Irrigation Contractor

Florida Irrigation Contractor License

A Florida Irrigation Contractor is a contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, manage, monitor, audit, or, if not prohibited by law, design irrigation systems. An irrigation specialty contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, manage, monitor, audit, or, if not prohibited by law, design irrigation systems, including any excavation work incidental thereto. An irrigation system includes all: piping; fittings; sprinklers; drip irrigation products; valves; irrigation controllers; control wiring; rain sensors; water pumps; water conservation devices; water harvesting systems; irrigation main lines downstream of a utility potable water meter or utility alternative water supply distribution line and dedicated backflow prevention device; and associated components installed for the delivery and application of water for the purpose of irrigation.

Licensing Requirements

Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Irrigation Contractor in the State of Florida:

Age

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Examination

Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Irrigation and Business & Law). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.

Experience / Education

A person will qualify for a licensed Irrigation Contractor’s license by meeting one of the following requirements:

  • Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years’ experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
  • One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
  • One year experience as a worker, one-year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
  • Two years’ experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
  • Four years’ experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.

Military Veterans

A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting on of the following:

  • Three years of military service and one year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
  • Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
  • One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.

Applicants for the Certified Irrigation Contractor License must have experience in the installation (commercial/residential) of:

  • Piping
  • Solenoid Valves
  • Control Wire Irrigation
  • Rain Shut-off Devices
  • Sprays
  • Micro-irrigation Components
  • Experience can also be obtained in the areas of:
    • Installation of Two-wire or Decoder Based Controllers
    • Plot Plan and Site Preparation
    • Locating Underground Utility
    • Trenching, Excavation and Compaction
    • Cross Connection Control
    • Site Restoration
    • Material Take Off/Plot Plan
  • Additional Experience could also derive from the areas of:
    • Use of Reclaimed Water
    • Use of Water Saving Technologies & Products
    • Installation of Central Control Systems (numerous site systems managed through central interface like a website or computer)

Financial / Credit

Applicants will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched. Credit report containing a credit score (FICO derived) on applicant from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. If credit score is below 660 (FICO derived) applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Note that Fifty percent (50%) of the bond or letter of credit requirement may be met by completion of a 14-hour financial responsibility course.

Fingerprints

An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.

Insurance

Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by the Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license. To download the different application forms related to the Irrigation Contractor’s License, you may visit the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board’s site.

Florida Irrigation Contractor Exams

Part 1  Business and Finance – 120 questions, computer-based examination (CBT), and you have 6 1/2 to complete it. The minimum score required is 70%

Part 2 Irrigation Technical Examination – 80 questions, CBT, and you have 5 hours to complete. The minimum score required is 70%

There are 5 extra pilot questions added to each one of the exams, so B&F will have 125 questions, and the technical exam will have 85 questions. You are NOT scored on the pilot questions.

Professional Testing – Register for your exam

Irrigation Contractors Trade Knowledge Examination Content Information

Pearson Vue Testing Centers

Construction Industry Licensing Board

Irrigation Specialty Contractors

smart-irrigation

The Construction Industry Licensing Board has developed a new specialty license for the installation, repair, maintenance, and design of irrigation systems.

Testimonial

Rich,

Thanks for all the information you shared and for your teaching. Both were a huge help. I passed my Business & Finance test today (scored 92.5). Two tests down, so now on to the licensing process!!!

Have a great weekend!

Eric Rothell
Market Irrigation Manager
BrightView Landscape Services, Inc.
CGIA, CIC, CID, CIT, CLIA #40100

Florida Green Industries BMP Certified
U.S. EPA WaterSense Partner

Feel Free to contact me with any information