Updated April 25, 2025 by Alec Waid

Dealing with a contractor who walks away from a project can leave homeowners feeling frustrated and financially strained. Whether the issue is incomplete work, substandard craftsmanship, or unexpected costs, knowing your rights and understanding the proper steps can help you hold the contractor accountable and protect your investment. At Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., our Florida litigation attorneys have guided countless clients through these challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide to resolving disputes with bad contractors.

Common Issues With Bad Contractors

When a contractor abandons a project, homeowners often face a range of complications:

• Incomplete Work: You may be left with a half-finished project that disrupts your daily life or renders parts of your property unusable.
• Poor Quality: Subpar work may require additional repairs or even a complete redo, increasing costs and delays.
• Financial Losses: Paying for materials or services you didn’t receive can create significant financial burdens.
• Delays: An unfinished project can derail timelines, especially for renovations tied to critical life events or business needs.

Understanding the steps to take when a contractor walks away can help minimize these challenges and set you on the path to resolution.

Common Red Flags When Hiring Contractors

Avoiding contractor disputes often starts with choosing the right professional. Be cautious of:

• Reluctance to Provide References: Reputable contractors should have a list of satisfied clients.
• Lack of Licensing or Insurance: Verify the contractor’s credentials with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Unclear Contracts: A poorly written contract may indicate inexperience or a lack of professionalism.

Taking the time to vet contractors before hiring can save you significant headaches down the line.

How to Handle Mechanic’s Liens Filed by Contractors

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim that contractors or subcontractors can file against a property if they believe they weren’t paid for services or materials. Even when the contractor walks away or performs substandard work, they might attempt to file a lien, complicating your situation.

Steps to Address a Mechanic’s Lien

1. Verify the Lien: Ensure the lien is legitimate. In Florida, contractors must meet specific requirements, such as providing proper notice before filing.
2. Dispute the Lien: If the lien is invalid or unwarranted, you can file a formal contest to have it removed.
3. Consult an Attorney: A Florida litigation attorney can help you navigate the complexities of disputing or negotiating the lien.

Mechanic’s liens can affect your ability to sell or refinance your property, so resolving them quickly is essential.

Step 1: Review Your Contract

Your construction contract is the foundation of your legal relationship with the contractor. Carefully review its terms to identify your rights and the contractor’s obligations.

• Scope of Work: Does the contract detail the work to be performed?
• Payment Terms: Are payments tied to specific milestones or progress markers?
• Termination Clauses: Does the contract outline what happens if either party fails to fulfill their obligations?
• Dispute Resolution: Does the contract specify mediation, arbitration, or litigation for resolving disputes?

If the contract is vague or missing key details, don’t panic. Legal remedies may still be available.

Step 2: Document Everything

Maintaining detailed records is crucial when dealing with contractor disputes. Compile the following:

• Signed Contracts: Keep a copy of all agreements.
• Payment Records: Save receipts, canceled checks, or bank statements showing payments made.
• Photos of Incomplete Work: Document the current state of the project.
• Communication Records: Retain emails, text messages, or voicemails between you and the contractor.
• Witness Statements: If others witnessed interactions or project discussions, their accounts may be valuable.

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if you need to escalate the issue.

Step 3: Seek Legal Assistance to Resolve the Issue

If your efforts to resolve the dispute directly with the contractor have been unsuccessful, it’s time to consult a Florida litigation attorney. An experienced attorney can bring legal expertise and authority to the negotiation process, often leading to faster and more effective resolutions.

• Evaluate Your Case: Your attorney will review the contract, payment records, and any communications to assess the strength of your position.
• Draft Formal Communications: A certified letter from an attorney outlining the problem and demanding a resolution can carry more weight than one sent by a homeowner.
• Propose Mediation with Legal Support: An attorney can represent you in mediation, ensuring your interests are protected and guiding the discussion toward a fair compromise.

Contractors are often more likely to cooperate when faced with legal representation, but if they remain unresponsive or uncooperative, your attorney can advise you on the next steps, including formal legal action.

Step 4: File a Complaint

If direct communication fails, consider filing a formal complaint:

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): The DBPR investigates licensing violations and can impose penalties.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Filing a complaint with the BBB may pressure the contractor to resolve the issue.
• Consumer Protection Agencies: State and local agencies can provide additional resources or mediation services.

Complaints establish a formal record and may encourage the contractor to address your concerns.

