ETC - Licenses Etc Ezine

Your monthly ezine for the Florida construction industry with valuable information, resources, ideas and tips from the experts (Chrissi Jackson and Kristie Cook)
at Licenses, Etc, Inc.
Comments/Questions: 239.777.8321 or 239.777.1028
Don’t miss us! Be sure to add etc@licensesetc.com to your address book and/or safe sender’s list.

Time for Renewals!

That letter you received in the mail recently from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) may have created a small pit in your stomach. After all, it can feel like any communication from DBPR about your license means a long, drawn-out process that is confusing and frustrating. And that’s probably the last thing you want to deal with when you have so many other things to do to keep your business running, especially in this market. But you know it’s a necessary evil.

Actually…renewing your license is one of the easiest things you can do when it comes to your license. Yes, they’ve actually made something simple. The most difficult and time-consuming part of the process is scheduling and taking your Continuing Education classes, if necessary. (For more information, read our previous article about Continuing Education at http://www.licensesetc.com/May_08_ETC.html) You should have those completed before you renew. The providing school is required to submit the information to DBPR. Give them at least 5 business days to do this.

You can do the rest with the simple online renewal process, outlined here, step-by-step, to make it even easier and stress-free for you. Keeping things simple and painless is, of course, our goal at Licenses, Etc.

How to renew a license online.

Go to the main DBPR website at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/index.html.

Find where it says “Verify a License” and click that link.

This will take you to https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID= (the licensee search page)

Find the list of User Services on the left side of the page. Click on “Renew a License”.

This will take you to https://www.myfloridalicense.com/logon.asp?Page=/LicenseSummary.asp, the logon page.
Enter your User ID and PIN Number to Login.

have an online services accot, you may log on to the system now and skip the step to activate your account.

If you need to activate your account, find where it says “Activate Your Online Services Account” and click that link.

ENTER INITIAL PIN

License/Board Division = Construction Industry Licensing Board
License Profession = Certified (whatever you have) Contractor
License Number = Your license number (be sure to use the three letters at the beginning)
Initial PIN = The last 4 digits of your SSN
Click Continue

ENTER NEW PIN NUMBER

Enter a NUMERIC PIN at least 4 digits long
Confirm the PIN number

ENTER A HINT QUESTION/ANSWER

Create a question that they can ask you in case you forget your pin
Enter the answer
Confirm the answer

Congratulations! You have activated your online account!

PRINT OUT THIS PAGE FOR YOUR FILES!!!!
Your User ID number is at the top of the page.

Click on the “Continue” button

This will open an account summary page.

If your email address is different than the one listed, please modify as appropriate and press the “Update” button.

Now, click on the “Maintain/Renew” button

A new window will open showing 3 steps to renew.

Step 1: Update Address

Please click this link to confirm that they have your appropriate mailing address.
To change the address, click on the “Main Address” link and make the necessary modifications.
If everything is OK go back to the previous page.

NOTE: the “Back” link on their webpage was broken. I had to use the back arrow on my browser.

Step 2: Pay Charges
- Be sure that the renewal box is checked and then select the “Pay by Credit Card” option.

Enter the following:
- Card holder name
- Card type
- Card number
- Expiration date
Select “Pay”
Print out your receipt
Press “Continue”

This takes you back to the account summary page
Once again, press the “Maintain/Renew this license” link
You’ll get back to the page with three steps to renew. Before you complete the process, go down to where it says “View My Continuing Ed” and click the link.
- Double check to be sure that all of your continuing education requirements are taken care of. Many of you will have no requirements at all.
There is no way to go backwards from here…so click on the “Renew a license” link under user services on the left side of the page.
You’ll ONCE AGAIN get back to the account summary page.
Once again, press the “Maintain/Renew this license” link
If you feel comfortable that you’ve paid the fees and completed the CEU requirements, go to Step 3:

Step 3: Submit application for processing

That’s it! Be sure to Log off of the system. Now go have fun!!

