What action should a contractor take if they change their business name?

When a contractor changes their business name, the most important action is to notify the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) of the name change. This step is essential because the DBPR maintains official records regarding licensed contractors, including their business names.

Updating the official records with the DBPR ensures that all legal and regulatory aspects of the contractor's business are consistent and recognized under the new name. This helps avoid any potential complications regarding licensing, insurance, and legal contracts, which must accurately reflect the contractor's current business identity.

While updating business cards and website information, as well as informing clients, are also important for maintaining business operations and customer relations, they do not fulfill the legal requirement of formally notifying the regulatory body – which is crucial for compliance and minimizing any risk associated with operating under an unregistered or outdated business name.