Why “License Rentals” Are Illegal in Florida What DBPR Looks For — And How GCOnlinePro Stays Fully Compliant

In Florida’s construction world, it’s common to hear about people “renting” a GC license to pull permits for construction jobs.

Let’s be clear:

🛑 That practice is illegal — and the DBPR is actively investigating and cracking down.

But here’s where the confusion begins:

What’s the difference between illegally renting a license and a legal GC On Record service like the one we offer at GCOnlinePro?

This article explains:

What “license rental” really means

Why it’s illegal

What DBPR looks for during investigations

And how we do it legally — even for jobs far from our home base

🚫 What Is a “License Rental”?

A license rental is when a licensed General Contractor allows someone to pull permits using their license without providing any real oversight.

This usually means:

The GC never visits the job

Has no relationship with the workers

Doesn’t review plans or inspections

And often has no idea what’s happening on-site

In these cases, the GC is only paid to sign permits — and that’s it.

That’s exactly what Florida law prohibits.

⚖️ What the Law Says

Florida Statute § 489.129(1)(j) says it’s a violation when a GC:

> “Allows his or her certificate to be used by another to engage in contracting without the GC’s supervision and control.”

Penalties can include:

Suspension or revocation of the GC license

Fines up to $10,000 per violation

Civil lawsuits or even criminal charges if things go wrong

🔎 What DBPR Looks For When Investigating

DBPR focuses on whether the GC is actually involved in the project. They ask:

Is the GC listed as an officer or W-2 employee of the company?

Are they reviewing the plans and contract scope?

Who is coordinating inspections?

Is the GC truly exercising control and oversight, or just collecting a fee?

They also review:

Permit history across counties

Project distance vs. GC location

Any communication records (text, email, job logs)

✅ How GCOnlinePro Does It LEGALLY

At GCOnlinePro, we don’t just sign permits and walk away.

We offer a compliant GC On Record model that includes real oversight — even if the project is in another part of Florida.

Here’s how:

📸 1. Weekly Photo Reports

Clients send updated photos showing job progress, conditions, corrections, and any violations.

📁 2. Plan Review Before Submission

We review all plans, scope of work, and check compliance before signing.

🧾 3. Inspection Tracking

We monitor inspection results through the city portal and require the site manager to share updates immediately.

🧰 4. Clear Supervision Agreement

Every project is signed under a contract that defines roles, assigns field supervision, and protects both parties legally.

📞 5. Communication Channel

We stay in touch with the client and supervisor by phone, email, and text — available for issues, red tags, or job changes.

🛑 What We Do Not Do

❌ We don’t pull permits blindly

❌ We don’t allow undocumented use of our license

❌ We don’t “disappear” after the permit is approved

❌ We don’t qualify random businesses with no real oversight

💸 Why Some GCs Still Risk It

Some GCs “rent” their license for fast money — charging $500 or $1,000/month and never showing up. They take the risk, hoping DBPR won’t catch them.

But if something goes wrong — from code violations to injuries or unpaid subs — that GC is legally responsible.

It’s not worth the risk for anyone.

🏗️ Final Word

The GC On Record model from GCOnlinePro is different. It’s legal, structured, and built for today’s reality: contractors who need permit support, but still want to run the project themselves.

By providing real documentation, reviewing plans, and following inspections — even remotely — we help you build safely and legally.

📞 Need Permit Help?

We serve licensed contractors, remodelers, and investors across Florida — from Tampa to Palm Beach and beyond.

👉 Call or text (954) 546-4071 or visit www.GCOnlinePro.com

✅ Get your permits submitted

✅ Stay compliant

✅ Avoid legal headaches