Santa Rosa County, FL: An individual claiming to be a general contractor began renovation on our house in Feb 2021. He has since stated he was under a mentorship with a local GC, but he himself is not licensed. He never provided us a contract to sign, only sent an invoice of cost breakdown. He as failed to complete work we have paid for. He claims we owe him and is intending to place a mechanics lien on the property. Is this possible? Thanks in advance
An unlicensed contractor does not have lien rights. If you do not have a contract with the GC who is mentoring him, and that GC pulled the permit, then the GC is renting his license, which is illegal. Finally, there are significant penalties for unlicensed contracting in Florida. You should consult an attorney on your rights in this situation.
If the work he did requires a license and he is unlicensed, Florida law says that he cannot enforce his contract and therefore cannot record a claim of lien.
Report him to the DBPR.