The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for supervising and licensing contractors in Florida. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) is the division responsible for issuing licenses to contractors based on a strict set of requirements.
In this article, you will discover the reasons for the denial of a contractor license in Florida.
Florida Contractor License Denial – The Fundamentals
Before issuing a contractor license in Florida, the CILB puts applicants under scrutiny to verify their competency, morals, and creditworthiness. The same division is also responsible for deliberating applications for new licenses and reviewing denials.
Florida Statutes §489.111 provides the list of requirements that applicants must meet to apply for a contractor license.
Florida Statutes §489.111 (3)(a) expressly states that “the board may refuse to certify an applicant for failure to satisfy the requirement of good moral character only if:
- There is a substantial connection between the lack of good moral character of the applicant and the professional responsibilities of a certified contractor, and
- The finding by the board of lack of good moral character is supported by clear and convincing evidence”
Florida Statutes §489.111 (3)(b) adds that “when an applicant is found to be unqualified for a certificate because of a lack of good moral character, the board shall furnish the applicant a statement containing the findings of the board, a complete record of the evidence upon which the determination was based, and a notice of the rights of the applicant to a rehearing and appeal.”
Applicants must be as direct as possible when filing for licensing with the CILB, disclosing any criminal offense – whether it has been already expunged or sealed.
The best strategy to disclose sensitive information properly and explain the reasons that led to a plea or conviction is to work with an expert attorney. As long as the applicant shows he or she went through a solid process of rehabilitation, it may be possible to qualify for a contractor license.
Can a Licensing Attorney Avoid a Contractor License Denial in Florida?
The CILB grants applicants the opportunity to appeal a refusal of a license application. Whether you are applying for the first time or appealing an unexpected decision, it is critical to consult with a well-versed licensing attorney to determine the best strategy for your case.
If it is possible to request a rehearing or appeal, an attorney can help you collect evidence of your moral character, trustworthiness, and competency with:
- Witness statements
- Character affidavits
- Good character statements, and
- Any applicable evidence of good moral character
If the applicant’s background is stained, it is crucial to demonstrate there is no substantial connection between the contractor certification and the character.
An attorney can handle the required documentation and argument to prove that the applicant’s eligibility for a contractor license is not affected by past situations, which includes conducting cross-examinations and submitting rebuttal evidence.
Do You Want to Avoid a Refusal of a Contractor License Application in Florida? – Immediately Seek Expert Legal Guidance
Waste no time with uncertainty. Contact Attorney Romy B. Jurado today by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] to find a solution tailored to your case.