		Your monthly ezine for the Florida construction industry with valuable information, resources, ideas and tips from the experts (Chrissi Jackson and Kristie Cook) at Licenses, Etc, Inc. Comments/Questions: 239.777.8321 or 239.777.1028 Don’t miss us! Be sure to add etc@licensesetc.com to your address book and/or safe sender’s list.
		Table of Contents - July 2008 Message from Kristie & Chrissi Renewing Your License Online - It's Easy! Exciting News About DBPR & Licensing Important Dates New Requirements for Govt. Projects Classifieds
		Message from the Gals July brings the dog days of summer...heat, humidity and evenings with the family. We hope you are enjoying your summer and have a chance to spend time with friends and family during the slow season. We know many of you have already been on vacation or are getting ready to go. We hope you enjoy it! And stay safe! Summer in the even years means it is contractor's license renewal time. ALL certified contractor's licenses are up for renewal by August 31. Many of you are renewing for the first time ever and have been contacting us with questions. As we promised, this ETC issue contains step-by-step instructions for renewing online. It's really easy - seriously! It's probably the simplest thing you'll ever do with DBPR. :-) Last issue we discussed Continuing Education requirements (if you missed it, you can find the article at www.LicensesEtc.com/May_08_ETC.html). You still have time to take classes, whether you do it in a classroom or online. Cam Tech is still offering classes the end of the month -- see their ad below. Your local builders' association probably offers them, as well, so check with them for availability. On June 30, Governor Crist signed a new bill regarding the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and licensing. See the short clip below to learn how this may help us speed things up for your licensing in the future. Finally, if you do any work for the government, or would like to, you need to read the article below about the U.S. government's new requirements. It likely won't be long before state and local levels adopt the same requirements. So be prepared now! We would love to spotlight you and your company! This is an excellent opportunity for some public relations and free marketing. So please contact us to take advantage of this. Our newsletter now goes out to over 700 readers in your industry! Thank you for reading! And have an Amazing August! Best regards, Kristie & Chrissi

