1. Key Definitions

For purposes of this Privacy Policy, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

• "Site" or "Platform" means the LicensedLocalContractor.com website, including all pages, features, and services accessible through our URL.
• "User" means any person who accesses or uses the Site, including consumers searching for contractors and contractors managing their listings.
• "Consumer" means a User who uses the Site to search for, view, or contact licensed contractors.
• "Contractor" or "Service Professional" means a licensed contractor whose information appears in our directory, whether or not they have claimed their listing.
• "Listing" or "Profile" means the contractor information page displayed on our Site, including business name, license information, contact details, and service areas.
• "Content" means all text, graphics, images, information, and other materials available on or through the Site.
• "User Content" means any content submitted by Users, including profile information, contact form submissions, and communications.
• "Personal Information" means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked to a particular individual or household.
• "Elite Subscription" or "LLC Elite" means our premium paid subscription service for contractors offering enhanced listing features.

2. Introduction and Scope

The operator of LicensedLocalContractor.com ("we," "us," or "our") operates this website (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy constitutes a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and the operator regarding the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of your personal information when you access or use our Site.

This Privacy Policy applies exclusively to information collected through our Site and does not apply to information collected offline or through any other means. By accessing or using our Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, you must discontinue use of the Site immediately.

Geographic Scope: Our Site and services are intended solely for users located within the United States of America. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals outside the United States. We reserve the right to restrict access to our Site from IP addresses originating outside the United States.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when you submit inquiries, claim a listing, or report inaccuracies.
• Business Information: For contractors claiming listings, we collect business name, license numbers, service categories, service areas, and professional contact information.
• Account Information: For contractors with claimed listings or Elite subscriptions, we collect login credentials, account preferences, and profile information.
• Payment Information: For Elite subscription purchases, we collect billing information as described in Section 5 (Payment Processing).
• Email Subscription Data: Email address and subscription preferences when you sign up for newsletters, DIY resources updates, or other communications.
• Communications: Content of messages, feedback, or other communications you send to us through the Site.

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our Site, we automatically collect certain information through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies, including:

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, screen resolution, and unique device identifiers.
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, links clicked, time spent on pages, referring URLs, and navigation patterns.
• Location Data: General geographic location derived from IP address (city/state level only; we do not collect precise geolocation).
• Log Data: IP address, access times, and server logs.

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, including:

• Public Records: Contractor license information from state and local licensing agencies, which is publicly available information.
• Payment Processors: Transaction confirmation and billing status from our payment processor (Stripe) as described in Section 5.
• Analytics Providers: Aggregated and anonymized data from analytics services to understand Site usage patterns.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following lawful purposes:

• Service Provision: To operate, maintain, and improve our contractor directory services, including verifying contractor license information and processing listing claims.
• Subscription Services: To process Elite subscription purchases, manage recurring billing, and provide premium features to subscribers.
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, process listing claims, send transaction confirmations, and provide service-related notifications.
• Marketing Communications: To send newsletters, DIY resources, and promotional content to subscribers who have opted in to receive such communications.
• Analytics and Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, diagnose technical issues, and improve Site functionality and user experience.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, or governmental requests.
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, and that of our users or others.

5. Payment Processing

We use Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe") as our third-party payment processor to handle all payment transactions for Elite subscriptions and other paid services. When you make a purchase on our Site, your payment information is collected and processed directly by Stripe.

5.1 Information Collected by Stripe

When you make a payment, Stripe collects and processes:

• Credit or debit card number
• Card expiration date and CVV/security code
• Billing name and address
• Email address for receipts

5.2 What We Store

We do not store your full credit card number, expiration date, or CVV on our servers. We only receive and store:

• Last four digits of your card number (for your reference)
• Card brand (e.g., Visa, Mastercard)
• Billing address
• Transaction IDs and payment status
• Subscription status and billing cycle information

5.3 Recurring Billing

Elite subscriptions are billed on a recurring basis (monthly or annually, depending on your selected plan). By subscribing, you authorize us to charge your payment method on a recurring basis until you cancel. You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting us.

5.4 Stripe's Privacy Policy

Stripe's collection and use of your payment information is governed by Stripe's Privacy Policy, available at stripe.com/privacy. We encourage you to review Stripe's privacy practices before making a purchase.

5.5 PCI Compliance

Stripe is certified as a PCI Level 1 Service Provider, the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry. By using Stripe, we ensure that your payment information is handled in compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and store information about your interactions with our Site. The types of cookies we use include:

Managing Cookies: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You may refuse or delete cookies; however, doing so may limit your ability to use certain features of our Site. For more information about managing cookies, visit your browser's help documentation.

