Things To Consider As A Florida Contractor When Joining A Trade Organization

As a contractor, it’s important that you are licensed in Florida . Having this license allows you to expand your scope of work and earn more money. You can also join a trade organization to improve your skills and expand your career.

Being a part of a trade organization can help you expand your scope of professional contacts and improve your skills. It can also help you build new business opportunities. Although some trade organizations charge for dues, it is well spent.

Through their various newsletters, magazines, and online forums, trade organizations can provide you with the latest information about the construction and building industry. Being informed about the latest trends can help you stand out from the crowd.

Various trade organizations also provide professional development and education. They usually hold seminars and conferences, and some even have access to legal experts.

Here are five trade organizations related to the building and contracting trades (some may have regional or local chapters in Florida): 

—Associated Builders and Contractors: With a membership of more than 21,000 professionals across 70 chapters, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) advocates for open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based on merit (and not union affiliation). 

—Associated General Contractors of America: Associated General Contractors of America (known as AGC) represents more than 26,000 firms, including more than 9,000 specialty-contracting firms. Its powerful advocacy wing supports federal infrastructure spending, and its guiding principles include philanthropy and workplace diversity. 

—National Association of Home Builders: The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is comprised of more than 800 state and local associations; about one-third of its members are homebuilders or remodelers. Members can participate in councils that focus on specific disciplines within the home building industry and have access to a wealth of information and experts. 

—National Association of Women in Construction: The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWC) is a network group with a mission to enhance the success of women in the industry. It provides members with opportunities for professional development and leadership training, among other benefits. 

—American Subcontractors Association: The American Subcontractors Association (ACA) seeks to improve the business environment in the construction industry through reforms, and represents the interests of subcontractors, specialty contractors, and materials suppliers. It maintains professional standards of practice for members to follow when bidding and executing contracts. 

You don’t need to join a trade organization to be a successful contractor, but you must have a contractor license to work legally.  

At Licenses, Etc., we are a Florida contractor licensing company who help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida contractor license  page or call 239-777-1028.