Archives
Military Veterans
Beginning July 1, 2016 new provisions went into effect to assist U.S. Military Veterans applying for licensure. The new provisions specifically allow for experience gained in the military to be used toward the requirements for licensure. Up to three years of military experience can be applied toward the experience requirements for a certified contractor’s license. New forms were posted on July 1, 2016 for veterans to use when applying for licensure.
Veterans should submit the Veteran Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form along with the application for licensure.
Follow this link to Contractor licensure applications.
Recovery Fund
Governor Rick Scott recently signed House Bill 535, which includes important updates to sections 489.1401-143, F.S., permitting payments to injured residential consumers from the Florida Homeowners Recovery Fund for both Division I and Division II scopes of work.
Effective July 1, 2016, all licensed contractors, both Division I and Division II, must ensure that the Florida Homeowner Construction Recovery Fund Notice is contained in their residential contracts.
For additional information, please click here.
New Exemptions
As of July 1, 2016, section 489.103, F.S. is amended to add a new exemption for apartment community employees or apartment management company employees. The employees are exempted from contractor licensing requirements when they are performing minor repairs to existing electric water heaters, electric heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems when the repair costs do not exceed $1,000.00 and are not the functional equivalent of replacing the system. Employees are required to have one year of apartment maintenance experience and hold an apartment maintenance technician’s certificate from the National Apartment Association (NAA) to qualify for the exemption. The NAA certification course must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute and consists of a 90 hour training course covering identified topics and completion of examination requirements. The exemption only applies to employees of apartment communities of 100 apartments or greater and does not prohibit local jurisdictions from creating local license requirements for the performance of such work. Likewise, the new law amends section 489.105(3)(m), F.S., to include the provisions that the definition of plumbing contractor “. . . does not require certification or registration under this part as a category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer, LP gas installer, or specialty installer who is licensed under chapter 527. . .”
The Florida Legislature has delayed the effective date of certain sections of the Florida Building Code, 5th edition until June 30, 2016. (http://laws.flrules.org/2015/222) The included sections are: a. R402.4.1.2 of the Energy Volume relating to mandatory blower door testing for residential buildings; b. 403.6.1 of the Building Volume requiring a second fire service access elevator; and c. R303.4 of the Residential Volume requiring mechanical ventilation for residential buildings.
Roofing Emergency Order
An Emergency Order has been issued in response to Hurricane Irma applicable to counties identified by FEMA. This Order allows Division 1 contractors, including general, building and residential contractors to self-perform roof installation and repairs for wood shakes, asphalt & fiberglass shingles, tiles, metal, and flat roofs within their respective contracting scope.
The Order also allows building departments, if needed, to issue local specialty roofing licenses to roofers who are qualified in other localities within the State. These specialty licenses would be subject to local disciplinary oversight like other local specialty licenses.
Construction Industry Licensing Board will conduct Application Review, and will review Recovery Fund claims (Revised).
Hurricane Irma has unfortunately altered the schedule for our September Board meeting in Palm Harbor. It is crucial that construction professionals are licensed and available to work during this time of emergency. As a result the CILB will conduct a limited meeting on September 27-28th, 2017 to consider license applications and additional business applications at the regularly scheduled times (Division 2-Wednesday afternoon; Division 1-Thursday afternoon). If you would instead prefer a continuance to the next meeting, please respond via email at the address listed on your notice letter or by calling 850-717-1983. The Florida Homeowners Recovery Fund will meet Thursday September 28th at 10 AM. All other business including probation, Final Action, CE, and all Friday hearings have been rescheduled.
October Board Meeting:
We understand many of our applicants are anxious to get to work. The October Board meeting at the Hilton Melbourne Beach will proceed as scheduled. Those who are not able to travel to the Board meeting due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew may request a continuance by contacting the Board office.
Renewal Update
The renewal deadlines for contractors licensed by the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board and the Construction Industry Licensing Board have been extended from August 31, 2016 to September 9, 2016 at 11:59 p.m due to Tropical Storm Hermine. Licensees will not be placed in a delinquent status for non-renewal, and delinquency fees will not be assessed until that time. Continuing Education credits will continue to be accepted for this renewal cycle during this period.
