Florida State Business and Contractor Information

FLORIDA STATE BUSINESS & CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

Florida State Business License Information

Florida Licenses and Corporations Inc. offers Application Assistance for all DBPR Business and Registrant Application Categories. Please contact our offices for detailed information and pricing for application assistance in your chosen Profession.

Tips to consider when hiring a company to expedite your license application:

Do they have a Commercial Office Location?
Having a physical office location is not only professional but it also shows a company is established. You should be very careful when hiring a company operating from P.O. Box. Even if you are doing your application paperwork by mail or phone consultation it is still a good idea to know the company that is taking your payment will still be around should you have questions, problems, require a meeting, or need a refund.

Are they Licensed to operate a business within the city they are located?
Being Licensed means the company has permission from the city to be operating a business in the area they are located and also means there is record of a responsible party should something happen or if the company closes before you application is processed.

Do they have regular business hours?
This is important in the event you have a question or concern about your application process and you want to speak with or pay a visit to the person handling your paperwork.

Is the staff experienced?
Upon your initial conversation with the person that will be handling your application you should be sure to ask questions about their previous experience, be sure they are knowledgeable about the requirements regarding your application and make sure you feel comfortable discussing your business needs with the person you are considering hiring. The Application Process will require you and your consultant to work as a team toward your goals and therefore good communication is key.

Florida State Contractor Information

Frequently Asked Questions?
"How Can I Prepare For the State Exam?"
Florida License & Corporations Inc. offers contractor courses for several trades. For more information please see our "Contractor Courses" page for a full listing of the State Exam Preparation Courses offered for your particular category.
Need to register for the Exam?
Florida Licenses & Corporations, Inc. can handle all your registration paperwork and explain the requirements for the application process once you have passed the exam.

Construction Contractors

"I passed the exam now what do I do?"
Florida Licenses & Corporations, Inc. will process and expedite your application In order to obtain your state contractor's license number in order to legally work in the State of Florida as a Certified Contractor in the following categories:

License Categories:

General

Building

Residential

Sheet Metal

Roofing

Class A & B Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning Service

Mechanical

Commercial Pool/Spa

Residential Pool/Spa

Swimming Pool/Spa Service

Plumbing

Underground Utility and Excavation

Residential Solar Water Heating Specialty

Solar

Specialty Structure

Pollutant Storage System Specialty

Gypsum Drywall Specialty

Gas Line Specialty

Internal Pollutant Storage Tank Lining Applicator

Precision Tank Tester

Specialty Glass and Glazing

Swimming Pool Specialties

Applicants can apply as a Registered Contractor or a Certified Contractoras classified by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

A "Registered Contractor"- The applicant has taken and passed a local competency examination and can practice only within that locale.
A "Certified Contractor"- The applicant has taken and passed an examination and can practice throughout Florida.

Application Assistance
FLORIDA LICENSES & CORPORATIONS INC provides application assistance for the following construction industry applications listed below:

Please don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions regarding the licensing process

Initial and Retake Examination Application
Qualifying Additional Business Organization Application
Initial Issuance of Licensure for REGISTERED Contractor Application
Initial Issuance of Licensure for CERTIFIED Contractor Application
Certification by Endorsement Application
Change of Status from Individual to Qualifying Business Application
Change of Status from Qualifying Business to Individual Application
Change of Status from One Business Entity to Another Application
Change of Status from Inactive to Active Application
Change of Status from Active to Inactive Application
Financially Responsible Officer Application
Limited Non-Renewable Registration Application
Registration for Swimming Pool Specialty Contractor Practical Examiner
Reinstate Null and Void Certification or Registration Package Duplicate License Request
Request for Address or Name Change (not to be used for qualified business name change – see form DBPR 0080-CILB)
Request for Name Change for Construction Qualified Business Entities
Explanatory Information for Background Questions
General Explanatory Description

"Will My Application Require a Bond?"
In certain instances the state may require that a surety bond be submitted along with your application. Please contact our offices and speak to one of our knowledgeable consultants to be sure if a bond is needed in your particular situation.

Notice: As of November 1, 2007 All Construction Certification Applications submitted to the Florida DBPR that meet criteria for requiring a bond; the new bond amount will be set @100,000.00 Click here for a listing of Bonding Agencies

"Where can I order Credit Reports for my Application?"
Florida Licenses and Corporations, Inc. offers Personal and Business credit reports through a DBPR approved credit reporting agency.

