The walk-in tub industry has honest companies — and it has some of the most aggressive sales tactics in home improvement aimed at seniors. Knowing the difference protects your money and your peace. This guide works whether you hire us or anyone else.
Start with the license
Florida regulates contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Ask for the license number and look it up on the state's website — two minutes, and it tells you whether the license is current and whether complaints are on record. Unlicensed work voids your leverage if anything goes wrong. Also ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' comp.
Get it in writing — all of it
A real quote names the tub brand and model (not "walk-in tub"), lists the scope line by line, states the timeline, explains payment terms, and includes the warranty in writing — including the door and seal. Vague quotes are where "surprises" live. Get at least two quotes and compare line by line. We encourage this even when one quote is ours.
Red flags — the scam patterns
☐ "Free tub" or "Medicare will pay for it." The two biggest lies in the industry. No company gives away tubs; Original Medicare does not cover them. Both pitches exist to get inside your home or harvest your Medicare number.
☐ Door-to-door or cold-call sales. Legitimate contractors do not need to knock on strangers' doors. High-pressure in-home pitches that last hours are a business model, not a consultation.
☐ "Today only" pricing. A real price is good next week too. Urgency is manufactured.
☐ Full payment upfront. A modest deposit is normal; full prepayment is not. Tie payments to milestones.
☐ Won't name the products. If they cannot tell you the brand, model, and warranty, they are selling you a mystery.
☐ Dismisses permits. "We don't need those" means unlicensed, unpermitted work — your problem later.
☐ Asks for your Medicare or Social Security number. A contractor has no legitimate reason to ask. Ever.
Green flags
☐ Shows up on time for the estimate and listens more than pitches. ☐ Talks you out of things you do not need — like jets you will never use. ☐ Explains what could go wrong (hidden damage, heater capacity) and how they handle it. ☐ The written quote matches what was said out loud. ☐ Cleanup and daily routine are in the plan. ☐ They welcome your second quote instead of trash-talking competitors.
Questions that reveal everything
"What is the door and seal warranty, exactly?" "Who will be in my home — employees or day labor?" "What happens if you find rot behind the wall?" "Can I see a finished job nearby?" "Will you pull the permits?" The comfort and specificity of the answers matter as much as the content.
If you suspect a scam
Do not sign anything. Do not hand over your Medicare number. You can report suspected Medicare fraud at 1-800-MEDICARE and file complaints with the Florida Attorney General's office. Florida's SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling — a good second opinion before any big decision.
Ready for a safer bathroom?
Call (407) 434-9297 or send the form. Ask us about a contractor who welcomes your scrutiny — the safety visit and the written price are free, and there is never any pressure.