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Hiring a swimming pool contractor in Palm Beach County or Broward County is a major investment—whether it’s for leak repairs, resurfacing, plumbing, or structural work. Unfortunately, South Florida continues to see a growing number of unlicensed swimming pool contractors, and homeowners often don’t realize the risk until it’s too late.
At Gator Leak Detection, we frequently encounter pools that have been damaged—or made worse—by unlicensed or improperly qualified contractors. In this article, we explain why licensing matters, what can go wrong, and how to protect yourself before hiring a pool professional.
In Florida, most swimming pool work—such as leak repairs, plumbing repairs, resurfacing, structural modifications, skimmer replacement, and pool shell repairs—requires a Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) contractor license (typically a CPC, RP, or SP license).
An unlicensed contractor may:
- Have no DBPR license at all
- Hold an expired or inactive license
- Be licensed in another trade (or another state) but not for pool work
- Advertise major repairs while claiming to be “maintenance only”
Simply put: if they’re doing licensed work without the proper license, it’s illegal.
Unlicensed Pool Contractors Are a Serious Problem in South Florida
Palm Beach County and Broward County have thousands of pools—and unfortunately, a high number of unlicensed operators targeting homeowners with low prices and fast promises.
Here’s what may happen if you hire an unlicensed contractor:
1. Poor Workmanship Which May Cost More Later
Unlicensed contractors often: Misdiagnose leaks, perform temporary epoxy “repairs” instead of permanent solutions, damage underground plumbing or pool shells or even create new leaks while attempting to fix existing ones
At Gator Leak Detection, we regularly inspect pools where unlicensed work has caused more damage than the original leak.
2. No Insurance = No Protection
Licensed contractors are required to carry proper insurance. Unlicensed contractors often do not.
If someone is injured on your property (including the non-licensed contractor) your pool structure is damaged, plumbing repairs fail:
You, as the homeowner, may be financially liable.
3. No Permits, No Accountability
If the work requires a permit unlicensed contractors:
- Cannot legally pull permits
- Often skip inspections
- Leave homeowners with unpermitted work that can cause issues during home sales or insurance claims
Once they’re paid, they can disappear—leaving you with no legal recourse.
4. Voided Warranties & Insurance Claims
Work performed by unlicensed contractors can:
- Void pool surface and equipment warranties
- Cause insurance companies to deny claims
- Create problems during property inspections
Insurance companies and manufacturers typically require licensed professional work to honor coverage.
How to Protect Yourself Before Hiring a Pool Contractor
Before hiring any pool contractor in Palm Beach or Broward County, always:
✔ Ask for their Florida license number
✔ Verify the license on the DBPR website
✔ Confirm the license is active and appropriate for pool work
✔ Avoid contractors who refuse to provide a license number
✔ Be cautious of unusually low pricing—it’s often a red flag
At Gator Leak Detection, we operate with transparency, professionalism, and proper licensing. We specialize in accurate swimming pool leak detection and repairs.
If you suspect a leak—we’re here to help.
Serving Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach & Broward County
Gator Leak Detection proudly serves:
- Palm Beach Gardens
- West Palm Beach
- Boca Raton
- Delray Beach
- Jupiter
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hollywood
- And surrounding areas in Palm Beach County and Broward County
Final Thought
Hiring an unlicensed swimming pool contractor may seem like a way to save money—but it often leads to higher costs, legal headaches, and long-term damage.
When it comes to your pool, licensed expertise matters.
📞 Contact Gator Leak Detection today for professional leak detection you can trust.
