Florida does not give a shit about contractors

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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)

Governor Ron DeSantis says fux contractors

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Code Enforcement officers can no longer investigate anonymous complaints due to a new Florida law that takes effect today, July 1, 2021. So now you have to use your competitor or neighbors name. I fix it for everyone … they are so fucking stupid they didn’t think of that. Set up a fake Gmail account and use it, them bombard the FUXTARDS!

But really, why would anyone notify code enforcement anyways. Unless you tell them there is a wad of $100 bills there they will never investigate. They are lazier than the dog catchers.

It’s funny how no county officials are ever charged with anything. No DUI for driving home late Friday, no code violations? Even your county commissioners are exempt.

Edit Governor Ron DeSantis, the De Santas humor didn’t work!

THANKS FOR THE SEX GOVERNOR

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You’re treated like this!

Your License is less and less valuable. Let’s give college students a license without taking a technical exam. Because they can build on a piece of paper. I’ve seen graduates take 5 and 6 attempts to pass and now let’s just give it to them. FUCKING BRILLIANT! Call our Licensing Board and give them your thoughts. They don’t work for the people anymore.

Daniel Biggins, Executive Director
Division of Professions
Construction Industry Licensing Board (DOUCHE BAGS)
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791

Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040

On June 30, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed “The Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act” (HB 1193) which eliminates unnecessary regulations and reduces barriers to entry for certain professions in Florida. Effective July 1, 2020, the bill provides the following changes:

  • The testing requirements for incoming contractors have changed.  Graduates with 3.0 or better GPA in building construction will now be exempt from the trade knowledge portion of the state licensing exam.  It appears that the intent is that prior graduates will benefit, as well as future graduates should they apply for new licenses.  Likewise, the provision applies to any type of license covered in Chapter 489 Part 1, Florida Statutes.  Those applicants who qualify for the exemption will so elect when applying for the exam and apply only to take only the business and finance portion of the test.
  • Finally, applicants with an active or recently active out-of-state license held for 10 years or more may apply for the same license in Florida. Division I and roofing endorsement/reciprocity applicants must complete a 2-hour course on the Florida Building Code which includes information on wind mitigation techniques.  If you hold the license in the business name, you will need to submit documentation from your home state agency indicating you were the test taker and qualifier.  Also, make sure to apply for a license at the same level as you currently hold and include documentation showing what scope of work is allowed with your current license.

6 Things Your Home Inspector Probably Won’t Check

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here are some things you home inspectors won’t check.

Won't Check

Electrical outlets behind heavy furniture – For one, basic home inspections evaluate only the stuff these professionals can see or access easily. That means if the furniture is blocking certain areas, your home inspector isn’t about to throw out his/her back to move it aside.

Roof – Three or more stories in height most home inspectors will not walk on. They look from the ground and base their inspection on that.

Chimney and Fireplace – Home inspectors will typically open and shut dampers to make sure they’re working, and shine a flashlight up the chimney to check for big obstructions like a birds nest. But that’s typically where their inspection ends.

Well and Septic – If your inspector works in areas where wells and septic systems are common, for an extra fee ($150 typically) he/she might test your well water and check that your septic system is running Properly.

Swimming Pool – Basic home inspectors will turn on pool pumps and heaters to make sure they’re working. But inspectors won’t routinely evaluate cracks or dents in the pool. For that, you’ll need a professional pool inspector, who will run pressure tests for plumbing leaks. He’ll also scrutinize pumps, filters, decking surfaces, and safety covers. Pool contractors will do all of these but the price varies.

The ground under your home – While home inspectors will thoroughly check the home, the ground beneath it might go largely ignored. So if you’re worried about the land’s structural integrity—or whether it shifts, tilts, or has sinkholes or a high water table—you’ll need to hire a geotechnical engineer.

changes to Chapter 455 and 489 Fl. Statutes

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

Florida DPBR
  • 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.

Licensing / Contractor Issues

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Which of the following is NOT correct?

A)     Any person who falsely holds himself out to be a licensed contractor is guilty of a first degree misdemeanor.

B)     The county, municipal, or local licensing board may issue a cease and desist order to anyone engaged in contracting without a valid license.

C)    A contract entered into by an unlicensed contractor is legally enforceable.

D)    In any action against an unlicensed contractor for injuries resulting from negligence, the consumer is entitled to three times the actual damages sustained.