7. Third-Party Advertising (Google AdSense)

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our Site. Google AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our Site and other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visit to our Site and/or other sites on the Internet.

Opting Out of Personalized Advertising: You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings. Additionally, you may opt out of third-party vendor cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page or the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page.

8. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Site, conducting our business, or servicing you, subject to confidentiality obligations. This includes our payment processor (Stripe), email service providers, and hosting providers.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process, or to protect our rights or the safety of others.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, sale of assets, or similar transaction, your information may be transferred as a business asset. In such cases, we will provide notice before your personal information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
• With Your Consent: In any other circumstances where you have provided explicit consent.

Public Contractor Information: Contractor business information displayed on our Site (business name, license status, service areas, contact information) is publicly visible and intended to help consumers find licensed contractors. This information is either publicly available from licensing agencies or voluntarily provided by contractors.

Advertising Partners: We may share certain information with advertising partners (such as Google AdSense) to deliver relevant advertisements. This may include device identifiers, IP addresses, and browsing activity. Under certain state privacy laws, this sharing may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of personal information. See Section 11 for your opt-out rights.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using TLS/SSL protocols
• Secure database storage with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited employee access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Use of PCI-compliant payment processing (Stripe)

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Retention periods vary based on the type of information:

• Account Information: Retained for the duration of your account and for a reasonable period thereafter for legal and business purposes.
• Payment Records: Transaction records are retained for 7 years to comply with tax and accounting requirements.
• Email Subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe, plus a reasonable period to honor opt-out requests.
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for statistical purposes.
• Legal Records: Retained as required by applicable law.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). This section describes your rights and how to exercise them.

11.1 Your California Privacy Rights

As a California resident, you have the right to:

• Right to Know: Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, the sources of that information, the business purposes for collecting it, and the categories of third parties with whom we share it.
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions provided by law.
• Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information we maintain about you.
• Right to Opt-Out of Sale/Sharing: Request that we stop "selling" or "sharing" your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. While we do not sell personal information in the traditional sense, sharing data with advertising partners may constitute "sharing" under the CCPA.
• Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information: We do not collect sensitive personal information as defined under the CCPA/CPRA beyond what is necessary to provide our services.
• Right to Non-Discrimination: You will not be discriminated against for exercising any of your CCPA/CPRA rights.

11.2 Global Privacy Control (GPC)

We recognize and honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal. If your browser or device transmits a GPC signal, we will treat this as a valid request to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of your personal information for that browser or device. For more information about GPC, visit globalprivacycontrol.org.

11.3 Categories of Personal Information Collected

In the preceding 12 months, we have collected the following categories of personal information:

11.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your California privacy rights, you may submit a verifiable consumer request by:

• Using our Contact Form with "California Privacy Request" in the subject line
• Enabling Global Privacy Control (GPC) in your browser to opt out of sale/sharing

We will verify your identity before processing your request. You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf, subject to verification requirements.

Response Timing: We will respond to verifiable consumer requests within 45 days of receipt. If we require additional time (up to 45 additional days), we will inform you of the reason and extension period in writing.

12. Other State Privacy Rights

Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws may have rights similar to those described for California residents. The following states have enacted consumer privacy laws that may apply to you:

12.1 Rights Under State Privacy Laws

Depending on your state of residence, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Confirm whether we are processing your personal data and access that data.
• Right to Correction: Correct inaccuracies in your personal data.
• Right to Deletion: Delete personal data you have provided or that we have obtained about you.
• Right to Data Portability: Obtain a copy of your personal data in a portable, readily usable format.
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of targeted advertising, sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects.

To exercise any applicable rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 11.4 above. We will verify your identity before processing your request and respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.

12.2 Right to Appeal

If we decline to take action on your request, you may appeal our decision by contacting us with "Privacy Appeal" in the subject line. We will respond to appeals within the timeframe required by applicable state law.

13. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 16, please contact us immediately.

14. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control Signals

Do Not Track (DNT): Some web browsers transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. Because there is no common industry standard for DNT, our Site does not currently respond to DNT signals.

Global Privacy Control (GPC): We do recognize and honor Global Privacy Control signals. When we detect a GPC signal from your browser, we treat it as a valid opt-out request for the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information associated with that browser. This opt-out applies only to the specific browser or device from which the signal is sent.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated Privacy Policy on this page, with an updated "Last Updated" date. For material changes, we will provide notice through the Site or by other means as required by law. Your continued use of the Site after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at: