What to Look for in a Fence Contractor (Now That a License Isn’t Required in Florida)

If you’re looking to install a fence at your home or business in Polk County or Hillsborough County, choosing the right contractor is more important than ever—especially since Florida no longer requires fence contractors to be licensed.

That’s right: since the passage of House Bill 735, many local and specialty contractor licenses—including fencing—are no longer required statewide. While that may simplify the paperwork, it also means anyone can legally call themselves a fence contractor, regardless of experience.

So, how do you protect yourself as a homeowner?

Here’s what to look for when hiring a fence contractor in Florida in 2025.

📞 Need a reliable, experienced pro? Call Fence Install Company at 305-814-4773🌐 Visit us online: www.fenceinstallcompany.com

🔍 1. Check for Insurance (This Is Critical!)

Even if a license is no longer required, general liability insurance and workers’ comp coverage are still essential. These protect both your property and your liability if something goes wrong.

✅ Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate.🚫 If they can't provide it, do not hire them.

👷 2. Look for Experience, Not Just a Truck and a Toolkit

With no license barrier, anyone can claim to be a fence installer—even if they just started yesterday. Look for a contractor with:

• A professional website and branded materials

• Photos of past work

• Online reviews and ratings

• Years in business (ask directly!)

At Fence Install Company, we bring years of proven fence installation experience across Polk and Hillsborough County.

📋 3. Ask for a Written Estimate and Scope of Work

Any reputable fence contractor should provide a detailed, written quote that includes:

• Fence materials (wood, vinyl, chain link, etc.)

• Total linear feet

• Number of gates

• Labor costs

• Estimated timeline

• Permitting details

🚧 Fence Install Company provides clear, written estimates with no hidden fees.

📍 4. They Should Handle Permits – Even Without a License

Even though a license isn’t required, local building permits still are—especially for fences over 6 feet or those near public roads.

✅ A qualified contractor should be familiar with your city or county’s permit requirements and be able to pull them on your behalf.

We handle permitting for you in:

• Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven

• Brandon, Riverview, Plant City

• And throughout Polk & Hillsborough County

📞 5. Responsive Communication

A contractor should answer the phone, respond to questions, and show up when promised. If they’re hard to reach before the job, it won’t improve once they start working on your property.

At Fence Install Company, you’ll always get:

• Clear timelines

• Friendly communication

• Dependable, professional crews

📞 Call us today at 305-814-4773🌐 Get a free quote at www.fenceinstallcompany.com

🚫 Why Licensing No Longer Applies (But Still Matters)

Florida's HB 735, effective July 1, 2021, prohibits cities and counties from requiring specialty licenses for jobs like fence installation. While it reduces red tape for contractors, it also means the responsibility falls on you to choose a qualified pro.

That’s why experience, insurance, transparency, and reputation are more important than ever.

🛠️ Why Choose Fence Install Company?

Even without a license requirement, we maintain the highest standards:

✔️ Fully insured✔️ Trusted by homeowners throughout Central Florida✔️ Dozens of 5-star reviews✔️ Detailed, fair pricing✔️ Expert installation of wood, vinyl, chain link, and aluminum fences

📞 Call now: 305-814-4773🌐 Visit us: www.fenceinstallcompany.com