"Am I Required To Obtain Liability Insurance?"
Yes, All ACTIVE State Construction License Applicants are required to obtain Commercial Liability Insurance. A copy of The Certificate of Liability Insurance will be required as proof of insurance to be included with all applications submitted to The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. For more information about State license insurance limit and coverage requirements or the various types of insurances offered through our company please contact our offices

"Do I need to submit Fingerprints with my Construction Trade Application?"
Yes, As of November 1, 2007 all applications for initial licensure as construction contractors will be required to have a criminal background check performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This requirement applies to applications for initial licensure, change of status, additional business, and endorsement. Each applicant will be required to submit electronic fingerprints through a department approved vendor. For fingerprinting appointment assistance or for more information regarding the new "Fingerprint Requirement" please contact our offices or go to www.pearsonvue.com

"How long will it take for my Application to be Approved?"
Don't be fooled by those "other" Licensing Service Companies claiming to have a "guaranteed 2 week turn-around time" or claiming to have "special contacts" in the DBPR to expedite your licensing process faster for their companies "preferred clients". Unfortunately, these types of companies are simply promising services they cannot provide in an effort to get your business. While this "bait & hook "sales tactic is all too common it is neither professional nor beneficial to the client. Remember, If it sounds too good to be true ….It probably is! The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is a State Government Agency therefore it is prohibited by Florida Law for any business or vendor to receive preferential treatment. All applications are processed in the order they are received by the state. Once your application is received the average wait time is generally 30-45 BUSINESS DAYS for DBPR to issue a response, although it can take longer depending on the individual circumstances of the application and workload volume of the DBPR. Technically the individual reviewing the application has up to 45 business days to issue a response. Upon retaining the services of Florida Licenses and Corporations, Inc. our company acts as an appointed third party representative to ensure your application and supporting documents are expedited properly to reduce your wait time and help avoid deficiencies in the licensing process.

"Will I be required to register my license locally?"
Yes, depending on your particular location. Certain municipalities will require Licensed contractors to obtain a local business tax receipt or (occupational license). Also you may be required to register your license within the county you are doing business and/or obtain a city license or (municipal license) in order to pull permits. Certificate of use/occupancy, DERM Permit, Home Office Permit, City Business License may also be required. If you are unsure what type of registration will be required for your business Florida Licenses and Corporations, Inc. offers business consulting and application assistance throughout the State of Florida. For more information about local license requirements please contact your local government or contact our offices for assistance.

Additional Requirements for State Licensed Contractors

Workers' Compensation
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION REQUIRES THAT ALL STATE LICENSED CONTRACTORS CARRY WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE OR FILE FOR WORKERS COMPENSATION EXEMPTION.

ONLY COMPANY OWNERS AND UP TO THREE (3) OFFICERS OF ITS OFFICERS OWNING A MINIMUM OF 10% SHARES WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO FILE FOR A WORKERS COMPENSATION EXEMPTION.

Notice: For your convenience both Workers Compensation Insurance and Workers Compensation Exemptions services are provided through our company.
For more information or a free quote please contact our offices.

Continuing Education hours

Bureau of Education and Testing (continuing education)

License Category	CE Hours Required
Accountancy	80
Architecture Interior Design	20
Asbestos	Consultants Two Days / Contractors One Day
Barbers	2
Building Code	14
Community Association Managers	20
Construction Industry Licensing Board	14
Cosmetology	16
Electrical Contractors Alarm System Agent Fire Alarm System Agent	14
Landscape Architecture	16
Real Estate	14
Real Estate Appraisers	30
Real Estate Instructors	7
Surveyors and Mappers	24

Construction Industry License Holders have a mandatory Continuing Education Requirement as stated by the: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

14 hours board-approved continuing education is required each biennium prior to the renewal period for both certified and registered contractors. At least 1 hour must deal with workplace safety, 1 hour on the subject of worker's compensation, 1 hour on the subject of business practices, 1 hour on the subject of laws and rules and 1 hour on Florida Building Code advanced modules.

A person who holds more than one certificate or registration issued by the board is required to complete the continuing education requirements only once during each biennial certification renewal period and only once during each biennial registration period.

Any course approved for the education requirements for persons certified under Chapter 468, Part XII, Florida Statutes, shall be accepted for continuing education for renewal for persons who are certified under Part XII and who are certified or registered contractors under Chapter 489, Part I, Florida Statutes.

Click here for the DBPR list of approved continuing education providers

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation

61G4-15.006 Financial Responsibility, Definition, Grounds for Denial.

(1) For purposes of this rule, the phrase "financial responsibility" is defined as the ability to safeguard that the public will not sustain economic loss resulting from the contractor's inability to pay his lawful contractual obligations.

