Hurricane Season 2025 is officially here, running from June 1 through November 30. That means it is time for Florida residents and businesses to gear up, stay alert, and make a plan. But the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is offering free resources to help you prepare smartly, avoid scams, and recover quickly if a storm hits.

The DBPR might sound like a government agency tucked away in Tallahassee (and technically, it is), but during hurricane season, they are a huge help. Their main goal is to protect both consumers and business owners from being taken advantage of when they are most vulnerable. That often happens right after a storm, when people are looking for quick fixes and fast repairs. Scammers love this moment. DBPR wants to stop them before they even start.

One of the most useful tools they offer is the license verification system. Before you hire anyone to work on your home or business, you can search the DBPR website to see if they are properly licensed. If they are not, that is your sign to walk away. This simple step can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

Beyond fighting fraud, DBPR also helps Floridians get ready before the storm even arrives. They provide checklists for both homeowners and business owners that include important prep steps. These checklists cover everything from securing outdoor furniture and stocking emergency supplies to backing up business records and protecting customer data. If your business is affected by a storm, the DBPR also offers temporary license rule flexibility so you can bounce back faster.

For consumers, DBPR also offers tips on how to avoid common hurricane-season traps, like contractors asking for full payment upfront or offering deals that sound too good to be true. They make it easier to report bad actors and know your rights before you sign anything.

Getting ready for hurricane season is not just about weather apps and bottled water. It is about making smart decisions, knowing who to trust, and acting early. DBPR’s resources help you do all of that. The more prepared you are before the storm, the easier it will be to recover after.

So whether you own a business, rent an apartment, or live in a single-family home, now is the time to act. Visit the DBPR website, use their tools, and start checking items off your prep list. You do not need to wait for dark clouds to take smart steps. Hurricane Season 2025 may be unpredictable, but your safety plan does not have to be.

With support from DBPR, you can face the season with confidence, knowledge, and a whole lot less stress.

If you’re dreaming of becoming a licensed contractor, there’s one piece of advice that could save you tons of stress, money, and missed opportunities: start early. This blog walks through the lessons I learned the hard way, how putting off my contractor license delayed my success and cost me a significant job.

First, we examined why early action is essential. Getting a contractor license isn’t instant. It takes time to gather documents, understand state-specific rules, and pass a fairly challenging exam. Many people think they’ll “get to it later,” but by the time “later” rolls around, opportunities have passed, deadlines are too tight, and panic sets in. Don’t be that person.

Next, we dove into the state-by-state differences. Every U.S. state has its own rules for age, experience, paperwork, and testing. Some even require you to have insurance or a registered business before applying. Knowing these details early on can help you start checking boxes before the clock starts ticking.

Then came the paperwork. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary. You’ll likely need to show proof of experience, pass a background check, and provide identification, business info, and more. Gathering this in advance makes the process smoother when it’s time to apply.

Studying for the exam is where many people slip up. The contractor license exam isn’t rocket science, but it’s not a freebie either. You’ll need to learn business laws, safety codes, math, and construction practices. The blog shares proven tips: use reliable, state-specific prep materials, make a study plan, take practice tests, and don’t be afraid to fail and try again.

If you give yourself enough time, failing once won’t ruin your journey. Starting early builds in buffer time for mistakes, rescheduling, and learning at your own pace. That’s a luxury you don’t have if you wait too long to begin.

Finally, getting your license opens doors. Licensed contractors land better-paying jobs, earn more client trust, and have the legal backing to expand their businesses. It’s not just a piece of paper. It’s your passport to a professional future.

The takeaway? Don’t delay. Every step you take now, learning the rules, collecting paperwork, and studying, gets you closer to your goal. The journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you plan smart and move early.

So, whether you’re fresh out of high school or years into the trade, the time to start is now. Lay your foundation strong. Then build the rest of your career with confidence.

