Electrical Contractors – Hot Topics/Important Information

Certification of Registered Contractors

House Bill 869, which passed during the 2023 legislative session, was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 9, 2023. This bill re-opens the opportunity for electrical and alarm contractors to request that their registered license be grandfathered to a statewide certified license. Grandfathering begins July 1, 2023. Please see our FAQs for more information.

DBPR Emergency Order 2022-07 has been issued in response to Hurricane Ian

Due to the significant impact of Hurricane Ian on the citizens of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie S. Griffin, pursuant to the authority granted by Executive Order 2022-218, as amended by Executive Order 2022-219, has executed DBPR Emergency Order 2022-07 stating while the emergency order is in effect, registered electrical and alarm contractors are not subject to geographic scope limitations or requirements when providing services in listed counties, subject to additional requirements outlined in the emergency order. For more information, see the DBPR Emergency Orders 2022-03 and 2022-07 Fact Sheet.

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. The bill reduces the continuing education requirements for Electrical, Alarm and Specialty Contractors effective July 1, 2020.

The new continuing education requirements for renewal can be found in the FAQ’s.

All ECLB Approved Continuing Education Classroom Courses Can Now Be Offered Online

On May 15, 2020 the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) determined all ECLB approved classroom courses may be offered via live, interactive online meeting applications such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, Skype or similar platforms. The courses must be led by the approved instructor with the same content as provided in the course application. This does not require separate application and approval.

If such course is recorded and offered online on demand at a later date it will require a separate application and course number and must meet the requirements for an interactive distance learning course.

Two-Way Radio Enhancement Systems Specialty License:
Applications to take the examination are now available, the first exam will be offered on April 6, 2020.

Certified and Registered Electrical Specialty Contractors

It has come to our attention the licenses did not print with the specific specialty listed on them.  If this is an issue for you please go into your online account and reprint the license.  The large license once reprinted will now show the title of your specialty.

Paperless Licensing, effective 05/04/2018

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is excited to announce an advancement in how we license electrical contractors in the State of Florida.
The Department has implemented an innovative way to expedite the licensing process for electrical contractors. The Department will no longer be mailing licenses upon issuance, as licensees can now print their licenses by logging into their secure online account with the Department. This will allow new licensees to enter the work force at least 7 to 10 business days early, whereas, in the past, they would have to wait for the license to arrive in the mail. In addition to new licenses, this process will allow licensees to renew online and print the license at their convenience, as well as print duplicate licenses as needed without paying a fee.

HB 1021

Effective July 1, 2017

The following addition has been made to chapter 489 Part II, F.S.

489.516 Qualifications to practice; restrictions; prerequisites.

(5) This part does not prevent any certified electrical or alarm system contractor from acting as a prime contractor when the majority of the work to be performed under the contract is within the scope of his or her license or from subcontracting to other licensed contractors any remaining work that is part of the project contracted.