Does Your Business Need a Business License? Your first step before you apply for a license is to, if you’re founding a corporation, LLC, or partnership. Industrial Facility Specialty: limited subset of the general contractor. It is a few percent of the required bond amount. The contractor must hire a certified supervisor in a full-time, proactive capacity. If you want to start a construction business in Florida, you need to undergo an administrative procedure with state authorities. All construction businesses hiring employees have to get a worker’s compensation insurance. We are dedicated to servicing all of our customers' surety bonding needs throughout the country and guarantee competitive rates, timely responses, and unparalleled customer service. Bond Amount Licensinginvolves passing exams and meeting certain criteria to prove reasonablecompetency in a trade. . The Board will review your application and their … If your FICO score is below 660, you have to obtain a surety bond. . local license), which is subject to an application and issuance through Lee County. The Board is responsible for regulating contractors and their performance in the construction industry. The bond letter must meet the minimum requirements: For Division 1 the bond must be for $20,000 and for Division II contractors the bond shall be for $10,000. Most states require firms to obtain a contracting license, while other states simply have contractors register their firm with the board… The State of Florida mandates certification requirements for many categories of contractors. An application for registration or certification to qualify a business organization must include an affidavit on a form provided by the board attesting that the applicant has final approval authority for all construction work performed by the business organization and that the applicant has final approval authority on all business matters, including contracts, … Biennial renewals expire on September 30 of every odd year. It should include a minimum 1 year of supervisory experience. A general contractor's license in Florida ALLOWS you to: Build, repair, and remodel any type of building, regardless of size or number of stories Construct or alter the structural components of a building or structure Remodel any type of … in the field in which you wish to become certified. You can find out more information from the state Division of Workers’ Compensation. The stronger they are, the lower it will be. It doesn’t guaranteeexpertise or competency. The following two tabs change content below. You have to register with the state, Applicants for a state of Florida contractor license have to provide. Contractor Classifications / Work Descriptions . Read on to find out the full details about the Florida contractor license that you need. Division I Contractors: General Contractor – allows unlimited construction work such as, but not limited to: constructing, repairing, altering, remodeling and improving any type of building or structure. While there are some differences betweenthe three, the exact definitions typically vary by state. A contractor applicant must also meet certain eligibility requirements to take any portion of the Florida contractor exam. If it is below 660, you have to additionally obtain a surety bond as financial security. The certified license provides geographic freedom to licensed contractors to solicit business in all Florida jurisdictions and avoids the necessity to obtain multiple local licenses. You can substitute up to 3 years of experience with three years of college credit hours. Get a FREE Bond Quote Today! To be a Florida Certified Contractor, you must be able to pass the contractor’s test, provide a proven record of financial stability, and present evidence of your experience for the category in which you wish to be licensed. Company Name There are a number of requirements that the contractor must demonstrate before the board issues a license: The complexity and variety of the construction business are changing day to day. Certification is based on experience, education requirements, and passing a written examination. Other information that will be requested relates to the financial performance of the organization, experience, insurances, and must pass the state-required test. have to undergo the procedure before August 31 of every odd-numbered year. Does the Florida Contractor's Licensing Board Offer Reciprocity? Bond Amount (optional) Depending on the type of license that you want to get, you may need to provide additional proof of experience. You have to submit a credit report for yourself and your business entity, and it should contain your FICO score. While the exam is a huge portion of earning your Florida contractors license +1.800.487.2084 info@activatemylicense.com Mon - Fri ( 9 am - 5 pm ) Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) - Renew licenses, pay fines, education requirements, county and city codes . By using The Balance Small Business, you accept our. You also need to pass the Florida contractor license exam. All Competency Card holders Active and Inactive must renew Biennially. The issuance of a certificate of responsibility or residential license by reciprocity to a military-trained applicant or military spouse shall be subject to the provisions of … Once you have obtained all required documents, it’s time to complete the relevant application form for your license type. All license types require that, except for the Swimming Pool Specialty one. Under his leadership, John’s team has helped thousands of businesses throughout the country meet their license and bonding requirements. Specifically, the applicant must provide the Department with a consumer credit report that does not disclose any unpaid liens or judgments. You can call us at. If the company wants to work outside their local town, they must go through the process … Florida Contractor License Requirements Each contractor specialty has different requirements (some more than others) for the license application; however, the Board requires most contractor applicants to have at least the following: Be at least 18 years old. There two major contractor’s licenses in the state: Registration and Certification. When a contractor has been registered by the Board, then they may only practice in the city or local area where permission has been granted. Florida is a state that issues contractor licenses based mostly on the task being performed, instead of the specialty of the contractor. The Construction Industry Licensing Board at the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation oversees the activities of contractors in the state. These licenses are obtained through