New License…

The Construction Industry Licensing Board has developed a new specialty license for the repair and servicing of residential swimming pools, hot tubs or spas. The scope of work permitted to be performed by a residential pool/spa servicing specialty contractor can be found in Rule 61G4-15.040, Florida Administrative Code.

Previously, most contractors providing such services were required to obtain a certified pool/spa servicing contractor’s license under s. 489.105(3)(l), F.S., which required experience in servicing and repair of both residential and commercial pools. Many contractors who specialized in the repair and servicing of only residential pools, spas and hot tubes were unable to obtain licensure or were required to obtain local competency cards in each local jurisdiction. The CILB developed the certified residential pool/spa servicing specialty contractor category to permit licensure of these contractors on a state wide basis.

All Swimming Pool Categories (Commercial, Residential, and Service), Solar and Irrigation Trade Knowledge examinations are projected to move to computer based testing (CBT) starting March 2014!

This has been something I’ve been asking for. Before a pool contractor could only test 3 out of the 6 exams given each year. Meaning if they failed the exam they had to wait 4 months to retake the test, everyone else only had to wait 2 months.

Now these contractors can schedule when, and where (20 location around Florida) they want to test. Person Vue also has many out of state computer centers as well. This is a big break through in testing for these exams! Good LUCK!

For the FULL Rule Click Here

(1) Scope of Rule. The scope of this rule is to provide for the voluntary certification of swimming pool specialty contractors.

(a) Swimming pool specialty contractors may only perform the services within the scope of work defined for that particular category swimming pool specialty contractor.

(b) Swimming pool specialty contractors must work under contract, under the supervision, and within the scope of work of a contractor licensed pursuant to Sections 489.105(3)(j)-(l), F.S.

(c) Each category of swimming pool specialty contractor contained in this rule constitutes a separate license and obtaining licensure in all swimming pool specialty contractor categories shall not entitle a person to licensure as a contractor as defined in Sections 489.105(3)(j)-(l), F.S.

(2) Definition.

(a) A “Swimming Pool Layout Specialty Contractor” means a swimming pool specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the layout, shaping, steel installation, and rough piping of pools, spas, and hot tub shells.

(b) A “Swimming Pool Structural Specialty Contractor” means a swimming pool specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the shaping and shooting of gunite, shotcrete, concrete, or similar product mix used in the construction of swimming pools and spas. This scope of work includes the installation of fiberglass shells and vinyl liners.

(c) A “Swimming Pool Excavation Specialty Contractor” means a swimming pool specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the excavation and earthmoving required for the installation of pools, spas, and hot tub shells.

(d) A “Swimming Pool Trim Specialty Contractor” means a swimming pool specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the installation of tile and coping for pools, spas, and hot tub shells. Decorative or interactive water displays or areas that use recirculated water, including waterfalls and spray nozzles, are also included in this rule within this scope of work.

(e) A “Swimming Pool Decking Specialty Contractor” means a swimming pool specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the construction and installation of concrete flatwork, pavers and bricks, retaining walls, and footings associated with the construction of pools, spas, and hot tub shells.

(f) A “Swimming Pool Piping Specialty Contractor” means a swimming pool specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the installation of piping or the installation of circulating, filtering, disinfecting, controlling, or monitoring equipment and devices used in the construction of pools, spas, hot tubs, and decorative or interactive water displays or areas.

(g) A “Swimming Pool Finishes Specialty Contractor” means a swimming pool specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the coating or plastering of the interior surfaces of pools, spas, or hot tub shells.

The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that a public employer can legitimately refuse to hire smokers. The City of North Miami implemented a policy in 1990 that required job applicants to sign a sworn statement that they had not smoked for at least a year prior to their application for employment with the city. One job applicant challenged the policy in court after she was not hired by the city as a clerk-typist because she had refused to sign the statement. The applicant claimed that the policy violated her Florida constitutional rights by prohibiting her from smoking in the privacy of her own home. The Supreme Court held that the policy could be enforced because the applicant did not have a legitimate expectation of privacy concerning smoking given the variety of ways in which smoking is prohibited in public. The Court reasoned that the multitude of existing smoking regulations had essentially reduced an individual’s expectation of privacy on the issue of smoking when applying for a government job. The Court was not willing to expand the decision to private employment. However, to date, smokers in Florida have no statutory protection. Employers can refuse to hire applicants who smoke. Likewise, most employers, subject to a few exceptions, can ban smoking on their premises if they choose, including outdoor areas.