Residential Pool/Spa Servicing Specialty Contractors
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. Certified residential pool/spa servicing specialty applicants may use their experience pool and spa repair and servicing to qualify for licensure, but are required to pass the state certified pool/spa servicing contractors’ examination administered by the Department. For more information on scheduling to take the state examination please visit the Department’s Construction Examination Information page or call 850.488.5952.
Please see our Residential Pool/Spa Servicing Specialty Contractor FAQs for more information.
The Construction Industry Licensing Board and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation have approved a $100.00 FEE HOLIDAY for the 2014 and 2015 renewal cycles for certified and registered contractors who are renewing their licenses. During the fee holiday, certified and registered contractors renewing an active license will have their fees reduced by $100.00. Certified and registered contractors renewing their inactive licenses will have their $50.00 inactive renewal fee waived in its entirety. All contractors (active or inactive) will still be required to pay the $5.00 unlicensed activity fee and the $4.00 Florida Building Commission fee in order to renew their license. All fees must be paid by the renewal deadline (August 31, 2014 for certified and August 31, 2015 for registered) to avoid additional fees. All licensees will be sent a renewal notice outlining the required renewal fees set forth above. However, it is the responsibility of each licensee to ensure that their license is timely renewed. Please contact the department at 850.487.1395 if you have any questions, problems renewing or logging into your account.
Limitation of Liability for Design Professionals
Senate Bill 286 (2013), was approved by Governor Rick Scott on April 24, 2013. This bill specifies conditions under which design professionals who are employed by a business entity or acts an agent of a business entity may not be held individually liable for damages resulting from negligence occurring within the course and scope of a professional services. A Design professional is defined as a licensed architect, interior designer, landscape architect, engineer, surveyor, or geologist. This bill became effective on July 1, 2013. Please see the full language of Senate Bill 286 for additional information.
Irrigation Specialty Contractors
The Construction Industry Licensing Board has developed a new specialty license for the installation, repair, maintenance, and design of irrigation systems. The scope of work permitted to be performed by a certified irrigation specialty contractor can be found in Rule 61G4-15.035, Florida Administrative Code. Previously, most contractors providing such services were required to obtain an appropriate local competency card in irrigation contracting or obtain a full state certified plumbing contractor’s license. Most contractors who specialized in the construction of irrigation systems lacked the substantive experience required for a full plumbing contractor’s license. In addition, locally licensed contractors working in multiple jurisdictions were required to maintain certificates of competency in each separate jurisdiction. Certified irrigation specialty applicants may use their experience in irrigation system construction to qualify for licensure, but are required to pass the state certified irrigation specialty contractors’ examination. The first state irrigation specialty examination will be administered April 16th and 17th, 2013. For more information on scheduling to take the state examination please visit the Construction Examination Information page or call 850.488.5952.
Please see our Irrigation Contractor FAQs for more information.
ADVERTISING: Signs to Social Media, License Numbers Required!
Advertising is important to Florida contractors and can make the difference between a great business year and just making ends meet. Florida contractors have many new ways of promoting their businesses with the increased use of internet websites and the advent of social media technologies. As advertising evolves, it is important for Florida contractors to remember that their license number must be included in all offers of service, bids, business proposals, contracts or advertisements, regardless of the medium. Pursuant to Rule 61G4-12.011, F.A.C., advertisements include any electronic media including Internet sites. So please remember to include your license number on your websites, social media pages and other advertisements. If you have any questions regarding advertising requirements please review the Construction Industry Licensing Board’s FAQs or you may contact the Department’s Customer Contact Center at (850)487-1395.
Demolition Contracting Services
Senate Bill 704 was passed during the 2012 Legislative Session and was approved on April 6, 2012 amending the definition of “Contractor” set forth in section 489.105(3), Florida Statutes. Section 489.105(3), Florida Statutes, defines “Contractor” in pertinent part as:
A person who is qualified for, and is only responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others.
