Hiring a general contractor in Fort Lauderdale can make or break your construction project. Whether you are undertaking a renovation, adding square footage, building out a commercial space, or constructing a new building, choosing the right professional protects your investment and prevents delays, budget problems, and poor workmanship. This 2026 guide gives you a simple checklist that homeowners and commercial property owners and managers can use to confidently hire the right team and have a positive experience .
1. Confirm Licensing and Insurance
Always verify that your potential Fort Lauderdale general contractor is properly licensed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. This helps ensure the contractor is legally allowed to perform structural work, electrical, plumbing coordination, and permitting.
You should also request proof of:
- Registered and active Florida corporation via www.sunbiz.org
- General liability insurance
- Workers compensation
- Commercial auto insurance if they operate fleets
Reliable source for license lookups:
Florida DBPR License Search: https://www.myfloridalicense.com
2. Ask for Recent Local Projects
A contractor who regularly works in Fort Lauderdale understands local building codes, inspection requirements, coastal construction needs, and hurricane protection standards. Ask for:
- Before and after photos
- Addresses of completed projects
- Site visits to current projects
- Contact information for recent clients
- Details on timeline and budget accuracy
This shows you how well the contractor performs in real life, not just on paper.
3. Check Their Online Reputation
Look at reviews across Google, Houzz, and Better Business Bureau. Search phrases like general contractor Fort Lauderdale reviews or Fort Lauderdale residential contractor. What you want to see:
- Consistency in 4 to 5 star ratings
- Comments that mention professionalism, communication, and cleanliness
- Photos that match the quality you expect
Helpful non-competitive site for reputation checking:
Better Business Bureau: https://www.bbb.org
4. Understand Their Communication Style
Great builders know communication is everything. During your first consultation, consider:
- Do they answer questions clearly?
- Do they explain materials and timelines?
- Do they offer written details instead of vague answers?
- Do they discuss potential challenges upfront?
- Do they have a system for ongoing consistently scheduled meetings and reports, i.e. daily reports?
- Do they have a estimating and project management platform that makes communication and approvals among stakeholders, design and construction professionals consistent, efficient and transparent.
A good contractor should make you feel informed and in control.
5. Ask About Their Subcontractors
Most general contractors work with a team of licensed specialists. Ask who they use for:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Flooring
- Roofing
- Structural engineering
- Cabinetry and custom work
A trustworthy contractor will happily explain their subcontractor network and the standards they require.
6. Get a Detailed Contract
The contract should clearly list:
- Scope of work
- Materials and finishes
- Project timeline
- Payment schedule
- Warranty details
- Change order process
- Owner and Contractor responsibilities
- Detailed general terms and conditions of the project
A detailed contract protects you from surprise fees or unfinished work.
7. Verify Their Permitting Knowledge
Fort Lauderdale is strict about permits. Your general contractor should know which permits your project needs and approximately how long approvals take. There are 31 cities in Broward County, and requirements vary among cities like Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lighthouse Point, etc.
Common permits for new construction and renovations include:
- Demolition
- Building (structural)
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Fire alarm and fire sprinkler
- Roof
- Hood (for restaurants and commercial kitchens)
- Tree removal
- Landscaping
You can review Fort Lauderdale permit information through the city’s website:
City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services: https://www.fortlauderdale.gov
8. Compare at Least Three Quotes
When collecting bids, compare more than just the price. Look at:
- Whether materials are equal to or better to specifications in the plans.
- Timeline estimates
- Level of detail
- Warranty coverage (Florida requires one-year workmanship warranty. Material warranties very among manufacturers.)
- What is excluded from the quote.
The cheapest option is not always the best, and proposals need to be qualified. A realistic estimate avoids major delays once work begins.
9. Choose a Contractor with Proven Local Experience
If you want a reliable and reputable option, Danto Builders is a strong recommendation. They are a well-established general contractor in Fort Lauderdale known for high quality work, transparent communication, and extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects. They also understand South Florida’s unique building standards and permitting processes, which can save you time and stress.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Hiring a contractor is not only about skill. It is also about trust. If something feels rushed, unclear, or unprofessional, keep searching. A great contractor should make the process smooth, comfortable and predictable.
Did we miss anything?
Choosing the right general contractor in Fort Lauderdale ensures your renovation stays on time, on budget, and built to local standards. By using this checklist, you can confidently evaluate contractors and find the right fit. Whether you are renovating a home, condominium, or business, taking the extra time upfront leads to a successful project in the end.
Build smarter. Build safer. Build with Danto Builders.
About Danto Builders, Fort Lauderdale General Contractors
Danto Builders is a premier general contracting firm based in Fort Lauderdale, specializing in both residential and commercial construction. With decades of experience serving South Florida, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, transparent communication, and on-time project completion. Our team of skilled professionals handles everything from custom home builds and luxury renovations to commercial developments, bringing our clients’ visions to life with attention to detail and commitment to quality. At Danto Builders, we don’t just construct buildings, we build lasting relationships through our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.