Key Takeaways
- Always verify a contractor's Florida license number at myfloridalicense.com before signing
- Any contractor who offers to skip permits is a serious red flag
- Get at least two itemized quotes and compare products by Florida Product Approval number
- Ask specifically whether the wind mitigation certificate is included
- Check Google, BBB, and HomeAdvisor reviews — look for patterns, not just star ratings
Choosing a hurricane shutter contractor in Sarasota is a decision that affects your family's safety, your home's value, and your insurance premiums for years to come. The right contractor makes the process smooth and delivers a system you can rely on. The wrong contractor can leave you with unpermitted work, substandard products, or a warranty that evaporates when you need it. This guide tells you exactly what to look for.
Step 1 — Verify the Florida Contractor License
Before you request a quote or invite a contractor into your home, verify their Florida contractor's license. This takes 60 seconds and is the single most important step.
Go to: myfloridalicense.com → License Verification
Search for: The contractor's name or license number
What to look for:- License type should be CBC (Building Contractor) or CGC (General Contractor)- License status must be Current/Active — expired or inactive licenses are a dealbreaker - The name on the license should match the company you're dealing with
Ask the contractor directly: "What is your Florida contractor's license number?" Any legitimate contractor will provide it immediately. If they hesitate, deflect, or claim they work under someone else's license, do not proceed.
Total Shutter Technologies' license number is CGC1534742 — verifiable at myfloridalicense.com.
Step 2 — Confirm They Pull Permits
A building permit is required for every permanent hurricane shutter installation in Sarasota County. It is not optional, and it is not a formality — it is a legal requirement that protects you.
Ask directly: "Do you pull a Sarasota County building permit for every installation?" The answer must be yes. If a contractor offers to skip the permit to save time or money, walk away immediately.
Consequences of unpermitted work: - Your wind mitigation certificate may be invalid, costing you your insurance discount - You must disclose unpermitted work when selling your home - The unpermitted shutters may need to be removed or retrofitted - You may be liable for code violations
A legitimate contractor handles the entire permit process for you — you never deal with the building department directly. Total Shutter Technologies manages all permits, inspections, and sign-offs as a standard part of every installation.
Step 3 — Check Florida Product Approval Numbers
Every hurricane shutter product installed in Florida must carry a Florida Product Approval (FPA) number certifying it meets the wind load requirements of the Florida Building Code.
When you receive a quote, ask for the FPA number of the specific product being installed. You can verify it at the Florida Building Commission's product approval database at floridabuilding.org.
A contractor who cannot or will not provide FPA numbers for their products is a red flag. It may mean they are using unapproved products, reselling products under incorrect approvals, or simply don't know what they're installing.
What to look for in the FPA database:- The product is listed as approved (not expired or withdrawn) - The approved wind load ratings are appropriate for your location - The product matches what the contractor described
Step 4 — Evaluate the Quote
A professional hurricane shutter quote should be itemized and specific. Here is what a complete quote includes:
| Item | Should Be Present |
|---|---|
| List of all openings with dimensions | Yes |
| Product name, model, and FPA number | Yes |
| Cost per opening or per square foot | Yes |
| Permit cost (or statement permit is included) | Yes |
| Labor and installation | Yes |
| Wind mitigation certificate | Yes (or explicitly stated as included) |
| Warranty terms | Yes |
| Total installed price | Yes |
Red flags in a quote:- Lump sum with no itemization - No product specifications - No mention of permit - "Wind mitigation certificate available for additional fee" — this should be included - Unusually low pricing (below $15/sq ft for accordion shutters in 2025)
Step 5 — Read Reviews the Right Way
Online reviews matter, but reading them correctly requires a bit of nuance.
Where to look: Google Business Profile, BBB (bbb.org), HomeAdvisor/Angi, and Houzz are the most relevant platforms for Sarasota contractor reviews.
What to look for:- Pattern of reviews mentioning permit handling, clean worksites, and post-installation support - How the company responds to negative reviews — professional responses indicate accountability - Recency — reviews from the last 12 months are more relevant than older ones - Volume — a company with 200 reviews is more meaningful than one with 15
What to discount:- Generic 5-star reviews with no specific detail - A sudden cluster of reviews in a short period (can indicate artificial review generation) - Reviews that focus only on price — you want reviews that mention quality and service
Total Shutter Technologies holds a BBB Accredited Business A+ rating and a HomeAdvisor Elite Service Badge earned through verified customer reviews.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
Before signing any hurricane shutter contract in Sarasota, ask these questions and expect clear, direct answers:
- What is your Florida contractor's license number, and is it current?
- Will you pull a Sarasota County building permit for this installation?
- What is the Florida Product Approval number for the shutters you are installing?
- Is the wind mitigation certificate included in this price?
- How long have you been operating in Sarasota County?
- Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can I see the certificate?
- What does your labor warranty cover and for how long?
- Who will actually perform the installation — your employees or subcontractors?
A contractor who cannot answer all of these questions clearly and confidently is not ready to be trusted with your home.
Total Shutter Technologies — Licensed, Permitted, and Trusted in Sarasota
GC License CGC1534742 · BBB Accredited A+ · HomeAdvisor Elite Service · All permits handled · Wind mitigation certificate included on every job.
Total Shutter Technologies is a licensed and insured hurricane shutter installer (GC License CGC1534742) serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties. We install accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, and luxury vinyl retractable screens.