Step 5: Hire a New Contractor

If the original contractor refuses to return, you may need to hire someone else to complete the work. To avoid repeating mistakes:

• Verify Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the new contractor is properly credentialed.
• Check References and Reviews: Speak with past clients to gauge reliability and quality.
• Use a Detailed Contract: Clearly define the scope of work, payment terms, and deadlines.

Keep records of additional expenses to support your claim for damages against the original contractor.

Florida Laws Protecting Homeowners Against Bad Contractors

Florida has strict regulations designed to protect homeowners from dishonest contractors. These include:

• Licensing Requirements: Contractors must be licensed to perform certain types of work.
• Insurance Coverage: Contractors must carry liability insurance to protect clients from financial loss.
• Building Code Compliance: Work must meet local and state building codes.

Understanding these laws can strengthen your position in a dispute.

When Mediation or Arbitration May Be the Right Option

Mediation and arbitration offer alternative ways to resolve contractor disputes without going to court.

• Mediation: A neutral mediator helps both parties reach a mutually agreeable solution.
• Arbitration: An arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision.

These methods are often faster and less expensive than litigation.

Step 6: Pursue Legal Action

When all else fails, legal action may be necessary to recover your losses. A Florida litigation attorney can assist with:

• Breach of Contract Claims: Recover payments made for incomplete or defective work.
• Negligence Claims: Hold the contractor accountable for damages caused by poor workmanship.
• Mechanic’s Lien Defense: Contest improperly filed liens that cloud your property title.

Litigation can ensure you receive compensation for financial losses and additional damages.

How to Recover Additional Damages

Beyond the cost of unfinished work, you may be entitled to additional damages, such as:

• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the stress caused by the contractor’s actions.
• Temporary Housing Costs: If incomplete work forces you to leave your home.
• Legal Fees: Some cases allow for the recovery of attorney’s fees if you prevail.

An experienced attorney will identify all available avenues for compensation.

How Florida Litigation Attorneys Handle Contractor Disputes

Contractor disputes can be complex and frustrating, but experienced attorneys can guide homeowners toward fair resolutions. Here are hypothetical scenarios illustrating how attorneys at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., could assist: Scenario 1: Recovering Funds for Unfinished Work Imagine a homeowner pays $60,000 upfront for a major kitchen renovation, but the contractor abandons the project halfway through. An attorney could help by reviewing the contract, documenting the incomplete work, and filing a breach of contract claim. Through negotiation or litigation, the homeowner might recover the full amount paid, plus damages for the inconvenience and delays caused. Scenario 2: Contesting an Improper Mechanic’s Lien Suppose a contractor files a mechanic’s lien against a property, claiming payment for work that was never completed or materials that were never delivered. An attorney could investigate the claim, identify violations of Florida lien laws, and file a motion to have the lien removed. This would allow the homeowner to clear the title and proceed with selling or refinancing their property. Scenario 3: Resolving Quality of Work Disputes A contractor completes a home addition, but the quality doesn’t meet professional standards, leaving the structure unsafe. An attorney could bring in expert witnesses, such as building inspectors, to provide evidence of substandard workmanship. By holding the contractor accountable, the homeowner might recover the costs of hiring a new contractor to fix the issues. Scenario 4: Mediation for Communication Breakdowns Sometimes disputes arise from miscommunication or unrealistic expectations. An attorney could act as a mediator, facilitating productive discussions between the homeowner and the contractor. This approach might lead to a resolution without the need for lengthy court proceedings. These scenarios highlight the critical role attorneys play in navigating contractor disputes. From legal expertise to strategic advocacy, the right attorney can help homeowners protect their rights and recover losses efficiently.

Why Expert Guidance from an Attorney Matters

Contractor disputes can be legally complex and emotionally draining. An experienced Florida litigation attorney can:

• Evaluate Your Case: Review your contract, evidence, and options.
• Handle Legal Proceedings: Manage complaints, filings, and court appearances.
• Maximize Compensation: Recover financial losses and additional damages.
• Protect Your Rights: Ensure you’re not taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors.

With professional legal guidance, you can achieve a fair resolution and regain peace of mind.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you’re dealing with a bad contractor, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., is here to help. For over six decades, our firm has been a trusted name in Florida law, known for our professionalism, dedication, and outstanding results. Our experienced Florida litigation attorneys work tirelessly to resolve contractor disputes and protect homeowners’ rights. We approach each case with care and commitment, tailoring our strategies to fit your unique circumstances. With a legacy of excellence and a client-focused approach, we’re ready to guide you through the legal process, recover your losses, and ensure justice is served. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., help you take the first step toward resolution with confidence.