changes to Chapter 455 and 489 Fl. Statutes

Short summary of the key changes Chapter 455, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.

• The DBPR and Construction Industry Licensing Board (along with every other Board managed by the DBPR are required to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states with similar licensing provisions
• Contractors can no longer have their license suspended or revoked solely for defaulting on student loans
• The contractual limit for casual, minor, or inconsequential work that does not require a license is raised to $2,500.00.
• Licensed contractors no longer have to wait until they have a minimum amount of experience before sitting for another license exam. They still will have to achieve the minimum amount of experience before obtaining that license though.
• Those licensed for 10 years in another state can apply for licensure by endorsement in Florida.
• The continuing education requirements for electrical contractors are reduced.

Though these changes went into effect on July 1, 2020, it may take some time for the DBPR and other construction industry boards to implement them or for the changes.