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Table of Contents
Welcome to our first issue of ETC, our new ezine! Every month you will receive valuable information relevant to your business right in your email inbox. We will use ETC as a tool to keep in touch with you and to keep you updated on new happenings in the construction industry, news related to your license and resources you can use to build your business. We will also spotlight one of our clients – someone who may be a good resource and/or contact for you or someone you know.
In addition to ETC, we have many exciting plans for 2008. We’ll keep you updated on those, as well, because they can definitely help you and your business reach your goals. The first thing we’ll be doing is attending the February CILB board meeting in Tampa and then the International Builders Show in Orlando next month. The show runs from Feb. 13-Feb. 16. If you’ll be there, too, please let us know so we can be sure to meet you. And if you aren’t able to make it this year, don’t worry. We’ll give you the low-down in the next issue of ETC.
We hope you enjoy this first issue. Please let us know your thoughts and if there is anything you would like to see covered. We’re open to any and all suggestions.
As always, best regards,
Kristie & ChrissiImportant Changes to Licensing Rules May Affect New Applications Effective 2/12/08
Whether you are obtaining your first license or adding another license to help you increase revenues and profits, the CILB announced a significant rule change today, January 31, 2008. The new rule is effective February 12, 2008 – in two weeks – and applications submitted as of that date may be denied.
Adding another license to your toolbox may help you increase revenues and improve profits. Many licensed contractors have decided to obtain a different license that allows them to take on jobs they currently are not licensed to do. Or, they can do more work in-house, rather than subcontracting, increasing the profit margin of each job. If you’ve considered this option as a way to help you survive the current economy, you need to know of some changes and proposed changes the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) have made or are discussing. These changes can affect your ability to get your license application approved.
Today, January 31, 2008, the CILB officially posted a rule change regarding financial responsibility and stability. This is currently demonstrated by a credit report on the applicant and the business showing that there are no open or recent bankruptcies, judgments or liens; and a positive net worth for the business. The change that goes into effect 2/12/08 is that the applicant must also have a FICO credit score of 660 or higher or the applicant must have a bond or irrevocable letter of credit from a bank authorized to do business in Florida. The amount is $20,000 for Division I applicants (General, Building and Residential contractors) and $10,000 for Division II applicants (all others). If you do not have a credit score of 660+, the bond could cost you several hundred dollars. Or, you can reduce the bond by 50% by attending a Board-approved, 14-hour financial responsibility course. See the actual rule at our website, www.LicensesEtc.com.
If you do not have a FICO score of at least 660 and you have already passed the exam for the new license, please contact us IMMEDIATELY! We can work together to get your application submitted before February 12.
Also, if you obtained an existing license prior to November 1, 2007, you may not be aware of the new fingerprinting requirements. All applicants, including initial licensure, change of status and Financially Responsible Officer, must obtain digital fingerprints through the State’s vendor, PearsonVue/Promissor. The digital fingerprints are sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI for criminal background checks and the results are sent directly to DBPR to attach to your license application. The fingerprints are good for 6 months. This new requirement is an extra hoop you must jump through to get your license, but it’s more of a hassle than anything. It does seem to be causing delays at DBPR in approving licenses, however, so be prepared for approval to come in 6-8 weeks, rather than 6-8 days, as many of our clients experienced last spring and summer.
The Board is also considering a change to the experience requirement, but this has not yet been approved. In addition to having someone sign off on your experience, the proposed change is that you must have W2s and/or 1099s demonstrating your employment or subcontractor work with a licensed contractor. A Certified General Contractor applicant may also have to show proof of being employed directly by another Florida CGC on a structure 4 stories or higher for at least one year. And a Certified Building Contractor applicant may have to show that they have been employed as a foreman on commercial construction by another licensed General or Building contractor for at least one year.
We don’t want to scare you and make you think that you won’t be able to get your license, whether it’s your first license or an additional one. We do want you to be aware of these new changes, especially if it will affect your ability to get approved. We can get your application done and submitted before the deadline if we act NOW.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give either of us a call. Our job is to make this process as smooth as possible for you – and avoiding extra hoops is part of that.
Chrissi Jackson – 239.777.1028 or Chrissi.Jackson@LicensesEtc.com
Kristie Cook – 239.777.8321 or Kristie.Cook@LicensesEtc.comCut Costs
If you have employees, especially in higher-risk jobs, workers’ compensation insurance may be killing your bottom line. In today’s economy, we’re all looking for ways to reduce costs. We have many contacts for insurance that can help you save money. For more information, contact Chrissi at 239.777.1028 or Chrissi.Jackson@LicensesEtc.com.- To avoid the new credit score requirement, applications must be submitted by February 12.
- Corporate tax returns are due March 15.
- Registration for April contractor exams are due March 21.
- April exam dates are April 22-23.
- Corporate annual reports are due May 1.
Spotlight On...Mike Hoyt & Hoyt Builders, Inc.
Licenses, Etc. introduces Mike Hoyt of Hoyt Builders, Inc., based in Alford in the Panhandle. Mike contacted us last June to set up his business and process his Certified General Contractor license, then had us do some marketing for him (see his website at www.HoytBuilders.com).
- How long in the construction industry: 24 years
- Types of work/projects: New construction, remodeling, commercial and residential projects
- Goal when starting a new job: Ensure that the client is more than just satisfied. He wants them to brag about what they got for the money. He likes to challenge the idea that “low bid” means poor quality.
- Biggest challenge right now: Economy
- How long in Florida: 34 years
- Where he came from: Massachusetts
- Why: To find work
- Why he is in construction: “This is my calling. This is why I’m here, to do this kind of work.”
- What he’d be doing if not construction: Addiction counseling, where he has a formal education
- In his free time: Traveling, golfing, hunting, fishing, skiing, volunteer and charity work
- Best advice ever received: Move to the country and get out of the city
What Our Clients Have to Say
“I experienced fantastic service, all the way through. Improving things would take great consideration. Thank you, Kristie and Chrissi.”
Have something you want to sell? A position to fill? A need for a subcontractor?
Contact Chrissi (239.777.1028, Chrissi.Jackson@LicensesEtc.com) or Kristie (239.777.8321, Kristie.Cook@LicensesEtc.com) for information about advertising in our Classifieds section in ETC. Our first issue is already going out to 400+ people in construction and related industries throughout the state of Florida and beyond. Your Classified ad will also be posted on our website, visited by hundreds every week.Fine Print
Licenses, Etc., Inc.
Copyright Licenses, Etc, Inc., 2008
Have a question for the experts at Licenses, Etc.? Call Kristie at 239.777.8321 or Chrissi at 239.777.1028 or visit www.LicensesEtc.com
ALL CONTENTS OF THIS E-MAIL ARE COPYRIGHT 2008 BY LICENSES, ETC., INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may reproduce any article with the inclusion of the following footer:
“Copyright 2008 by Licenses, Etc. Written by Kristie Cook and Chrissi Jackson. Visit www.LicensesEtc.com for more information.”
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