Florida is a state that issues contractor licenses based mostly on the task being performed, instead of the specialty of the contractor. The process starts with the contractor being registered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) to work in the company’s local area. If the company wants to work outside their local town, they must go through the process of being licensed and certified.
Florida contractors need to be registered and licensed to work throughout the state.
Swimming Pool Work
It would stand to reason, given its climate, that Florida has one of the highest percentages of swimming pools in the country. The CILB has decided to create a series of specialty licenses that are designed to keep the very busy swimming pool industry heavily regulated. Some of the specialty licenses include:
- Pool layout and design
- Excavation
- Trim installation
- Decking
- Piping
- Pool finishing
No License Needed
No matter where you go in the state of Florida, there is a list of construction tasks that do not require a license of any kind at the state level. However, any contractor should check with the local county and city governments to see if permits are required to do the work. The tasks that do not need state licenses are:
- Cabinet work
- Countertops (of any kind)
- Flooring (of any kind)
- Painting (Interior and exterior)
- Wallpapering
- Window treatments (this does not include window installation, which does require a state license)
Contractors wanting to do this kind of work still need to be registered in their local areas, but they do not need statewide certification.
In good times and in bad, the people of Florida rely on their licensed construction contractors.
Always Check Before Working
The state of Florida has specific lists of tasks that require statewide licenses, but the list can be a little confusing. For example, a license is required to build a carport at the end of a driveway, but there is no license required to build the driveway itself. You need a statewide license to build a barn, but you do not need one to install a prefabricated tool shed that is less than 250 square feet in area. There is no license required to put in flooring, but you need a license to install drywall in any structure.
Before a contractor starts work on any project that involves building or altering a structure, he or she should check to make sure of the appropriate licensing requirements. A task that does not require a permit or license in one county could require a license in the next county over. It can get confusing, but that is why Florida contractors always need to be on their toes and in touch with the rules.
If you are a contractor looking to start working in Florida, start a course with PDH Contractors to make sure that you can pass the licensing tests you may need to take. In Florida, you can earn either a general contractor’s license, or you will need to get a specialty license in sheet metal, roofing, HVAC, swimming pools, solar power, plumbing, underground utilities, glass installation and glazing, and pollutant storage. PDH Contractors can also give you the up-to-date information you need to keep your construction business competitive.