the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Does Every General Contractor Need a Performance Bond? You have to submit a credit report for yourself and your business entity, and it should contain your FICO score. If you wish to be unlimited in your scope of work (build everything from houses to high-rises), then a Florida General Contractor (CGC) license is a better match. You can call us at 877.514.5146. With the rise…. . (Please note: You do need a business license.) As a licensed property & casualty agent, John has become extremely knowledgeable in all facets of the surety industry, including commercial, court and contract bonds. Submit proof of a credit score of a 660 or higher. For a list of available courses visit the Financial Responsibility Courses homepage. The amounts of the Florida contractor license bond that you have to post depend on the license type that you want to obtain: The price that you have to pay to get bonded is called the premium. For those contractors looking to get licensed, the site also provides an opportunity to apply for a license online. The exact cost is based on your personal and business finances. A contractor must have at least four years of field experience in the category being considered, and one of those years has to be acting in a supervisory role. Want to check the exact cost of your contractor license bond? This applies specifically for Florida general contractor license and residential contractor license applicants, among others. This video shows the differences and similarities between the General, Building, and Residential contractor licenses in the State of Florida. The stronger they are, the lower it will be. Ready to get your FREE surety bond quote? Select a bond type If it is below 660, you have to additionally obtain a surety bond as financial security. Certificati… The state has one of the highest per building ratio of swimming pools in the nation, and for that reason, the Board has created new licenses for contractors engaged in that business. These contractors are required to be licensed either at the State level or the local level. Stay updated with the latest by subscribing to our newsletter below. Florida General Contractor Application Financial Requirements, Florida Contractor License: Uncategorized Trades. 2. [2021 Guide], The Complete South Carolina Mortgage Broker License Guide 2021, Your Complete New Jersey Money Transmitter License Guide (2021), Top 5 Freight Broker Training Schools in the US, How To Be A Successful Freight Broker [Infographic], How LEED is Changing the Face of Construction in The U.S. [Infographic]. What are the Requirements to Become a General Contractor in Florida? Juan Rodriguez is a former writer with The Balance who covered large-scale construction. This last requirement could be substituted for at least three years of undergraduate credit hours. All license types require that, except for the Swimming Pool Specialty one. It also participates in rulemaking processes and responsible for enforcing regulations and standards among contractors. In addition, you must be able to fulfill a combination of experience and education requirements. Florida Handyman Limitations. The typical rates for applicants with stable finances are between 0.75% and 5%. No, there is no required contractor’s license to perform basic handyman services in exchange for money. Finally, the contractor must also present active workers’ compensation coverage or an exemption. These include specialty structure licenses, swimming pool specialties, building demolition and others. There are 3 levels of a CPC license: 1) CPC-Commercial (class A) You need to get insurance in the appropriate amounts required by the Board. Once the contractor completes and applies the Florida contractor’s license examination, then the Board might allow you to work through the state. The licensing process is rigorous, and the requirements vary depending on the license type that you wish to get. What is the Bond %? FREE Quotes | No Obligation | 100% Secure. The Board is responsible for regulating contractors and their performance in the construction industry. Copyright ©2008-2021 Lance Surety Bond Associates, Inc Rights Reserved. You have to register with the state Department of Revenue if you’re a small business. In addition to the aforementioned requirements, each licensed holder is required to have 16 hours of continuing education credit hours. In addition to following building codes and regulations, general contractors in most states must obtain a license from the state board of contractors. In the state of Florida, becoming a licensed state certified general contractor involves meeting the age, credit, and experience/education requirements before licensure will be granted. The Florida contractor licenses are further subdivided into two main categories: Division I Contractors and Division II Contractors. The Board requires all applicants to be in good standing in regards to your financial requirements. Requirements to Obtaining Your License To become a licensed contractor in Florida, applicants must sit for … In order to be a general contractor in Florida you need to be at least 18, have at least 4 years of contracting experience, maintain a net income of at least $2,500-$20,000 USD, and have general liability insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage. Being a, contractor allows you to perform work on a local level, in your city or country. Please view the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section to the left and watch the brief instructional video below to learn more about who is required to have a license for construction and how to apply.. Contractors are generally precluded from advertising their firm or performing construction services before having a valid license. You can find out more information from the state, General and building contractor license – $300,000 liability and $50,000 property damage insurance, All other license types – $100,000 liability and $25,000 property damage insurance. When the contractor has obtained a local or city license, then they must apply for the initial registration license. (b)1. Florida registered contractor license applicants have to either pass the certification exam as well, or get a Certificate of Competency from their city or county’s licensing authority. Email How to Get a California Contractor's License, The 8 Best Accounting Software for Contractors of 2021. Registrationis a written record of who is performing the work. If you are a contractor engaged in commercial construction (up to three stories) or remodeling, you must obtain a Florida Building Contractor's License instead. John Williams is currently the