The bill amended the statutory language revising the term “demolish” to now include the demolition of all buildings or residence, regardless of height or number of stories. Previously, the term “demolish” only included demolition of buildings or residences that were over three stories tall. The bill became effective on July 1, 2012. After July 1, 2012, any person or entity who wishes to contract for building or residence demolition must have an appropriate Division I contractors license or a local certificate of competency for demolition contracting issued by your local licensing authority. Demolition companies may continue to subcontract demolition work from a certified or registered contractor when the contractor is supervising all work, the work is within the scope of the supervisor’s license and provided that the person being supervised is not engaged in construction work which would require a license as a contractor under any of the categories listed in s. 489.105(3)(d)-(o). Please see our Demolition FAQs for more information.
Certification of Registered Contractor’s Licenses (Grandfathering)
House Bill 897, which passed during the 2012 legislative session, was approved by Governor Rick Scott on May 4, 2012. This bill will re-open and extend the time period for contractors to request that their registered contractor’s license be grandfathered to a state wide certified contractor’s license. The time period requesting grandfathering of registered licenses has been extended until November 1, 2015. The re-opening of the grandfathering time period will take effect on October 1, 2012. Registered contractors may submit their application for grandfathering of their licenses beginning October 1, 2012. Please see our Grandfathering FAQs for more information.
Re-activation of Inactive Licenses
House Bill 517 passed during the 2012 Legislative Session and was approved by Governor Rick Scott on April 6, 2012. This bill reduces the number of continuing education credits an inactive or delinquent contractor licensee must complete prior to reactivating his or her license. Effective July 1, 2012, an inactive or delinquent licensee will only need to complete the continuing education requirements for the renewal cycle immediately preceding license reactivation.
Glass and Glazing Contractors
Senate Bill 704, which passed during the 2012 Legislative Session, was approved by Governor Rick Scott on April 6, 2012. This bill repealed the Glass and Glazing contractor category from the mandatory Division II licenses under Chapter 489, Part I, Florida Statutes. The removal of the license category will take effect on July 1, 2012. After July 1, 2012, the Department will still offer the certified specialty contractor license in the glass and glazing category. All existing Certified Glass and Glazing (CGG) contractors will be reclassified to the certified specialty contractor license (SCC). The Department will no longer be able to register local specialty glass and glazing contractor licenses after July 1, 2012. Please see our updated Glass and Glazing Contractor FAQs for more information.
EXAMINATION AND RE-EXAMINATION: Board Increases Time Limit to Pass of All Examination Parts
The Construction Industry Licensing Board has amended Rule 61G4-16.009, Florida Administrative Code, to grant candidates more time to complete all portions of the initial licensure examination. Beginning November 1, 2011, examination candidates will be permitted four years from the date he or she initially sat for the initial licensure examination to pass all portions of the examination and will not be limited in the number of times they may re-take a test during the four year period. If you have any question regarding the Board’s change, you may visit the Construction Industry page. or call 850.487.1395 for more information.
Tower Specialty Contractors
The Construction Industry Licensing Board has developed a new specialty license for the construction of cell and energy towers. Previously contractors constructing cell and energy towers had to qualify as general contractors. Most contractors with tower construction experience lacked the substantive building construction experience required for a general contractor’s license. Tower Specialty license applicants may utilize their tower construction experience but are required to pass the general contractor examinations.
Federal Lead-Based Paint Abatement Program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for administering the lead-based paint abatement program. Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. You can visit www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/traincert.htm for information on certification requirements and training programs.
Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund Receives Additional Funding
Pursuant to House Bill 57 (2013), the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will be permitted to transfer additional funds in the to Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) to pay outstanding recovery claims during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Based on the additional funding, Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature have approved an $8 million dollar annual appropriation for payment of Recovery Fund claims. Due to the previous economic downturn in the construction industry, the Recovery Fund received insufficient funds to pay all Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund claims in the same years that they were received. The Department is diligently working to resolve the resulting backlog of recovery fund claims and will make payments as funds become available. The Recovery Fund has a total of 589 completed claims awaiting review by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) with a total approximate value of $13,153,267.45. DBPR anticipates that the additional appropriation will permit 364 outstanding claims to be presented to the CILB for approval and payment. The Department will continue to process claims until the claims are complete and ready for review by the CILB. The Department will then present claims to the Board, in the order they are completed, as funds become available. The Department will notify claimants by mail when the claims are complete and when they are ready for Board review. For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Department’s Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.
