In Florida, the construction industry is a billion-dollar segment with tens of thousands of licensed professionals involved. A fundamental part of this profitable industry, remodeling focuses on structurally changing the functionality and design of a constructed area.
In this article, you will find the steps to obtain a remodeling license in Florida.
How Do I Get a Florida Remodeling License? – Full Walkthrough
Florida Statutes § 489.105 (3) defines a contractor as a qualified person “who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to other.”
Depending on the type of work a remodeling professional intends to perform, it is possible to apply for licensing at the state or local level. The requirements vary slightly, but the process has more similarities than changes.
Applying for a Certified Contractor License
Applicants who opt for state licensing can file for registration with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). A remodeling professional registered with the state becomes a “Certified Contractor” after receiving DPBR’S certificate of competency.
As provided by Florida Statutes §489.105 (8), “any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction.”
As it is plain to see, the “Certified Contractor” status offers superior flexibility to remodeling professionals, as they can work anywhere in Florida without necessarily fulfilling the requirements of local governments.
Obtaining a Certified Contractor license requires a remodeling contractor to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- File the required application forms
- Go through the Florida State Construction examination and succeed
- Demonstrate at least four years of experience in the field, a combination of college and experience, or experience obtained through military service
- Submit fingerprints
- Pass a background check
- Pay the applicable fee
- Provide a credit report as evidence of financial stability and responsibility
- Provide proof of public liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance
Applying for a Registered Contractor License
While a Certified Contractor can work anywhere statewide, the geographic scope of work for Registered Contractors is restricted to the county or municipality where the remodeling professional obtained registration.
Florida Statutes §489.105 (10) provides that “any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions.”
While the requirements to get a Registered Contractor license vary from one local government to another, the general requirements include:
- To be at least 18 years old
- Filing the required application forms
- Paying the applicable filing fee
- Providing evidence of possession of a certificate of competency issued by a local licensing office
- Submitting credit report
- Submitting fingerprints
- Passing a background check, and
- Submitting proof of public liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance
Do You Want to Obtain a Remodeling License 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 schedule a consultation.
