Why Florida Requires Specific Questions
Hiring a concrete contractor in Florida is different from hiring one in Ohio or Colorado. South Florida's sandy soil, intense UV exposure, heavy seasonal rain, and hurricane-force winds create conditions that demand specific answers about mix design, thickness, reinforcement, and drainage. A contractor who gives vague or dismissive answers to these questions is signaling either inexperience with Florida conditions or a reluctance to be held accountable to specifics.
Credential and Licensing Questions
Ask these first — before discussing the project scope:
- 1. What is your Florida contractor license number? — The correct answer is an SCC number (specialty concrete) or CGC number (certified general contractor). Verify it at myfloridalicense.com before proceeding.
- 2. Is your license active and in good standing? — Don't just take their word for it; verify online. Ask if there are any open complaints or disciplinary actions.
- 3. Will you pull the permit for this project? — Any contractor who says permits aren't required, or suggests you pull your own as the homeowner, is a red flag. They should handle the permit as part of the job.
- 4. Are you carrying general liability and workers' compensation insurance? — Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Call the insurer to verify it's active. Workers' comp protects you if a laborer is injured on your property.
- 5. How long has your company been doing concrete work in Palm Beach County specifically? — Local experience matters. South Florida conditions are distinct from the rest of the state.
Scope and Specification Questions
These questions reveal whether the contractor is quoting the same job you think they are:
- 6. What concrete mix will you use, and what is the PSI rating? — Residential driveways in Florida should use minimum 3,000 PSI concrete; pool decks and heavy-use areas often specify 4,000 PSI. A contractor who doesn't know or won't specify the mix is not quoting to a standard.
- 7. What thickness are you pouring? — Standard residential driveways are 4 inches; areas with vehicle access should be 5–6 inches. Patios are typically 4 inches. Confirm the thickness is specified in the written quote.
- 8. What reinforcement will you use — rebar or fiber mesh? — Florida soil movement and root intrusion mean reinforcement matters. Rebar (1/2" on 18" centers) is standard for driveways. Fiber mesh is a supplement, not a substitute for rebar in high-stress areas.
- 9. How will you handle drainage? — Florida's heavy rainfall means every concrete project needs positive drainage away from the structure. Ask how they'll slope the pour and whether they're adding drainage channels or French drains.
- 10. What prep work does your quote include? — Does it include demolition of the existing slab? Grading? Fill dirt? Compaction? Tree root removal? An unusually low quote often excludes necessary site prep.
Timeline and Payment Questions
Clarify these before any money changes hands:
- 11. What is the project timeline from start to completion? — Get a specific start date and estimated completion date. Confirm how many days after the pour before you can drive or walk on the surface (typically 3–7 days for foot traffic; 28 days for full vehicle load).
- 12. What is your payment schedule? — Florida law limits deposits to 10% of the contract price for residential jobs over $2,500. Payments should be tied to project milestones, not arbitrary dates. Never pay in full before completion.
- 13. What happens if the project runs over budget? — Get the change order process in writing. No additional charges should be incurred without a signed change order from you.
Warranty and Post-Project Questions
These questions are often skipped — don't skip them:
- 14. What warranty do you provide on the work? — Get this in writing. A reputable concrete contractor should warranty the workmanship (not just materials) for a minimum of one year; two years is better. Ask specifically what the warranty covers and what voids it.
- 15. Who will be on-site doing the work — your own crew or subcontractors? — If the contractor plans to subcontract the pour, ask who the subcontractor is and whether they hold their own license. The primary contractor is still legally responsible, but knowing who's on your property matters.
Red Flags to Watch for in Their Answers
After asking these questions, watch for these responses that signal a problem:
- Hesitation or vagueness about the license number — a licensed contractor knows their number
- Saying permits 'aren't needed' or 'aren't worth the hassle' — they are required
- Unable to specify concrete PSI, thickness, or reinforcement type — these are basics
- Demanding more than 15–20% upfront — outside normal industry practice
- Refusing to provide a written contract — required by Florida law for jobs over $2,500
- Offering a price dramatically lower than other quotes — something is being left out