Common Questions About Contractor Licenses in FL

In our business, it’s our job to help people get their contractor’s license fast and easy. We do the work for you. We take pride in our high quality, efficient survey. Getting a Florida contractor’s license can be a tough, complex process; many contractors end up getting denied when the application isn’t properly filled out or things are missing. Since the process can be complicated, we wanted to share some frequently asked questions that we get during the pre and post-license process.

FAQ

Pre-License

HOW LONG ARE MY TEST SCORES VALID?

For construction, it’s four years. For electrical, it’s two years.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REGISTERED AND A CERTIFIED LICENSE?

A “certified contractor” is a state wide contractor licensed at the state level.  A “registered contractor” is a contractor who has a county license (or multiple) who then had to register that license with the state because it was a major trade. Registered contractors can only work in the county in which they have a competency card.

AM I ABLE TO USE OUT-OF-STATE / OUT-OF-COUNTRY EXPERIENCE?

When it comes to contractor’s licenses, experience is important and valid no matter where it occurred, as long as it was legal experience and the projects meet requirements.

I HAVE A TROUBLED PAST, CAN I STILL GET A LICENSE?

It depends on the severity and number of incidences and how recent these incidences are. Click the link below to contact us and learn more.

Post-License

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO RENEW MY LICENSE AND/OR COMPLETE CONTINUING EDUCATION?

In Florida, a certified contractor needs to complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years by August 31 of an even-numbered year. For registered contractors, they need to renew in odd-numbered years.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO GET MY WORKER’S COMP INSURANCE/EXEMPTION and GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE INTO PLACE? 

Since Worker’s Compensation Exemptions are filed after the contractor license is issued, the state gives you up to 30 days after the issuance to have Worker’s Comp in place. General Liability should be in place for the contractor license to be issued. 

IF MY CREDIT IS BAD, CAN I DESIGNATE A SEPARATE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE OFFICER? 

The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board does not allow the license holder to alleviate financial responsibility unless they are a secondary qualifier. The Construction Industry Licensing Board will allow for a license holder to alleviate their financial responsibility by designating a third party, but this does not alleviate the financial stability requirement of a public record search and bond if they do not meet a minimum score. 

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I HAVE TO HAVE IN THE BANK TO APPLY FOR A LICENSE? 

Construction licenses do not require a minimum net worth. The requirement is based on your credit.  Applicants with a FICO or BEACON score lower than 660 will require a financial stability bond.  A contractor license applicant must be free of unresolved liens/bankruptcies/judgments to be eligible for licensure. Electrical licenses do require minimums, including: The applicant must have a positive net worth; EC, EG, and EF licenses require a $10,000 net worth of the business entity if there is one; and all specialty electric licenses require $5,000 net worth of the business. 

Post-License Questions: 

CAN THE JOINT VENTURE BID A PROJECT PRIOR TO YOU BECOMING APPROVED AS A QUALIFYING AGENT? 

Yes, but the joint venture must obtain approval of the Construction Industry Licensing Board’s Executive Director prior to submitting the bid on a construction project. The joint venture must provide the Executive Director a copy of the written joint venture agreement and a statement of authority signed by an officer of each company giving the proposed qualifying agent full authority to conduct the contracting business of the joint venture. 

If you’re looking to get your Florida contractor’s license, renew your license, or upgrade your license, we can help! Contact us at 239-777-1028 or click here for more information.