Director of Sales for Lance Surety. complete the relevant application form for your license type, – when applying between May 1 of an even year and August 31 of an odd year, – when applying between September 1 of an odd year and April 30 of an even year, – when applying between May 1 of an odd year and August 31 of an even year, – when applying for between September 1 of an even year and April 30 of an odd year, All construction businesses hiring employees have to get a, . Select a Bond Type: The search is possible by name, license number, city or county, and license type. The process starts with the contractor being registered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) to work in the company’s local area. Do you want to launch a mortgage business in Florida? A 14-hour financial responsibility course must be taken. The Complete Florida Contractor License Guide [2021 Update], There are two main types of licensure – registration and certification. You can substitute up to 3 years of experience with three years of college credit hours. A Certified Pool Contractor (CPC) is a state license that allows you to work in any county or municipality. Everything we have in…, Lance Surety Bonds' newest infographic is out! About This License A " general contractor " means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do. Applying for a General Contractors License in Florida, most people only focus on the exam portion of the requirements. For these contractor licenses, the state requires a practical test and be at least 18 years old. You can do so through the Florida Division of Corporations if you’re founding a corporation, LLC, or partnership. Mortgage professionals in the state…, If you wish to sell alcoholic beverages in Florida, you’ll have to comply with the…, Mortgage professionals in South Carolina have to obtain a state license, so that they can…, Money transmitters in New Jersey have to undergo a licensing procedure before they can start…, The job of the freight broker is a very responsible one. The statutes governing the Florida construction licenses are Chapter 489, Part I of the Florida Statutes, and Chapter 61G4 of the Florida Administrative Code. Expiration. This applies specifically for Florida general contractor license and residential contractor license applicants, among others. For current tax or legal advice, please consult with an accountant or an attorney. If, instead, you wish to be able to work throughout the whole state, you will need to be certified. However, some clients may find the licensure and examination criteria of local jurisdiction to be more suitable to their circumstances. In our latest infographic, we tackle the question…, Lance Surety Bonds’ newest infographic on the U.S. green building market is out! You have to obtain a Florida contractors license which guarantees you are fit for the job. Lance Surety Bond Associates, Inc. is a surety bond agency based out of southeastern Pennsylvania that is able to write all surety bond types in all 50 states. To sit for the contractor examination, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid form of identification. Contractors practicing general, residential, sheet metal, roofing, AC, mechanical, swimming pools, plumbing, solar, building, underground utility, glass and glazing, and pollutant storage activities require a registration or certification permission from the Board. Being a licensed contractor in Florida requires documentation and being certified by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Florida contractor license types are the following: Additionally, there are also specialty licenses which can also be local or state-level. NOTE: Applicants for licensure as a Certified General Contractor must have experience in four or more of the experience areas listed in Part B AND must provide at least one year of experience in the construction of structures at least four stories in height, pursuant to Rule 61G4 -15.001 (2)(a) and (2)(b), Florida Administrative Code. The Full Colorado Money Transmitter License Guide (2021), The Complete Ohio Money Transmitter License Guide 2021, The Full South Carolina Contractor License Guide [2021 Update], How to Get a Mortgage Broker License in Florida [2021 Guide], How Much Does a Florida Liquor License Cost? Non-Conformance Report: How to Report a Quality Issue, The 6 Best Construction Accounting Software of 2021, The 7 Best Construction Safety Training Programs of 2021, 8 Basic Security Deposit Laws in New York, How the IRS ad Dept. Learn about the educational requirements for becoming a general contractor and review job outlook and salary information to see if this career would be a good fit for you. In case the trade being performed is not listed, and the work you perform modifies or created a structure, then a residential, building or general contractor’s license will be issued. Florida Contractor’s License. Registered contractors have to undergo the procedure before August 31 of every odd-numbered year. Powered by. A contractor can hold a state license or a local license. It safeguards the interests of your customers. If you want to be considered a certified contractor, but the trade you perform is not listed by the Board, you must verify with your local county to see if they offer the type of license you are requesting. need to renew their licenses before August 31 of every even-numbered year. For example, the Board now includes specialties such as pool layout, structural pool design, excavation, trim, pool decking, pool piping, and finishes. All license types require that, except for the Swimming Pool Specialty one. T o perform work in unincorporated Lee County, contractors must have a state-issued license OR a Certificate of Competency (a.k.a. There are two main types of licensure – registration and certification. To become a certified contractor, you need to show proof of 4 years of experience in the field in which you wish to become certified. This is a security mechanism that guarantees your legal compliance. What is the Contract Price? If the contractor can not meet these requirements, a licensing bond or irrevocable letter of credit can be provided. Examinations are given for the local level and at the state level. When the contractor wishes to be certified as a building or general contractor, they must present evidence of experience in four of these categories: In addition to these requirements, contractors must present their past criminal history information, insurance minimum bonding active at all times ($300K liability, $5k property damage) or any other amount the contractor boards deemed necessary. When and How to Request a Time Extension on a Construction Project. You can