Summary: Why Getting a Head Start on Your Contractor License Pays Off

If you’re thinking about a career in construction, home improvement, or skilled trades, getting your contractor license should be right up there on your to-do list. And not just, eventually, right now is the perfect time to start. Why? Because earning your license isn’t a quick checkbox. It’s a process that takes time, effort, and planning. The sooner you begin, the smoother your path becomes.

To put it plainly, a contractor license is your golden ticket. It proves to clients, employers, and the state that you know what you’re doing and can be trusted to do it legally and professionally. It also unlocks opportunities for bigger jobs, higher pay, and the chance to run your own business. But getting that license isn’t instant.

Most states require a few years of work experience, successful exam results, and a substantial amount of paperwork, including insurance and financial documentation. You’ll likely need to pass two exams: one for your specific trade and another that covers the legal and business side of things. And let’s be real, those aren’t the kind of tests you want to cram for the night before. Starting early gives you the breathing room to prep without pressure.

Beyond that, jumping in early also gives you the edge when opportunities arise. Say a big job lands in your lap, but the client needs a licensed contractor. If you’re not ready, that job goes to someone else. That’s money out of your pocket and experience off your résumé.

The risks of waiting? They’re no joke. If you try to work without a license, you could face fines, legal issues, and a big hit to your reputation. Worse, you’ll be stuck doing smaller, lower-paying jobs while others with licenses move ahead. That’s a hard pill to swallow if you’ve got talent and drive.

On the bright side, starting early isn’t complicated; it’s just smart. Begin by researching your state’s requirements. Keep track of your experience, even if you’re starting, budget for licensing fees. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or find a mentor who can help you navigate the process.

Your contractor license is more than just permission to work. It’s a statement. It says you’ve taken the time to learn your trade, understand the law, and commit to a professional standard. And that kind of dedication? It builds trust, opens doors, and sets you up for long-term success.

So don’t wait until you “feel ready.” If you’re serious about building a future in the trades, the time to start is now. Lay the foundation early, and you’ll be building more than houses, you’ll be building a career you can be proud of.

A permit expediter might not wear a hard hat or swing a hammer, but they’re a crucial part of getting construction projects off the ground. Their main job is handling all the paperwork required to get building permits approved quickly and correctly. Think of them as the go-between for builders and city officials.

So, the big question: do you need a license to become one?

The answer is, “it depends.” There isn’t a nationwide rule. Some cities let you start working as a permit expeditor without any license at all. Others want you to register your business or get a contractor’s license. A few even have special rules for permit expediters. It’s all based on local laws, so the best thing you can do is check the requirements where you plan to work.

There are several types of licenses or registrations you might need:

• A general business license, which allows you to run your business legally.

• A contractor’s license, if your work involves more than just permits.

• City-specific permits or approvals, especially in large cities with strict rules.

Even if you don’t need a license, this job still requires some key skills. You’ll need to stay organized, manage tight deadlines, and be comfortable communicating with city offices and construction crews. Accuracy and attention to detail are a must one wrong line on a form can delay an entire project.

If you try to work without a required license, there can be serious consequences. Cities might fine you, ban you from working, or delay projects you’re responsible for. It’s better to follow the rules from the beginning than try to fix problems later.

The good news? You can start small. Many people begin part-time while working in construction or architecture. With a little training, experience, and patience, you can build a solid career helping projects progress.

To get started:

1. Research your local rules. Every city is different.

2. Learn the process. Take a class, read up on building codes, or shadow an experienced expediter.

3. Get your paperwork in order. Even if you don’t need a license, you might still need insurance or a business registration.

4. Build your reputation. A good expediter is someone people trust to get things done.

Permit expediting isn’t the flashiest career, but it’s incredibly valuable. If you enjoy problem-solving, paperwork, and being the one who makes things happen behind the scenes, it could be a perfect fit.

Translation missing: es.Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Travis Morgan Slaughter and Tripp Charles Slaughter have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud related to a Jacksonville roofing business that they operated. They each face a maximum...