APPLICATIONS AND LICENSURE: Streamlined Applications Released
In an effort to assist applicants through the licensure process and to reduce the number of deficient applications, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Construction Industry Licensing Board conducted a complete review and revision of construction applications. The new application forms provide clearer instructions, reduce paperwork and provide clear criteria to establish financial stability/responsibility and work experience. The Construction Industry Licensing Board will begin accepting the Department’s new streamlined applications beginning April 13th, 2012.There will be a ninety (90) day transition period during which the Department will continue to accept submission of the old applications; this period will end on July 16, 2012. If you would like more information on the new bonding form or the required credit score, please visit the Department’s financial responsibility and stability website by clicking the following link: Contractor Financial Responsibility and Stability.
Cash for Clunkers Program for Air-conditioning Units
The State of Florida has initiated the Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Rebate Program, which is designed to encourage existing homeowners to replace their old heating and cooling system with a properly-sized energy efficient system and to ensure that their heating and cooling duct system has minimal leakage. On Tuesday November 16, 2010, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 15A approving funding for all qualified applications for the Florida Energy Star Residential HVAC Rebate program subject to certain conditions. Specific details regarding the Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Rebate Program are available at www.rebates.com/floridahvac. Please remember that the installation of any air-conditioning unit must be performed by a state-licensed mechanical or air-conditioning contractor. Information regarding license requirements is available at www.MyFloridaLicense.com by clicking on “Doing Business with Us” and then clicking on “Construction Industry.” If you have reason to believe that someone is performing unlicensed contracting, we encourage you to contact the department at 1.866.532.1440, or you can download a complaint form by visiting the department’s “For Consumers” page.
For more information about the elimination of the qualified business license, view the Qualified Business License Elimination (HB 425) FAQ on our website.
Renewal of Qualified Business Licenses (Certificates of Authority)
House Bill 425 eliminates the qualified business license effective October 1, 2009, however licensees must still renew their qualified business licenses by August 31, 2009. Elimination of the qualified business license means that the department will no longer be issuing a separate license to your construction companies after the effective date of October 1, 2009. However, construction companies must still retain licensed qualifying agents, and the name of the company will still appear on the qualifying agent’s license. House Bill 425 still provides for a fee to process applications to qualify a business and their renewals. As such, you will still need to renew your qualified business licenses by August 31, 2009.
Important Information on Chinese Drywall Complaints & Remediation
New Continuing Education Requirements for Certified and Registered Contractors
Laws and Rules Continuing Education
House Bill 7163 (2007 Legislative Session) revised the continuing education requirements for certified and registered contractors licensed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. All certified and registered contractors must now complete one hour of laws and rules-related continuing education as part of the 14 hours that is currently required during each licensure cycle.
Wind Mitigation Methodologies Continuing Education
Senate Bill 1864 further revised the continuing education requirements for certain contractors licensed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. Based on this statutory change, the Board filed a notice of proposed rule development which would affect Rule 61G4-18.001, Florida Administrative Code. The proposed rule language is currently set for adoption and will become effective on November 15, 2007.
The new rule requires all general, building, residential, roofing, specialty structure and glass and glazing contractors to complete one hour of continuing education related to wind mitigation methodologies as part of the 14 hours that is currently required. Wind mitigation methodology courses are defined as those topics listed in Section 553.844(2)(b)1.-5., Florida Statutes.
Enforcement of these new one hour requirements will begin with the expiration of certified licenses on August 31, 2008, and the expiration of registered licenses on August 31, 2009. Those licensees not in compliance with all continuing education requirements by the expiration date of their licenses may face non-renewal or disciplinary action.
Continuing Education Providers
Continuing education providers that desire to obtain approval to offer laws and rules-related courses must apply to the department. All new courses, and existing courses, must be evaluated by the Board and approved as laws and rules-related courses before credit will be offered. Applications for wind mitigation methodology continuing education courses will be accepted beginning on November 15, 2007. Application information for course providers is available on the Board’s website.
Quick Links
Need Help?
All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.
Division of Professions
Construction Industry Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791
Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040