"
- Should specify grade/gauge
"What's the warranty on materials and labor?"
- Get specific years and coverage

Process Questions

"Do you handle all permits and inspections?"
- Professional contractors handle this
"What's your typical timeline from contract to completion?"
- Should account for permits: 4-8 weeks typical
"How do you handle unexpected issues or repairs found during installation?"
- Should have clear change order process
"Will you be using subcontractors?"
- Not necessarily bad, but you should know
"Who will be my main point of contact?"
- Clear communication chain

Business Practice Questions

"How long have you been in business?"
- 10+ years preferred in Florida
"How many enclosure projects do you complete per year?"
- Experience indicator
"Can I see photos of recent, similar projects?"
- Should have extensive portfolio
"Can you provide 3-5 recent references?"
- Yes, with contact information
"What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?"
- Should have resolution process

Red Flag Questions

If contractor balks at any of these, proceed with caution:

"Can I verify your license and insurance?"
"May I see a sample contract before committing?"
"Will you provide a detailed written estimate?"
"Can I contact your past customers?"
"What's your Better Business Bureau rating?"

Final Checklist: Before You Sign

Print this checklist and verify each item:

If you can't check every box, don't sign.

Warning Signs: When to Walk Away

Immediate Deal-Breakers:

No license or expired license
No insurance or insufficient coverage
Requires over 25% deposit or full payment upfront
Verbal contract only
Refuses to provide references
Can't show portfolio of work
Numerous negative reviews or BBB complaints
High-pressure sales tactics
"Today only" pricing
Won't pull permits
Can't meet in person
No physical business address
Recently formed LLC with no history

Gut Feelings to Trust:

Feels rushed or pressured
Communication is poor
Answers are vague or evasive
Something seems "too good to be true"
You don't feel respected
Contractor seems inexperienced
Business practices seem unprofessional

What Great Contractors Do Differently

Excellence Indicators:

Communication

Respond promptly (within 24 hours)
Explain options clearly
Listen to your concerns
Provide educational information
Keep you updated during project

Professionalism

Arrive on time for appointments
Present professional appearance
Detailed written documentation
Clear contracts and estimates
Organized and methodical

Expertise

Answer technical questions confidently
Provide multiple options with pros/cons
Reference building codes and regulations
Suggest solutions to challenges
Share decades of experience

Transparency

Upfront about costs
Honest about timeline
Clear about what's included/excluded
Willing to explain anything
No hidden fees

Quality Focus

Use premium materials
Experienced installation crews
Proper tools and equipment
Attention to detail
Thorough cleanup

Customer Service

Treat property with respect
Protect landscaping and belongings
Clean up daily
Address concerns immediately
Follow up after completion

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Choosing a screen enclosure contractor in Florida requires due diligence, but the effort protects you from costly mistakes. The contractor you select will impact your property for decades—choose wisely.

Key Takeaways: