How you can become a licensed contractor

Step # 1 Know The Law First and most importantly, it is against the law to work in the construction trades without a license in Florida. FS Chapter 489 require that construction contractors be licensed. Licensing categories include General, Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Specialty licenses. Always check with your county licensing department. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), has the authority over the types of licenses and scopes of licenses that are issued.

Why Have Licenses? In order to provide for and safeguard the life, health, safety, property and public welfare of the people, the regulation of all trades and occupations associated with the; Installation, repair, alteration, design or modification of: – Structural – Electrical – Plumbing – Roofing – Mechanical systems The regulation of the building construction industry; and any individual or business organization desiring to engage in any of the trades or occupations regulated shall be required to establish competency and qualifications before being certified to work.

Why you should obtain a License CONTRACTING WITHOUT A LICENSE IS A CRIME – Unlicensed contracting may be charged as a first degree misdemeanor up to a third degree felony – IT IS ILLEGAL TO ADVERTISE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES WITHOUT A LICENSE Advertising services regulated by Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, without proper certification is a misdemeanor.

Why you should obtain a License YOU ARE SUBJECT TO ARREST AND INCARCERATION – First degree misdemeanors may be punished up to one year of imprisonment. – During the existence of a state of emergency declared by the Governor, felonies of the third degree may be sentenced up to five years of imprisonment. FACE FINES, PENALTIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES – Fines up to $5, per count – Plus restitution and administrative Fees may be levied against violators.

Why you should obtain a License CUSTOMERS DO NOT HAVE TO PAY YOU – Contracts entered into by an unlicensed contractor shall be unenforceable in law or in equity by the unlicensed contractor.

Why you should obtain a License CANNOT OBTAIN INSURANCE – Insurance companies recognize that unlicensed contractors represent too great a risk to insure at any price. CANNOT LEGALLY OBTAIN PERMIT – Applications for permits are only accepted from contractors holding a current certificate of competency and license in their respective field. All work performed without permits are deemed to be unsafe by the Florida Building Code.

Unlicensed Contractors Local Police Departments have created Code Enforcement divisions. – STING OPERATIONS – COMMERCIAL VEHICLES CHECKPOINTS – CONSTRUCTION SITE SWEEPS – REVIEW OF ADVERTISEMENTS IN MANY PUBLICATIONS – BUILDING OFFICIALS AWARENESS – PUBLIC AWARENESS

Advantages of becoming licensed Being licensed tells your customers that you are a true professional, knowledgeable, responsible, accountable and credible in the construction trade. – CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS – SECURE PAYMENT FOR YOUR WORK – LIEN RIGHT – FINANCIAL LOANS – TRADE DISCOUNTS – LARGER JOBS – ABILITY TO OBTAIN PERMITS

How to Become a Licensed Contractor Call the Contractors Institute and talk to one of our knowledgeable counselors. – LICENSE – OR us at

State or County License? State Registered means holding a Certificate of Competency and being registered within the State of Florida for a specific trade. A registered contractor must meet local licensing requirements. State Certified means being certified by the State of Florida to perform work in a specific trade. Anyone certified by the State of Florida may perform work in that specific field throughout the State of Florida.

Basic Licensing Requirements At least 18 years old Good moral character Worked at least 4 years in the respective trade Explanation of any conviction (if any) Must take a written examination on business and finance and a technical examination

Step 1 Join the Contractors Institute to start preparing for your exam – LICENSE Purchase all required references. Its an open book exam!

Step 2 Take and PASS your exam! – With the help of the Contractors Institute you can do that easily on the First Time! Go to the Contractors Institutes website for a free informational webinar available 24/7Contractors Institutes

Step 3 Activate the License and start working legally! The Contractors Business Service can assist with the paperwork of license activation!

Have additional Questions? Feel free to contact us with any questions about licensing, reference material, license activation, or with any question you may have. Good Luck, – Richard Elzey, Instructor – Contractors Institute