check your license via the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Online Services. Florida is a handyman friendly state. Both applications can be accessed at www.myfloridalicense.com. If you take an examination but do not meet the qualifications for that license, you will not be granted a license, even if you pass the examination. The State of Florida provides for two classifications of Florida contractor’s licenses: “certified” and “registered.” A certified contractor license is valid throughout the entire state. However, you must first demonstrate that the exam you passed in your local state is similar or equivalent to Florida’s or that the requirements on which the contractor license was granted are equivalent to Florida standards. Applicants for a state of Florida contractor license have to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility. It is a few percent of the required bond amount. Phone Number The search is possible by name, license number, city or county, and license type. Applying for a New Contractor L icense Complete a trade-specific application by: Applying in person Downloading one; Calling 954-765-4400 to have one mailed to you or send us an email. It should include a minimum 1 year of supervisory experience. You may hold a four-year degree in a construction related degree program along with verifiable experience on the job site, or you may have one year of exp… Here is what you need to get your GC license in Florida: General Contractor Requisites; Have experience in the trade; Age: Must be at least 18 years of age. The exact cost is based on your personal and business finances. Proof of Experience and State Examination, To become a certified contractor, you need to show proof of. If you satisfy the necessary requirements, you can take a contractor's exam. Make sure you understand the requirements for the Florida State Construction license you are trying to obtain before registering for the examination. This overview shouldshed some light on the usual differences: 1. 3. You also need to pass the Florida contractor license exam. at the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation oversees the activities of contractors in the state. Florida Statutes 713.01(28) defines a subcontractor as a person who is not a materialman or laborer and who enters into an agreement with a contractor to perform contractual obligations. The Balance Small Business uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. that you have to post depend on the license type that you want to obtain: Building, residential and and general contractor license –, The price that you have to pay to get bonded is called the premium. The purpose of the Licensing Division is to ensure that contractors are properly licensed and registered for specific trades. Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own state’s laws or the most recent changes to the law. of Labor Determine Independent Contractor Status, The Balance Small Business is part of the, Foundations/Slabs in excess of 20,000 square feet, An individual cannot have liens against him/her or to the company that is being qualified, The credit score must be at 660 or higher. The information contained in this article is not tax or legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The typical rates for applicants with stable finances are, Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Online Services. Resources for Consumers: How to Choose the Right Contractor - En Español . Apply with Lance Surety Bonds and get bonded in minutes. For those looking to do pursue a career in roof construction or get a Florida General contractor license, reading construction blueprints is fundamental. Minimum requirements for becoming a licensed General Contractor: Must be 18 years of age; Have good moral character. First Name However, the following areas do not require a state contractor’s license: The Florida Contractor’s licensing board offers reciprocity. Licenses are renewed every two years. START YOUR APPLICATION Last Name Qualified contractors can submit applications for renewal of contractor's certificate of competency/eligibility by using our online Contractor License Renewal application. He is an engineer with experience managing and overseeing large civil works construction. Being a licensed contractor in Florida requires documentation and being certified by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. How to Choose a Contractor l Tips and resources to help you make an informed decision If, instead, you wish to be able to work throughout the whole state, you will need to be, Pool / Spa (Commercial, Residential and Servicing). All applicants for initial licensure to become a certified general contractor must meet the financial responsibility requirements in Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C. While building contractors offer a suite of services to the general public under a registered company name, a construction contractor license does not by itself allow a contractor to perform or supervise regulated, construction-related trade work. No obligation | It Takes 2 minutes Submit the application, fee(s) and required documents (as noted on the application) to our office 10 days prior to your trade's Board meeting. There are different fees for renewing depending on whether the license is current, delinquent, active or inactive: Have more questions about getting your Florida contractor license and bonding? Certified contractors need to renew their licenses before August 31 of every even-numbered year. Your first step before you apply for a license is to register your business entity. Being a registered contractor allows you to perform work on a local level, in your city or country. License requirements for general contractors vary greatly by state. Fill in the short form below! The Construction Industry Licensing Board meets regularly to review future member’s applications, analyze and recommend disciplinary sanctions. Since joining the company in 2011, he has served in various roles throughout the organization, working his way up to now managing our team of licensed agents. However, there are limitation on which services you can provide unless you decide to get a contractor’s license. Some states require contractor licensing while othersrequire registration or certification. Licensing fees for certified contractors are: For registered contractors, the fees are the following: Obtaining a Florida contractor license entails meeting the financial and insurance requirements of the Board. Current active – $209 for individuals and $259 for qualifying businesses, Have more questions about getting your Florida contractor license and bonding?