The ACICP delivers Georgia CE with both recorded and LIVE Webinars! Presented by the Contractors Institute.

Why Do I Need Continuing Education?

The Georgia State Licensing Board requires all RESIDENTIAL BASIC AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL contractors to obtain Continuing Education hours to maintain their licenses on a biennial basis. (GENERAL contractors do not need any.) CE hours may be completed online or via live class/webinar, but ONLY 50% can be done online.  The Georgia State Licensing Board has deemed our Association of Construction Industry Certified Professionals’ live webinar as a “live classroom” to continue education.

Did you know Georgia requires Contractors to have Continuing Education every year?

RESIDENTIAL BASIC CONTRACTORS:
The State of Georgia requires 3 hours of Continuing Education for Georgia-Licensed Residential Basic Contractors for EACH YEAR (total of 6 when you renew – 3 hours for each year in the renewal cycle), with the annual deadline of June 30th.

RESIDENTIAL LIGHT COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS:
The State of Georgia requires 6 hours of Continuing Education for Georgia-Licensed Residential Light Commercial Contractors EACH YEAR (12 hours when you renew – 6 hours for each year in the renewal cycle), with a June 30th deadline.

COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS:
The state of Georgia does not require Continuing Education for Georgia-Licensed General Contractors at this time.

Questions? Call 727-378-0025!

Typically, when a licensed contractor qualifies a construction business entity, they are responsible for both the construction operations and the financial aspects of the business. However, employing a Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) can separate these duties. This arrangement allows the qualifier to focus solely on construction activities, while the FRO handles the financial responsibilities of the company. If the qualifier is not an owner or shareholder but merely an employee or independent contractor focused on construction tasks, the construction company will appoint a separate FRO to manage financial obligations.

Florida Statute. 489.1195

A qualifying agent is a primary qualifying agent unless he or she is a secondary qualifying agent under this section.

A financially responsible officer shall be responsible for all financial aspects of the business organization and may not be designated as the primary qualifying agent. The designated financially responsible officer shall furnish evidence of the financial responsibility, credit, and business reputation of either himself or herself, or the business organization he or she desires to qualify, as determined appropriate by the board.

Where a business organization has a certified or registered financially responsible officer, the primary qualifying agent shall be responsible for all construction activities of the business organization, both in general and for each specific job.

In Florida, the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) oversees licensing and regulation for various construction professionals. For the purpose of maintaining a license, certain crimes may be considered irrelevant to contracting, meaning they may not directly impact a contractor’s ability to hold or maintain a license.

Here are examples of crimes that generally do not relate to contracting:

1. Traffic Violations: Minor offenses such as speeding tickets or parking violations typically do not affect licensing status.
2. Theft of Non-Construction Related Items: Crimes like shoplifting or petty theft that don’t pertain to construction materials or tools may not be relevant.
3. Drug Offenses (Non-Related to the Construction Site): Drug offenses that do not involve construction sites or business operations may not be directly relevant. However, drug-related crimes can sometimes impact licensing depending on the specifics.
4. Public Disorder Crimes: Offenses such as disorderly conduct or public intoxication that are unrelated to the professional conduct of contracting are usually not considered.
5. Certain White-Collar Crimes: Some financial crimes like embezzlement or fraud, unless they directly relate to contracting activities or involve construction funds, may not directly impact licensing.

However, it’s essential to note that even if a crime doesn’t directly relate to contracting, the CILB can still consider the nature and circumstances of the crime when evaluating an applicant’s or licensee’s fitness for holding a license. Major offenses or patterns of criminal behavior may raise concerns about the individual’s suitability for a professional license, even if the crimes are not directly related to contracting activities. For the most accurate and specific guidance, reviewing the Florida statutes or consulting with a legal expert or licensing authority would be advisable.

– Effective July 1, 2024 – IF our Mold, Home Inspector or Building Code Official licensees have held their licenses active for the past 10 (TEN) years, they are NOT required to complete CE…

On May 17, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 382 into law, which exempts certain licensees from continuing education requirements.

Effective July 1, 2024, all Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licensees who meet the below requirements will be exempted from their current continuing education requirements:

1. The licensee is licensed by one of the following Department of Business and Professional Regulation Boards, Councils, or Licensing Programs:  

• Asbestos Licensing Unit
• Barbers’ Board
• Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board
• Board of Cosmetology
• Home Inspectors Licensing Program
• Mold-Related Services Licensing Program
• Board of Pilot Commissioners
• Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers
• Board of Veterinary Medicine

2. The licensee holds an active license.
3. The licensee has held their license continuously for at least 10 years.
4.  No discipline has been imposed against the license. 

Beginning July 1, licensees can verify their exemption status through their online account or by searching the Department’s online licensing portal, at: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID.  Licensees will remain exempt from future continuing education requirements if they continue to meet all the requirements for the exemption. 

