GC Exposure
Unlicensed Glazing Subs
Put You at Risk.
Florida law makes clear that a GC is responsible for the licensing status of their subcontractors. Awarding a glazing scope to an unlicensed sub — or one whose license has lapsed or been suspended — creates exposure on multiple fronts.
- Project closeout risk: Building inspectors verify contractor licensing at final inspection. A glazing scope installed by an unlicensed sub may fail inspection, requiring removal and reinstallation by a licensed contractor — at your cost.
- Lien rights complications: Under Florida's Construction Lien Law, an unlicensed contractor may not have full lien rights — but their material suppliers do. A GC who paid an unlicensed glazing sub can still face valid liens from the sub's suppliers if the sub failed to pay them.
- Workers' comp liability: If a glazing sub's employees are injured on your site and the sub doesn't carry workers' comp, Florida law may assign liability to the GC. This is a serious exposure, particularly for glazing work involving elevated and aerial lifts.
- Insurance gaps: A sub without proper GL coverage means that any property damage or bodily injury claims arising from their work may become the GC's problem. Verify coverage before mobilization, not after an incident.
The simplest way to eliminate this exposure is to verify license status and insurance before the subcontract is executed — not after the scope is already underway.
