Happenings from the Governor

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Additional authority has been recommended for $925,000 from trust funds to cover the Florida Building Code Compliance and Mitigation Program in the Florida Building Commission, which focuses on education for contractors and builders about mitigation of hurricane and storm-related damage.

This is the biggest joke there is. – except it’s not funny!

Lastly, the Governor’s budget proposals include the Department’s only general revenue request, which is approximately $515,824 to support the Florida State Boxing Commission. The Commission ensures that all professional boxing, kick boxing and mixed martial arts matches are conducted in accordance with provisions of state laws and rules, keeping Florida a competitive destination for this industry.

WHY? Why are Florida taxpayers paying 1/2 million dollars for this.

Swimming Pool Specialty License

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Building a Pool1. What Swimming Pool Specialty Licenses are available?
Layout, Structural, Excavation, Trim, Decking, Piping and Finishing licenses are available.  These are certified specialty licenses that enable the license holder to perform work statewide.

2. Are sub-contractors allowed to hold multiple licenses?
Yes, sub-contractors may hold multiple licenses. Sub-contractors must complete a separate application form for each license category that they are seeking – applications in which the applicant has checked more than one license category will not be processed. Each application must be accompanied by the applicable fees.

Applicants are required to pay the practical examiner examination fee. This fee must be paid each time an exam is taken. The examiner fee is determined by the examiner, with a maximum of $200.00 per exam.

3. May I contract directly with the public with a swimming pool specialty license?
No, you may only contract with a licensed commercial or residential pool/spa contractor, or a licensed swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

4. Where can I find the license application form?
The application can be obtained online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > Apply For / Update a License. Download the form and check which license you are seeking on page 4 of the application.
If you do not have internet access or if you need assistance, please call the department’s Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.

5. What do I have to do to get licensed?

To become licensed, you must:
• Prove 4 years of experience in the category for which you are seeking licensure.
• Take and pass an exam either a written or practical exam. Please note that the written exam is currently under development and not available at this time. Once it becomes available, information will be posted on the department’s website.
• If you choose to take the practical exam you MUST also complete a minimum of 3 hours of continuing education from a provider approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, consisting of:
a. 1 hour of workers compensation
b. 1 hour of workplace safety
c. 1 hour of business practice

• Meet other licensing requirements such as good moral character and financial responsibility.

6. Where can I get a list and contact details for practical examiners?
The Construction Industry Licensing Board maintains a database of practical examiners that  have taken the mandatory 2-hour course, which is available online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > Our Businesses & Professions > Construction Industry > Public  Records > Construction Industry > Licensee Files.

NO escaping higher taxes in 2013

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taxesCongress was able to pass legislation to keep broader middle class income taxes from rising. But workers will still have to pay at least 2% more in payroll taxes.

That’s because the government had temporarily lowered the social security payroll tax rate in 2011 to 4.2% from 6.2%, in an effort to keep more cash in the pockets of Americans and provide a boost to the economy. The tax cut, which applies on the first $113,700 in annual earnings, expired on Monday.

Now most of the country’s 160 million workers will see smaller paychecks. No one is expecting the payroll tax cut to be extended.

Monthly paychecks will have $50 less for those earning $30,000 annually, and will shave off $189.50 for those with incomes totaling $113,700.

The amounts could be large enough to deal a blow to middle class Americans’ spending budgets, especially at a time when the economic recovery is still struggling to gain a foothold.

Holiday Safety Tip 1 – Candles and Trimmings

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candlesCandles:

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.Always use non-flammable holders.
Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.
Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

Trimmings

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.

Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass “angel hair” to avoid irritation to eyes and skin.
Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

In homes with small children, take special care to:

Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.
Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children. Pieces could be swallowed or inhaled.
Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. A child could eat them!

Some CILB Exams are CBT

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The following examinations are now offered as Computer Based Testing:
Marine Contractors &  Glass /Glazing Contractor

These exam are given at multiple locations around the state and the Pearson Vue computer centers. They are given 5 days a week, in some areas 6. If you fail the exam you only have to wait 21 days to retake the exam! Soon more of the Construction Industry Exam will be available by Computer Based Testing (CBT)

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