61G4-15.100 Certified Specialty Contractors – call 727-862-8862 Contractors Business Service for more info

(1) The purpose of this rule is to provide for the certification of the following specialty contractors licensure types:

(a) A “structural aluminum or screen enclosures contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to perform any work involving aluminum screened porches, screened enclosures, pool enclosures, pre-formed panel-post and beam roofs, mobile home panel roof-overs, residential glass and window door enclosures, vinyl panel window enclosures and single-story self-contained aluminum utility storage structures not exceeding seven hundred twenty (720) square feet.  The scope of the work shall include woodwork incidental to the aluminum and allied materials construction work.  It shall be limited to the construction of wood framing for walls of uninhabitable utility storage structures, raised wood decks for enclosures, and the rescreening, repair and/or replacement of wood incidental to the installation of glass windows and doors, installation of siding, soffit, fascia, gutters, and preformed panel-post and beam roofs.  The scope of such work shall include masonry concrete work and be limited to foundations, slabs and block knee walls incidental to the aluminum and allied materials construction work.  The aluminum contractor, whose services are limited, shall not perform any work that alters the structural integrity of the building including but not limited to roof trusses, lintels, load bearing walls and foundations.  The aluminum contractor shall subcontract, with a licensed qualified contractor in the field concerned, all work incidental to that which is defined herein but which is the work of a trade other than that of an aluminum contractor.  The scope of licensure for an aluminum contractor includes and is limited to the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge and skill necessary for the fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, adjustment, alteration, repair, servicing and design work when not prohibited by law, in accordance with accepted engineering data and/or according to manufacturer’s specification in the aluminum metal, vinyl and fiberglass screening and allied construction materials.

(b) A “marine specialty contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to perform any work involving the construction, repair, alteration, extension and excavation for fixed docks, floating docks, boathouses, mooring devices, mooring fields, seawalls, bulkheads, piers, wharfs, boatlifts, boat ramps, revetments, cofferdams, wave attenuators, dune crossovers and other marine structures and activities, including pile driving, framing, concrete, masonry, dredge and fill, and wood shingle, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing on a new structure of his or her own construction.

(c) A “marine seawall work contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to install, alter, repair, maintain, relocate, and replace supporting members of piers and docks, e.g., piles or pilings, columns, posts, stanchions.  The scope of work of such contractor shall include all construction below, above, or beyond, the mean low water line, for the sole purpose of constructing, erecting or dismantling of piers, docks and seawalls.

(d) A “marine bulkhead work contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to install, alter, repair, maintain, relocate, and replace bulkheads and its supporting members.  The scope of work of such contractor shall include all construction below, above or beyond, the mean low water line, for the sole purpose of constructing, erecting, or dismantling of bulkheads.

(e) A “marine dock work contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to install, repair, maintain, or alter docks, piers, and decks of marine nature, and may perform pile driving as well as other operations necessary for the safe construction of these structures.

(f) A “marine pile driving contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to drive concrete, wood, or steel piles in a marine environment to provide the foundations for fixed docks, floating docks, boathouses, mooring devices, mooring fields, seawalls, bulkheads, piers, wharfs, boatlifts, boat ramps, revetments, cofferdams, wave attenuators, dune crossovers and other marine structures.

(g) A “structural masonry specialty contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to form, place, finish, install, repair, maintain, and replace any concrete or masonry products including: batching and mixing of aggregates, cement, and water to specifications, laying of block, brick, and other masonry units, the construction of forms and framework for the casting and shaping of concrete, the placing and erection of reinforcing steel and the pouring, placement, injecting and finishing of concrete.  The scope of such work shall include all types of foundations, slabs, footers, curbs, walls, columns, beams and other structures, and terrazzo and other finishes.

(h) A “structural pre-stressed, precast concrete work specialty contractor” is qualified and certified to erect structural precast concrete units such as decks, beams, girders, walls, columns and stairs that are or may be used as structural members for buildings and structures, including welding and rigging in connection therewith and to erect precast concrete units for guard rails and decorative panels above the ground floor, including such minor field fabrication as may be necessary.

(i) A “structural steel work contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to install, repair, maintain, and replace steel framework, columns, sheathing, beams, and fabrication of metal buildings.

(j) A “window and door installation contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to install, replace, adjust, repair, and service, when not prohibited by law, in accordance with accepted engineering data and or according to manufacturers’ specification of exterior windows and doors, hurricane protection devices, shutters, and hardware in connection therewith which do not affect structural changes, except the replacement of window bucks in retrofit.

