The Vetting Protocol

We do not accept payment for inclusion until verification is complete. Our rigorous 10-point audit ensures only the solvent, the skilled, and the ethical enter the Guild.

Phase 1: Solvency & Legal

  • 01

    Corporate Good Standing

    Verification of active status with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). No dissolved or inactive entities.

  • 02

    Insurance & Bonding

    Direct verification of Certificates of Insurance (COI). Minimum $2M General Liability required for all trades; $5M for builders.

  • 03

    Litigation Audit

    County-level search for open judgments, liens, or active lawsuits that threaten business continuity.

  • 04

    License Discipline

    Review of DBPR records for administrative complaints or disciplinary actions within the last 5 years.

Phase 2: Reputation & Quality

  • 05

    Portfolio Verification

    Reverse image search and address verification to ensure portfolio images are actual local projects, not stock photography.

  • 06

    Principal Interview

    30-minute interview with company ownership to assess communication style, privacy protocols, and alignment.

  • 07

    Digital Footprint

    Audit of Google/Yelp/BBB reviews. We look for patterns of unresolved complaints or poor responsiveness.

  • 08

    Peer Reference

    Blind reference check with a complementary trade (e.g., asking an architect about a builder's site management).