Florida does not give a shit about contractors
Here is what is going on… if you are Certified Florida Contactors bend over and touch your knees! No lube!
11 requirements for contractor license reciprocity in Florida
In order for out-of-state license holders, they must meet the following requirements to obtain a Florida licensed contractor.
1. Licensed for 10 years
Contractors must have been licensed in their home state for 10 years, and in the same category that you will be applying for in Florida.
This means that if you’ve been licensed for 10 years (or more) as an HVAC contractor, you would be eligible to apply for that same license in Florida. You cannot use a license as one trade to apply for a license as another trade.
Further, Florida has multiple classes of licenses, so you need to check the definition of the type of work governed by each license class to see which one best fits your existing license.
Florida Contractors – Kick Dirt
2. Active within past 2 years
The existing license must be active or have been active within the last two years.
3. Continuing Education
Certified General, Building, Residential, and Roofing contractors must take a two-hour DBPR-approved course on the Florida Building Code, including information on wind mitigation techniques.
That’s all it takes is a two-hour code class and they are equal to a Certified Contractor who took a 19-hour exam, after having 10 years of experience. Bend over Florida Contractors.
4. Pay the filing fee
Contractors must pay a filing fee to the Florida Division of Business and Professional Regulation. This fee is currently $350. Wow, it cost me $3000 + dollars for a license and a lot of time and travel.
5. Get electronic fingerprints
Obtain electronic fingerprints from a Florida Department of Law Enforcement-approved vendor. Unless you’re here illegally then there may be an exemption.
6. Submit a personal credit report
Submit a personal credit report from an approved vendor. You cannot order your own report online, print it, and submit it.
If your credit score is below 660, you will need to obtain a contractor’s bond in the amount of $10,000-$20,000, depending on the license type. This can be cut in half by taking a 14-hour financial responsibility course from an approved vendor. View a list of approved schools and instructors.
7. Submit a business credit report
Submit a credit report for your business if you plan to operate in Florida through a business entity.
8. Register your business
Register your business entity in Florida. In Florida, licenses are issued to individuals and are then connected to a business entity through “qualification.” This means that your Florida license can be connected to you, to your existing business entity, or to a new entity.
It is important to make sure to handle this part of the process correctly because the name on your license must match the name on your contracts and advertisements. (Here in Florida the quality of work doesn’t matter, but make sure your name is correctly spelled)
9. Clear security
You will need to pass a background check. Drugs, theft, assault, pedophilia is typically overlooked but check first.
10. Buy liability insurance
Have commercial general liability insurance with limits ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the license type. (yes, you get raped once more)
11. Obtain workers’ compensation insurance
Unless you’re exempt, you will need to acquire workers’ comp insurance as well. (ouch again)
