Being a certified roofing contractor lets you grow your business.
Florida has different requirements, depending on what type of contractor you are or want to be. You can also choose from a certified license that allows you to work any place you want in Florida or a registered license that is limited to local jurisdictions. Knowing what the contractor requirements are before taking the initial contractor’s license exam is helpful, whether you choose to be a general contractor, remodeler, builder, construction or roofing contractor.
Certified Roofing Contractor
College courses or experience can be used to apply for a license as a certified roofing contractor. Among the four years experience required to apply for a license, you must include one-year supervisory experience. A roofing contractor must be experienced in working with and repairing different types of roofing such as tile, shingles, concrete, metal and shake roofs. Experience working with single-ply stems and built-up roofing systems such as cold process, modified bitumen, rolls and built-up systems are also necessary, in addition to knowledge of downspouts and gutters.
Remodeling Contractor
Those desiring to become remodeling contractors apply for a residential contractor license in Florida. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old, and four years experience is required in at least four areas of structural residential construction, one of which must be in a supervisory capacity. Experience may include a combination of on-the-job work and college. Areas of experience can include masonry walls, foundations and slabs, structural wood framing that excludes framing of platforms, trusses, formwork for reinforced concrete and column erection.
Continuing education gives a contractor confidence and new ideas.
Building Contractor
Having a minimum age of 18 and four years work experience is mandatory to obtain a building contractor’s license in Florida, with the same allowed combination of experience as other contracting licenses and one year experience as a supervisor. As a building contractor, you are allowed to construct single and multiple dwelling buildings and commercial buildings that do not rise over three stories. Experience can be in commercial construction of buildings and must include at least four areas. Areas of experience can include masonry walls, foundations and slabs that are larger than 20,000 square feet, precast structures of concrete, structural reinforced concrete formwork, structures of precast concrete and column erection. In addition, you must have one year or more of experience in start to finish new construction.
General Contractor
Requirements to get a general contractor’s license in Florida require that you have four years commercial construction experience in working on commercial buildings that are four stories in height or more or an equivalent four years of related work and college. Four areas of experience are required in foundations and slabs larger than 20,000 feet, elevated slabs, masonry walls, structures precast in concrete or erection of steel or erection of columns. You also need a year’s experience in start to finish new construction. One year’s experience as a supervisor is also required.
Other Requirements
Those applying for an individual local contractor’s license must have either a certificate of competency or have passed the state certification examination. You must also have good credit and property damage and liability insurance within 30 days of obtaining your license. The process also requires a background check for which you have to be fingerprinted. Because many jobs in Florida require a license in order to work, getting a contractor’s license can be a good idea and lets you grow your business.
Continuing Contractor Requirements
After completing the contractor requirements and become licensed, you must complete required continuing education requirements yearly. In Florida, a 14-hour course of study is necessary and must include laws and rules, advanced building code, workplace safety, business practices and safety in the workplace. PDH Contractors Academy helps you fulfill these requirements and offers an online study course and exam that you can take in the comfort of your home, which includes Florida Contractor Essentials and 2014 Building Code. When you have successfully completed the exams, we forward the results to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board for your convenience. You can also download a copy for your personal use. To see courses offered or start a course, click the link.