Construction Law

Florida State Contractor License Requirements

In the State of Florida, contractors in the construction industry are required by law to obtain and hold a professional license while contracting to perform work. Contractors who perform work without a professional license are subject to strict fines and penalties. If you have been charged with unlicensed contracting, we strongly encourage you to contact the offices of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. Our St. Petersburg construction attorneys will be able to provide you with expert legal advise on how best to handle your case.

To acquire a license, contractor’s must adhere to strict municipal, local, and state regulations, and must receive approval from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation’s Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Board is responsible for regulating and issuing licenses to professionals in the construction industry. Licenses may be issued by either registration or through certification.

Registration

In order for a contractor to be registered, the contractor must meet specific requirements for the county or municipality that he or she intends to perform work. In addition to meeting any specified standards or requirements, contractors must also obtain a local competency card and occupational license, and must register the competency card with the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Registered contractor’s are limited to contracting in the county or municipality from which they have received a competency card.

Requirements for Registration:

1. Registered contractors are required to meet Workers’ Compensation or exemption, Liability, and Property Damage Insurance requirements which are set forth by the Florida Department of Financial Services and board rule 61G4-15.003, FAC.

2. Registered contractors must also provide credit reports, proof of satisfaction of liens and judgments, and evidence of financial stability.

Certification

Contractors who perform work in the construction industry in the areas of general, residential, sheet metal, AC, mechanical, swimming pools, plumbing, solar, building, underground utility, glass and glazing, and pollutant storage activities are required to hold a registered or certified license. For a contractor to be certified, they must meet specific standards and requirements. Certified contractors are authorized to perform work throughout the State of Florida and are not limited to one county or municipality.

Requirements for Certification:

1. In order for contractors to become certified, they are required to have at least four years of field experience in the category for which they are seeking licensure including one year of supervisory experience. Experience must be verified by a certified contractor in Florida or a licensed architect, engineer or building official.

2. Successful completion of the Florida Certified Contractor’s Examination is required for certification.

3. Contractors must meet all Workers’ Compensation, Liability, and Property Damage Insurance requirements.

4. Contractors who seek certification must also provide past criminal history information, credit reports, proof of satisfaction of liens and judgments, and evidence of financial stability.

To speak with one of our qualified St. Petersburg construction lawyers, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.