How It Works
Sunshine Verified does not tell you who to hire. We show you where the official answers are, and the order to look them up in. Any industry.
If you are hiring or buying
Four steps, in this order. Most of the risk in hiring comes from skipping one.
1. Start with your state's official resourcesOpen Resources, pick your state, and choose the industry you are hiring for. You will get links to that state's licensing board, business registry, and consumer protection office.
2. Confirm on the official agency's own siteCheck the business registration and any license or certificate. Make sure the status is active, not expired, suspended, or revoked. The status on the agency's own site is the one that counts.
3. Ask, then confirm directlyAsk for proof of insurance and, if required, workers' compensation coverage. Then confirm it with the insurer or the state, not just the paper you were handed. Our Questions to Ask guide covers what else to bring up.
4. Put it in writing before money movesGet the legal name, address, license number, full price, and payment schedule in writing. The Before You Hire and Before You Sign a Contract checklists walk you through it.
If you are a business or professional
Being easy to find only helps if what people find is correct.
1. Check what the official record already says about youUse Resources for your state and industry. People will look you up, so it helps to see what they will find before they do.
2. Make sure your information is accurate and currentRenew licenses before they lapse, keep your registration details current, and answer letters from agencies quickly. Our guide on keeping your official records in good shape covers the routine.
3. Choose how your business appearsA Basic listing is free and shows your business name, a location, and your industry. A Pro membership adds a fuller profile with up to six counties. Online sign-up is not open yet, so contact us and we will tell you when it opens.
4. Keep your listing currentOutdated contact details are the most common reason someone gives up on a listing. Keeping your name, industry, city, and contact info correct is the whole point.
What Sunshine Verified does and does not do
We do
- Organize links to official government and regulatory sources, state by state and industry by industry.
- Publish guides, checklists, and education for consumers and businesses.
- Give listed businesses a place to present accurate business information.
- Answer general questions through Lumi, our digital assistant, when she launches.
We do not
- Issue licenses or insurance, or act as a licensing body or government agency.
- Independently verify, certify, endorse, or approve any business or professional.
- Rate, grade, or guarantee any business or professional.
- Change or correct official records: only the issuing agency can do that.