		Time for Renewals! That letter you received in the mail recently from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) may have created a small pit in your stomach. After all, it can feel like any communication from DBPR about your license means a long, drawn-out process that is confusing and frustrating. And that’s probably the last thing you want to deal with when you have so many other things to do to keep your business running, especially in this market. But you know it’s a necessary evil. Actually…renewing your license is one of the easiest things you can do when it comes to your license. Yes, they’ve actually made something simple. The most difficult and time-consuming part of the process is scheduling and taking your Continuing Education classes, if necessary. (For more information, read our previous article about Continuing Education at http://www.licensesetc.com/May_08_ETC.html) You should have those completed before you renew. The providing school is required to submit the information to DBPR. Give them at least 5 business days to do this. You can do the rest with the simple online renewal process, outlined here, step-by-step, to make it even easier and stress-free for you. Keeping things simple and painless is, of course, our goal at Licenses, Etc. How to renew a license online. Go to the main DBPR website at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/index.html. Find where it says “Verify a License” and click that link. This will take you to https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID= (the licensee search page) Find the list of User Services on the left side of the page. Click on “Renew a License”. This will take you to https://www.myfloridalicense.com/logon.asp?Page=/LicenseSummary.asp, the logon page. Enter your User ID and PIN Number to Login. have an online services accot, you may log on to the system now and skip the step to activate your account. If you need to activate your account, find where it says “Activate Your Online Services Account” and click that link. ENTER INITIAL PIN License/Board Division = Construction Industry Licensing Board License Profession = Certified (whatever you have) Contractor License Number = Your license number (be sure to use the three letters at the beginning) Initial PIN = The last 4 digits of your SSN Click Continue ENTER NEW PIN NUMBER Enter a NUMERIC PIN at least 4 digits long Confirm the PIN number ENTER A HINT QUESTION/ANSWER Create a question that they can ask you in case you forget your pin Enter the answer Confirm the answer Congratulations! You have activated your online account! PRINT OUT THIS PAGE FOR YOUR FILES!!!! Your User ID number is at the top of the page. Click on the “Continue” button This will open an account summary page. If your email address is different than the one listed, please modify as appropriate and press the “Update” button. Now, click on the “Maintain/Renew” button A new window will open showing 3 steps to renew. Step 1: Update Address Please click this link to confirm that they have your appropriate mailing address. To change the address, click on the “Main Address” link and make the necessary modifications. If everything is OK go back to the previous page. NOTE: the “Back” link on their webpage was broken. I had to use the back arrow on my browser. Step 2: Pay Charges Be sure that the renewal box is checked and then select the “Pay by Credit Card” option. Enter the following: Card holder name Card type Card number Expiration date Select “Pay” Print out your receipt Press “Continue” This takes you back to the account summary page Once again, press the “Maintain/Renew this license” link You’ll get back to the page with three steps to renew. Before you complete the process, go down to where it says “View My Continuing Ed” and click the link. Double check to be sure that all of your continuing education requirements are taken care of. Many of you will have no requirements at all. There is no way to go backwards from here…so click on the “Renew a license” link under user services on the left side of the page. You’ll ONCE AGAIN get back to the account summary page. Once again, press the “Maintain/Renew this license” link If you feel comfortable that you’ve paid the fees and completed the CEU requirements, go to Step 3: Step 3: Submit application for processing That’s it! Be sure to Log off of the system. Now go have fun!!
		Sign Up NOW for Your CE Classes Cam Tech School of Construction is currently accepting registrations for its next round of CE classes. This will be the last time they are available before licenses expire. CE classes are July 26th & 27th, held in Tampa at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in downtown Tampa, 700 S. Florida Ave. (A special "Cam Tech rate" is being offered for those wanting to stay but you will have to make reservations with the hotel no later than June 25th.) Cam Tech also offers special class rates for those who are not licensed but want to attend for the educational aspect. Call 800-875-7277 for more information.
		Exciting News From the State! Governor Crist signed a new bill into law on June 30th that is meant to streamline processes and expedite contractor and electrical license approval. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has been given more authority for the approval process. For example, they can now close deficient applications after 2 years. Staff have also been given more empowerment to approve applications. What does this mean to you? Honestly, it's hard for us to say. We are excited at the possibility of the process speeding up again. One year ago, our applications were averaging 2 weeks from submission to approval. Now, they're averaging over a month. From previous experience, though, we know we need to give DBPR a few months to adapt to their new procedures before we see any real results. So if you are currently waiting on approval or we are getting ready to submit your application soon, unfortunately, you probably won't benefit from the new bill. But anything you do down the road may go faster. We can always hope, right?!
		* Highly Recommended * Opportunity for Exposure If you are located in Southwest Florida, the Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) offers a great way to network with thousands of others in the local industry. Right now, CBIA is preparing for the Sand Dollar Awards, the most prestigious awards you can get in our industry. As members of the Sand Dollar Committee, Chrissi and Kristie are charged with finding sponsors for the event. Sponsorship gives you a prime opportunity for lots of exposure to businesses in the industry and the public. Contact Chrissi or Kristie for more information. Are you a Collier County contractor but not a member of CBIA? You are missing out on great benefits of being a member. Contact Lisa today at 239.436.6100. Be sure to tell her that Licenses, Etc. sent you.
		Important Dates Next CILB meeting is August 13-15 in Palm Beach. August exam dates are August 12-13. ALL certified contractors' licenses MUST be renewed by August 31. September CILB meeting is September 10-12 in Stuart. Deadline for October exams is September 14. Register here: http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/servop/testing/documents/exam_applic_pack.pdf
		President Signs Executive Order for U.S. Contractors President Bush signed an executive order last month that requires contractors and others who do business with the U.S. government to use an electronic system to ensure their employees are legally able to work in the U.S. The system is the web-based E-Verify system, operated by Homeland Security, and it allows employers to verify worker's eligibility by entering their name and social security number. Although you may not plan to build anything for the U.S. government, this executive order could set a precedence for state and local municipalities. If you currently work with local governments or would like to, you may want to check into the E-Verify system. Even if you don't do work with the government, you can sign up with E-Verify to ensure your employees and applicants can legally work in the U.S. According to The Associated Press, 1,000 employers a week are signing up to use the system. You can find more information at http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm.
		What Our Clients Have to Say “As promised, all I had to do is provide you with the information - you took it from there and I got my license very quickly. Good job, ladies!" Teri Burleigh, Compass Construction, Inc., Cape Coral, FL
		Classifieds 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 current subscriber list consists of over 650 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.” Protected by U.S. Copyright Law {Title 17 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq., Title 18 U.S.C. Section 2319}: Infringements can be punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Are you having trouble receiving ETC and Licenses, Etc.’s messages? Ensure that ETC gets delivered to your email box. Add etc@licensesetc.com to your address book and/or safe sender’s list. NOTE: If URLs do not appear as live links in your e-mail program, please cut and paste the full URL into the location or address field of your browser. Disclaimer: The inclusion of an ad in ETC does not constitute an explicit endorsement. It does mean that as far as we know, the product is not a rip-off. When we really like a product and want you to buy it, we'll tell you explicitly. Otherwise, view these ads the way you would commercials on TV or display ads in the back of your favorite magazine. Check them out. Make a decision. If you don't like, ask for a refund.