General Contractors in Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island, FL

How to choose a general contractor in Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island

1. Verify the right license for the job

   Florida has three contractor levels. A CGC can build anything, a CBC is limited to buildings three stories or under, and a CRC handles one and two family homes. All are checked at myfloridalicense.com. A handyman or painter with only a county business tax receipt cannot legally do structural, roofing, electrical or plumbing work.

2. Ask who permits and who inspects

   Any structural change, addition, window or door replacement, and most kitchen or bath remodels need a permit in St. Johns County or the city. The GC should pull it, not you. Owner-builder permits shift all the liability to you and limit your recourse if something goes wrong.

3. Get a detailed written contract

   Florida contracts over a certain amount must include specific lien law language, and you should expect a scope of work, allowance schedule, payment milestones tied to progress, and a change order process. A deposit above 10 percent before any materials arrive is a warning sign.

4. Protect yourself from liens

   Subcontractors and suppliers can lien your home if the GC does not pay them, even if you paid the GC. Ask for a notice of commencement, require lien releases with each draw, and keep every notice to owner you receive in a folder.

5. Check recent local references and insurance

   Ask for three jobs completed in St. Johns County in the last two years and actually call them. Request liability and workers comp certificates directly from the insurance agent, not a photocopy from the contractor.

What general contractors cost in St. Johns County →