A FREE CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FOR FLORIDA
Before choosing a proposal, check that every bidder is pricing the same work. This guide helps you prepare a scope, compare quantities and terms, and keep clarifications together.
01 · THE SAME INFORMATION FOR EVERY BIDDER
Describe the outcome, included tasks and exclusions. Send the same version to each bidder. If something changes, share the revised scope with everyone.
02 · USEFUL CHECKS IN FLORIDA
A proposal or profile does not replace a check. Use the details of the person or business performing the work to consult the resources relevant to your project.
Trades are not all regulated in the same way. DBPR notes that some work may require checking with the local building department.
03 · SCOPE, PRICE AND TERMS
Copy this matrix into your document. Complete one column per proposal using its actual information. Mark missing information as “pending”; do not treat it as zero or as included.
| Compare | Proposal A | Proposal B | Question to resolve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope and quantities | [Line items, areas and measurements] | [Line items, areas and measurements] | Do they cover the same work and quantities? |
| Materials and labor | [Included and supplied by others] | [Included and supplied by others] | Do specifications, finishes and responsibilities match? |
| Price and options | [Total and separate options] | [Total and separate options] | Which costs are still estimated or pending? |
| Exclusions and processes | [Work outside the price] | [Work outside the price] | Who handles it, and how will it be priced? |
| Schedule and payments | [Start, duration and conditions] | [Start, duration and conditions] | What must happen before work or each payment? |
| Revision and validity | [Date, version and open items] | [Date, version and open items] | Does this version include the latest clarifications? |
On mobile, swipe inside the table to see every column. If two bids cover different work, request revisions using the same scope before choosing.
04 · CLARIFICATIONS YOU CAN KEEP
Save each answer with its date, author and corresponding proposal. If scope, price or timing changes, request an updated version.
Request line items, quantities and materials. Confirm whether each alternative is optional or part of the total.
Review preparation, cleanup, material removal and other trades' work as relevant to your scope.
Identify what requires a visit, measurement or technical assessment and how it could affect pricing.
Ask about materials, availability, access, necessary processes and preceding work. Distinguish desired dates from agreed commitments.
Agree how to request and review a change's scope, cost and timing before the work is carried out.
Clarify deliverables, review of the work, planned payments and any warranty terms offered in writing.
05 · A REQUEST YOU CAN USE TODAY
Replace the bracketed fields. Send the same request to each participant and keep their replies in your own document. You can print this guide from your browser.
Subject: Bid request — [project or scope] — revision [date] Goal and expected outcome: [description] General project location: [Florida city or county] Areas, measurements and current condition: [details, photos or drawings] Included work: [line items and quantities] Options to price separately: [alternatives] Outside the scope: [tasks not requested] Materials and responsibilities: [preferences and who supplies them] Access, working hours and dependencies: [site conditions] Desired start and priorities: [indicative dates] Information to confirm: [visit, measurements or assessment needed] Please include line items, materials, labor, total, options, exclusions, planned payments, possible start, duration and validity. Explain assumptions and processes included in the price. Provide the identity and license information relevant to the work. If more information is needed to price it, explain what is missing. Questions and changes will be reviewed in writing before the updated proposal is accepted.
This guide helps organize information. It does not replace a site visit, technical assessment or professional advice needed for your project. It does not verify professionals or guarantee outcomes. Check current requirements with the local authority and the appropriate project professionals.