Penalties for Unlicensed Activity Contractors Manual 2-14

Engaging in contracting services or holding oneself out to be a contractor without first obtaining a license is a violation of Florida law. Any person who falsely holds himself out to be a licensed contractor or who engages in contracting without first obtaining a license is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor, and a second offense is a third-degree felony.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation or a county, municipal, or local licensing board may issue a cease and desist order to prohibit any person from engaging in the business of contracting without a valid license.

Any contract entered into by a contractor not licensed pursuant to Part I (construction) or Part II (electrical/alarm system) of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, is legally unenforceable.

Any person who performs an activity requiring state licensure as a contractor is guilty of unlicensed contracting if he or she does not hold a valid state certificate or registration, regardless of whether he or she holds a local contractor license or certificate of competency. Persons who engage in contracting outside the geographical scope of their registration is also guilty of unlicensed contracting. Local building departments are prohibited from issuing a building permit to any contractor or person holding themselves out as a contractor, who does not hold a valid active state certificate or a registration in the category of work covered by the permit. Possession of a local contractor license or certificate of competency is not sufficient to obtain a building permit as a construction contractor if the activity in question requires state licensure.

In addition, in any action against a contractor for injuries sustained resulting from the contractor’s negligence, malfeasance, or misfeasance, the consumer is entitled to three times the actual damages sustained and costs and attorney’s fees if the contractor is neither certified by the state nor licensed pursuant to the laws of the city or county in which he does business.

Which type of contract is most likely not negotiated?

A)     Fixed-Price
B)     Cost-Plus
C)    Lump Sum
D)    Guaranteed Maximum Price

Types of Contracts – Contractors Manual 10-34

One division includes those contracts for which the contractor is selected on the basis of competitive
bidding (typically fixed-price).

The second major division of construction contracts consists of those that result from direct owner-contractor negotiations. Negotiated contracts can be on any mutually agreeable basis: lump-sum, cost-plus-fee and G.M.P. (Guaranteed Maximum Price).

Power Shovel & Pythagorean

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If a power shovel and operator can excavate 39 cubic yards per hour at an hourly rate of $25.00, what will be the approximate total cost for excavation of an area measuring 120′ – 0″ x 70′ – 0″ x 8′ – 0″? Select the closest answer.

A. $1,595.44
B. $641.00
C. $2,488.89
D. $6,720.00

Answer A
120 x 70 x 8 /27 = 2488.89 / 39 = 63.8 x $25 = 1,595.44

If the outside dimensions of a building are 124′ – 6″ x 142′ – 0″, the diagonal distance from corner to corner of the building should be___________ Select the closest answer.

A. 188′ – 0″
B. 188′ – 4″
C. 188′ – 6″
D. 188′ – 10″

Answer D – Pythagorean

Maintenance on a Florida Home

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Once you’ve purchased your Florida home there are several very important and new responsibilities you inherit. The maintenance of your Florida home should be a top priority. The correct Preventative maintenance can save you thousands of in-home repairs over the years. Here are several steps you should take on a monthly, bi-annual, and annual basis.

Monthly Checklist

Check the air filter in a/c and clean or replace it as necessary.
Vacuum air supply and air return register to remove dust.
Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged.
Clean disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes. Freshen with citrus fruit rinds and baking soda.
Check for cracks and separations in caulking around the following: sinks, bathtubs, toilets, faucets, countertops, backsplashes, ceramic tile walls, ceramic floors, window sills, and any other areas.
Clean or replace the dirty filters in the range hood fan.
Adjust sprinkler heads for proper coverage.

6-Month Checklist

  • Check exterior windows and doors caulking.
  • Inspect exterior paint surfaces, touch-up as needed.
  • Check screws on door locksets and hardware, tighten up.
  • Test and clean smoke detectors and change the batteries if needed.
  • Lubricate bi-fold and by-pass doors if necessary.
  • Clean sliding door tracks, apply silicone spray. (not oil)
  • oil moving parts of the garage door.
  • Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged.
  • Check electrical extension and appliance cords.
  • Visually inspect the roof from the ground for broken shingles.
  • Check and clean gutters and downspouts.
  • Have a contractor perform a seasonal check-up on your a/c.
  • Check water supply lines and valves for leaks.
  • Inspect windows and screens for their condition.

Annual Checklist

  • Repeat your six- month inspection and maintenance.
  • Check attic vents for insulation blockage.
  • Inspect inside the attic for signs of roof leaks.
  • Check cabinet drawers and hinges for proper alignment.
  • Have chimney professionally cleaned as necessary.
  • Remove water heater residue. Follow instructions in the plumbing section of your home maintenance manual.
  • Pressure clean roof tiles, pool deck, driveway, and walks.
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