The financial responsibility grounds on which the Board shall refuse to qualify an applicant shall include:
(a) Failure to submit any of the items required by Rule 61G4-15.005, F.A.C.
(b) The existence, within the past five years preceding the application, of an unsatisfied court judgment rendered against the applicant based upon the failure of the applicant to pay its just obligations to parties with whom the applicant conducted business as a contractor.
(c) An unfavorable credit report or history as indicated by any of the documents submitted.
(d) A determination by the Board that the applicant lacks the financial stability necessary to assure compliance with the standard set forth in subsection (1) of this rule. As guidelines for the determination of financial stability the Board shall consider the applicant's responses to the questions set forth in subsection 61G4-15.005(4), F.A.C., and the applicant's financial statement submitted pursuant to subsection 61G4-15.005(2), F.A.C.

The applicant's history of bankruptcy is included in the statutory definition of financial responsibility and shall be considered by the Board; however, the fact that an applicant has been or is a debtor in bankruptcy shall not be the sole basis of the Board's determination to deny the issuance of a license or a request for change of status to the applicant.

Specific Authority 489.115(5), (6) FS. Law Implemented 489.115(5), (6) FS. History-New 1-6-80, Amended 5-4-80, Formerly 21E-15.06, 21E-15.006, Amended 10-31-96, 11-13-97.

Qualified Business License Requirement

If you are a contractor licensed under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, and you are operating as a business organization, including a partnership, corporation or other legal entity, you must apply for a qualified business license (also known as a certificate of authority) with the Construction Industry Licensing Board. This requirement is contained in Section 489.119(2), Florida Statutes. The requirement does not include contractors operating as sole proprietorships. Failure to obtain this license means you are violating Florida law. You could be subject to possible disciplinary action including a fine of $500 to $1,000 along with possible suspension or revocation of your license for a repeat violation.

Click Here For Detailed Information Regarding Florida's Construction Lien Law

For assistance locating an attorney experienced in dealing with Lien Law matters please visit www.flabar.org

Florida Bureau of Education and Testing Information

Special Testing Accommodations
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Disability Accommodation
In accordance with Chapter 61-11.008, Florida Administrative Code, and the Department will provide special assistance to candidates with documented disabilities. If you have a physical or learning disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, you may request special assistance with the examination process.

You may read/view or print the ADA application instruction booklet. Also, a completed application form must be submitted in order to receive consideration for special testing accommodations.
If you need an application mailed or faxed to you, please contact the Bureau of Education and Testing immediately to request an application for Disability Accommodation. The application for Disability Accommodation must be completed and returned to the Bureau of Education and Testing in accordance with the deadline requirements established for filing your licensure examination application.

For more ADA information, please read this brochure:
ADA detailed Brochure

Please do not send any correspondence to this address unless it is regarding disabilities.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Bureau of Education and Testing
ATTN: Special Testing
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0791
850.487.9755

Foreign translations and approval for use of a strict translation dictionary at an examination are not accommodation issues according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. For questions, approval, or assistance with translation issues, please contact your board office.

Construction Industry Licensing Board
General Terms
In general the term "contractor" means the person who is qualified for, and shall only be responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others; and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the subsequent paragraphs of this subsection. For the purposes of regulation under this part, "demolish" applies only to demolition of steel tanks over 50 feet in height; towers over 50 feet in height; other structures over 50 feet in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences over three stories tall.

A "certified contractor">means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "C".

A"registered contractor" means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "R".

A"swimming pool specialty contractor" means a sub-contractor whose scope of work is limited to the scope of work of their particular specialty license. Swimming pool specialty contractor licenses may be issued in the areas of layout, structural, excavation, trim, decking, piping, and finishes. Swimming pool specialty contractors may not contract directly with the public, and must work under contract, under the supervision, and within the scope of work of a contractor licensed pursuant to Sections 489.105(3)(j) - (l), Florida Statutes.
Construction Industry Licensing Board Definitions & Codes

Definitions including the occupation codes and class codes, where applicable

CG and RG - A "general contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do.

CB and RB - A "building contractor" means a contractor whose services are limited to the construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings. These buildings cannot exceed three stories in height. A building contractor may also construct the "accessory use structures" in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding. A building contractor is also a contractor whose services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building - if the services do not affect the structural elements of the building.

CR and RR - A "residential contractor" means a contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences which are not more than two stories and the "accessory use structures" in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding.

CS and RS - A "sheet metal contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade and who has the experience and skill necessary for the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge. A sheet metal contractor may also work with other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass.

CC and RC A "roofing contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade. Roofing contractors have the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof.

CA and RA - A "class A air-conditioning contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems. Class A Contractors may also execute contracts requiring experience in the installation, maintenance, repair, fabrication, alteration, extension or design of duct work in connection with a complete system but only to the extent that such duct work is performed by the contractor as is necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with them. A "class A air-conditioning contractor" shall not perform any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines or connections, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring.

