Hiring a general contractor in Miami is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home or commercial property. Get it right and your project runs smoothly, on time, and within budget. Get it wrong and you could be dealing with incomplete work, unlicensed subcontractors, permit violations, and expensive repairs for years afterward. Here is exactly what to look for — and what to watch out for — before signing any contract with a Miami general contractor.
1. Verify Their Florida Contractor’s License
In Florida, general contractors must hold a valid state license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can verify any contractor’s license status — including whether it is active, expired, or has disciplinary actions — for free at myfloridalicense.com. A licensed contractor has passed Florida’s trade exam, demonstrated financial responsibility, and carries the required insurance. Never hire a contractor who cannot provide their license number or whose license does not come back clean on the DBPR database.
2. Confirm General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance
A licensed contractor in Florida is required to carry general liability insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming you as an additional insured — this protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged during your project. Also confirm that the contractor carries workers compensation insurance or that their subcontractors do. Without workers comp, you as the property owner can be held liable for injuries that occur on your property during construction.
3. Check Their Permit History
A reputable general contractor in Miami pulls permits for all work that requires them. You can search permit records through the applicable Miami-Dade municipality’s building department portal. Look for evidence that the contractor consistently pulls permits, passes inspections, and closes out permits properly. A contractor who suggests doing work without permits should be avoided completely — unpermitted work creates code violations, open permit issues, and liability problems that follow the property forever.
4. Ask for Local References and Photos of Completed Work
Any experienced Miami general contractor should be able to provide references from recent projects in your area — and ideally show you completed work in person or through a detailed portfolio. Ask specifically about projects similar in scope to yours, and ask references whether the contractor stayed on budget, maintained consistent communication, and resolved any issues professionally.
5. Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments — reputable contractors typically require a modest deposit with progress payments tied to project milestones. Avoid anyone who cannot provide a detailed written contract and scope of work. Steer clear of contractors who offer significantly lower bids than all others — this usually means they are cutting corners on materials, labor, insurance, or permits. And never hire a contractor who suggests working without permits to save money. The savings are illusory and the risks are significant.
Why Miami Homeowners Choose IG Construction
IG Construction has been serving Miami-Dade and Broward County since 2000. We are fully licensed and insured, pull permits for all required work, maintain an in-house team of skilled tradespeople, and stand behind every project we complete. Call (305) 686-8639 or request a free quote online to discuss your project.