Practical answers, no filler
What things cost, how to check a license, when to worry, and how to hire without getting burned — written for South Florida specifically.
The 10 Best Plumbers in Miami (2026) — Ranked from State License Data
We ranked Miami's best plumbers using Florida DBPR license records, attributed public ratings, and years in business — no pay-for-placement, sources cited. Plus what plumbing actually costs in Miami in 2026.
The 6 Best Ways to Find a Home Contractor in South Florida (2026), Compared
Marketplaces, lead-fee apps, Facebook groups, and the state license database — every way to find a Florida contractor, compared honestly (including ours). Plus the 5-step playbook that avoids the bad ones.
roofingThe 10 Best Roofing Companies in Orlando (2026) — Licensed & Rated
Orlando's best roofers ranked from Florida DBPR license records and attributed ratings — including a 33-year veteran and a ★5.0/200-review leader. Shingle repairs run $350–$1,200 in 2026.
pool servicesThe 10 Best Pool Service Companies in West Palm Beach (2026)
West Palm Beach's best pool companies, ranked from state license records and attributed Google/Yelp ratings — no pay-for-placement. Weekly service runs $90–$160/month; pump replacement $700–$1,500.
hvacThe 10 Best AC Repair & HVAC Companies in Fort Lauderdale (2026)
Fort Lauderdale's best AC companies, ranked from Florida license records and attributed public ratings — no pay-for-placement. Plus 2026 price ranges: tune-ups $90–$200, refrigerant recharges $200–$550.
plumbingHow much does it cost to fix a leaking toilet in Florida?
Usually $90–$250 — here's what decides where you land in that range, when it's a five-minute flapper and when it's a wax ring.
How to check a Florida contractor license (in about two minutes)
The state publishes every license — here's exactly where to look, what the statuses mean, and the two red flags worth walking away from.
The South Florida hurricane prep checklist that's actually about your house
Beyond water and batteries: the contractor-adjacent prep list — roof, shutters, drains, generator, trees — ordered by when to do it.
hvacWhy is my AC not cooling? A South Florida diagnosis guide
From "it's the capacitor" (often, ~$150–$400) to "it's the refrigerant" to "it's 17 years old" — how pros narrow it down, and what each fix typically runs.
pool servicesYour pool went green. Here's what getting it back costs.
The green-to-clean rescue typically runs $250–$650 in South Florida. What the process involves, why it takes multiple visits, and when a drain makes more sense.
How to hire a contractor without getting burned
The failure patterns are predictable: big deposits, vague scopes, no permits, no license. A field guide to the boring process that avoids all of them.