CA and RA - A "class B air-conditioning contractor" means a contractor whose services are limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating in any one system in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system. A "class B air-conditioning contractor" shall not perform any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines or connections, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring.

CA and RA - A "class C air-conditioning contractor" means a contractor whose business is limited to the servicing of air-conditioning, heating, or refrigeration systems, including any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling of the system, and whose certification or registration, issued pursuant to this part, was valid on October 1, 1988. NOTE: No person not previously registered or certified as a "class C air-conditioning contractor" as of October 1, 1988, shall be so registered or certified after October 1, 1988.

CM and RM- A "mechanical contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system. A "mechanical contractor" shall not perform any work shall not include any work such as liquefied petroleum gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines or connections, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring.

CP and RP - A "commercial pool/spa contractor" means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to:

the construction, repair, and servicing of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, including the repair or replacement of existing equipment or the installation of new equipment, as necessary;

the layout, excavation, operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes, steelwork, installation of light niches, construction of floors, guniting, fiberglassing, installation of tile and coping, installation of all perimeter and filter piping, installation of all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior, construction of decks, construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool equipment, and installation of package pool heaters; and

includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

A "commercial pool/spa contractor" cannot perform direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.

The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment.

CP and RP- A "residential pool/spa contractor" means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to:

the construction, repair, and servicing of any residential swimming pool or hot tub or spa including the repair or replacement of existing equipment or the installation of new equipment, as necessary;

the layout, excavation, operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes, steelwork, installation of light niches, construction of floors, guniting, fiberglassing, installation of tile and coping, installation of all perimeter and filter piping, installation of all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior, construction of decks, installation of housing for pool equipment, and installation of package pool heaters; and

includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

A "residential pool/spa contractor" cannot perform direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.

The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment.

CP and RP - A "swimming pool/spa servicing contractor" means a contractor whose scope of work involves the servicing and repair of any swimming pool or hot tub or spa. The scope of such work may include any necessary piping and repairs, replacement and repair of existing equipment, or installation of new additional equipment as necessary. The scope of such work includes:

the reinstallation of tile and coping, repair and replacement of all piping, filter equipment, and chemical feeders of any type, replastering, reconstruction of decks, and reinstallation or addition of pool heaters;

the installation, construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; and

however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of such equipment.

CF and RF - A "plumbing contractor" means a contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, when not prohibited by law, design plumbing. A plumbing contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design the following without obtaining any additional local regulatory license, certificate, or registration:

sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities;

venting systems; public or private water supply systems;

septic tanks; drainage and supply wells;

swimming pool piping;

irrigation systems; or

solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with these, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas (excluding liquid petroleum gases), and storm and sanitary sewer lines; and
water and sewer plants and substations;

the design and installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of air-piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems;

fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers to the extent authorized by law; ink and chemical lines;

fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants; and

pneumatic control piping systems.

CU and RU - An "underground utility and excavation contractor" means a contractor whose services are limited to the construction, installation, and repair of:

main sanitary sewer collection systems;

main water distribution systems;

storm sewer collection systems;

the continuation of utility lines from the main systems to a point of termination up to and including the meter location for the individual occupancy, sewer collection systems at property line on residential or single-occupancy commercial properties, or on multioccupancy properties at manhole or wye lateral extended to an invert elevation as engineered to accommodate future building sewers, water distribution systems, or storm sewer collection systems at storm sewer structures; and

install empty underground conduits in rights-of-way, easements, platted rights-of-way in new site development, and sleeves for parking lot crossings no smaller than 2 inches in diameter, provided that each conduit system installed is designed by a licensed professional engineer or an authorized employee of a municipality, county, or public utility and that the installation of any such conduit does not include installation of any conductor wiring or connection to an energized electrical system.

An underground utility and excavation contractor shall not install any piping that is an integral part of a fire protection system as defined in s. 633.021 beginning at the point where the piping is used exclusively for such system.

CV - A "solar contractor" means a contractor whose services consist of the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, relocation, or replacement of solar panels for potable solar water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with these systems.

PC - A "pollutant storage systems contractor" means a contractor whose services are limited to the installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, extension, or design and use of materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of, pollutant storage tanks.

SCC, RX - A "specialty contractor" means a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is limited to a particular phase of construction and whose scope is limited to a subset of the activities described in the categories established in s. 489.105, F.S. Specialty contractors include Specialty Structure Contractors, Gypsum Drywall Contractors and Glass and Glazing Contractors.

Notice: This information is intended a broad overview of Fl State Licensing Requirements; for detailed information regarding requirements for a specific DBPR application please contact our offices or contact the Florida State DBPR Licensing Office.