(k) A “garage door installation contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to fabricate, assemble, handle, erect, install, dismantle, adjust, alter, repair, and service garage doors.  The scope of such work shall include all types of garage doors, including the related hardware and operating devices.  Such contractor shall be allowed to install low voltage wiring for safety features and cord and cap connected to the devices, motors, and equipment; any other electrical work related to the installation of a garage door shall be subcontracted to a licensed electrical contractor, including wire removal and/or rewiring, installation of receptacles, lights, and switches.  Such contractor shall be allowed to subcontract with other licensed contractors for work directly related to the installation of the garage door.

(l) A “plaster and lath specialty contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to coat surfaces with a mixture of sand or other aggregate gypsum plaster, Portland cement or quicklime and water, or any combination of such material as to create a permanent coating.  The contractor may perform lathing work.

(m) A “structural carpentry specialty contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to install any wood products or metal framing in a structure of a building including rough framing, door, window (including metal), and structural trusses.

(n) A “residential swimming pool/spa servicing specialty contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work involves the repair and servicing of residential swimming pools, hot tubs or spas. The scope of work includes the repair or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation or addition of pool heaters, the repair or replacement of all perimeter piping and filter piping, the repair of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and the substantial or complete draining, for the purpose of repair or renovation of residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.

(o) An “industrial facility specialty contractor” is a contractor who is qualified and certified by the board to perform any work involving the construction, repair, demolition, modification, and alteration of uninhabitable industrial structures housing manufactured industrial equipment being installed therein by the contractor of specialized equipment used to produce or move goods or materials including but not limited to energy production, gas production, chemical production, installation of fixed equipment, above ground storage tanks and related accessory piping; and construction of habitable or uninhabitable attached accessory use structures not exceeding 1,500 square feet used solely to house related operating and controlling equipment. An industrial facility specialty contractor shall be unlimited in his or her ability to enter contracts for the scopes of work described herein and who may perform such work permitted under this rule, except as otherwise expressly provided in section 489.113, F.S.  An industrial facility specialty contractor shall be required to subcontract all work above that falls within the scopes of work set forth in sections 489.105(3)(b)-(p) or 489.505, F.S., or for fire protection systems under section 633.318, F.S., to a licensee who holds a state certification or registration in the respective category of work.

(p) A “building demolition specialty contractor” is a contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to demolish, if not prohibited by law, steel tanks 50 feet or less in height; towers 50 feet or less in height; other structures 50 feet or less in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences three stories or less in height. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classifications.

(q) An “irrigation specialty 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.  Irrigation systems used for agricultural purposes shall not be included within the scope of this rule.  An irrigation specialty contractor is precluded from conducting work on water wells or pumps per Florida Plumbing Code and Section 373.323(10), Florida Statutes.

(r) A “tower specialty contractor” is qualified and certified by the board to perform any work involving the construction, repair and alteration of uninhabitable towers for purposes of communications, energy, water, or utilities; including construction of accessory use structures not exceeding three stories in height which house related equipment. An applicant for a tower specialty contractor certification shall pass the general contractor examination and shall demonstrate experience in the construction, repair and alteration of towers and accessory use structures.

(s) A “glass and glazing contractor” is a specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the installation and attachment of all types of windows and glass, on residential and commercial applications without any height restriction, whether fixed or movable; the installation of swinging or sliding glass doors to existing walls, floors, columns or other structural members of the building; the installation of glass holding or supporting mullions or horizontal bars; the installation of structurally anchored impact-resistant opening protection attached to existing building walls, floors, columns or other structural members of the building; and the cutting and installation of glass and mirrors. A glass and glazing specialty contractor may also install prefabricated glass, metal or plastic curtain walls, storefront frames or panels, caulking incidental to such work and assembly, and installation of shower & tub enclosures and metal fascias.

(t) A “gypsum drywall contractor” is a specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the installation of all necessary and incidental metal accessories, including non-load bearing metal studs, runners, hangers, channels, drywall metal suspension accessories and prefabricated ceiling materials; and the preparation of the surface over which drywall product is to be applied. This includes the application of base and finish coats specifically designed for the gypsum drywall products of their own erection. This category shall not include plastering, block, or wood partitions.

(u) A “gas line specialty contractor” is a contractor whose scope of work is limited to installation, modification, alteration, testing, repair and maintenance of natural gas transmission systems and natural gas distribution systems with all appurtenances within rights-of-way, easements, or terminating at meter.

(2) Certification procedures and fees for certified specialty contractors shall be the same as those provided for the certification of other contractors as required by and set forth in sections 489.109, 489.111, 489.113, 489.114, 489.115, 489.116, F.S., and related rules.

(3) Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classifications.

(4) Certified specialty contractors must maintain applicable worker’s compensation and general liability insurance as required by state and federal laws, including but not limited to the provisions of the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C.A. §901 et seq. and Title 46 U.S.C.A. for marine specialty contractors.

Rulemaking Authority 455.213, 489.108, 489.113(6) FS. Law Implemented 489.105(3)(q), 489.113(6) FS. History‒New 5-5-24.