Single family home construction is on the rise in Florida.
Florida is in a construction boom. Contractors and those who are interested in becoming contractors may be pleased to see the increase in projects from home remodeling to residential and commercial buildings in the Florida construction industry. As one of the top states for employment in this field, according to Associated General Contractors of America, this may be a great time for those interested in becoming contractors in Florida to make a move, and for those already in the business to take advantage of this upswing.
The Number of Jobs Added
The AGCA reported that construction jobs in Florida grew by 6.2 percent, for a total of 25,800 additional jobs. The increase in jobs has been particularly evident in South Florida, The only state that saw a higher increase in construction jobs was California, which was at 7.6 percent. The upswing in contractor jobs makes it easier for a contractor to pick and choose what projects to take on and also makes it a good time for anyone considering becoming a contractor to make that jump into a new business.
Forecasts for the Construction Industry in Florida
According to Dodge Data and Analytics http://construction.com/about-us/, a trends forecaster for the construction industry, starts in Florida commercial construction are expected to rise by a minimum of 10 percent until at least 2018. Starts in multifamily housing are expected to rise by 7 percent in 2016, while single-family housing is expected to jump 17 percent.
Remodeling contractors must take courses to renew a license.
Florida Continuing Education Requirements
Florida contractors must complete 14 hours of continuing education in order to renew a license. Completion of one-hour courses are required in Advanced Building Code, workplace safety, workers’ compensation, business practices and laws and rules as a part of that requirement. Because contractors live busy lives, being able to take these contractor classes when and where it is convenient is a bonus. However, you must ensure that the study courses you take are approved by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, or they will not be accepted.
Completing Your Continuing Education Courses
You have a choice of completing your renewal requirements through either classroom attendance or approved correspondence or online courses. Which one you choose can depend on how busy you are and what would be the most convenient for you.
PDH Contractors Academy offers your choice of correspondence or online courses that are approved by the Florida licensing board, so you can study whenever you want and complete your requirements. We offer both the two-hour 2014 course on Advanced Building Code and 12-hour Florida Contractor Essentials. If you decide to take the courses bundled together, which offers substantial savings, you also receive our one-hour Wind Mitigation Methodologies course free.
Advantages of Correspondence or Online Courses
PDH offers approved courses in multiple states, including Florida, and we provide a hassle-free way to complete your contractor classes for renewal. We also have support service if you need assistance or have questions. Those choosing online courses can access the materials using either computer, laptop, tablet, iPod, iPad or Android devices. Our correspondence courses arrive in the form of a booklet. Once you have successfully completed a course, we send notice of your successful completion to the Florida CILB and provide you with a certificate of your own to keep in your records. Contact us to learn more or to browse courses by state.