What constitutes 'contractor fraud' in Florida?

In Florida, contractor fraud is primarily defined by misrepresentations or deceitful practices concerning contractor qualifications or licensing. This encompasses situations where a contractor may misstate their credentials, such as falsely claiming to have the necessary licensing, experience, or qualifications to perform certain types of work. Such deceptive practices undermine the integrity of the construction industry and can lead to significant financial and legal consequences for both the contractor and the client.

Misleading clients about project timelines, while unethical, does not specifically fall under the statutory definitions of contractor fraud in the same way that fraudulent claims about qualifications do. Underbidding to win contracts can also be problematic but generally occurs in competitive bidding scenarios and does not indicate deceitfulness about one's standing or abilities as a contractor. Overcharging for materials and labor, while it may involve unethical business practices, typically relates more to pricing disputes than to the fraudulent misrepresentation of a contractor's qualifications or licensing status. Therefore, the core of contractor fraud in Florida lies in dishonest claims regarding a contractor's capabilities and legitimacy.