How to Find the Best General Contractor for the Job in Florida

Before starting work on a renovation, extension, or building project in Florida, someone with a valid general contractor’s license will need to oversee the project and hiring the right person will be the

first thing that needs to be done. This is one of the most important steps and shouldn’t be rushed. The individual should have the right credentials, they need to have a valid license, and they should also have the right experience to be able to complete the job successfully. Once the general contractor for the project has been hired, they will then be able to hire the relevant sub-contractors, including plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.

There are two main checks that should be done before hiring a general contractor:

1. Check That the General Contractor’s License is Valid

In Florida, the regulation of general contractors is overseen by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and they have all the licensed contractors listed online on MyFloridaLicense.com. It is possible to search by Licensee Name, Licensee Number, by City or County, or by License Type. Simply navigate to the website, type in the details, and search. For a more general search, the best option is to search by city to receive a list of licensed contractors.

Check the Details of the License

The results will show the type of license, the license number, and the status. Pay particular attention to the status – it should be Current, Active (not Revoked, Null and Void or Suspended). By clicking on any of the results, it is then possible to see the contact details – check those against those that the contractor has provided you with, as well as the license information including the licensure date (when the license was first granted) and the date of when the license expires.

Check That There are No Complaints Against the General Contractor

At the bottom of each listing, there is a link to view any complaints that have been filed against the general contractor. Have a look to check that everything is in order, and there are no outstanding or unresolved issues.

2. Ensure That the Contractor Has a Good Track Record

The best way to ensure that a general contractor with a valid license will be a good fit for your job is, after verifying their credentials, to look at previous work and talk to past employers. People who have worked with the contractor in the past will be able to verify that they:

• Completed the work to specifications and within budget – it is a good sign if the general contractor can complete work as required and that the project isn’t likely to run over budget.
• Conducted themselves professionally and stuck to timelines – having regular feedback and milestone completion can help to keep the project moving along according to schedule.
• Hired sub-contractors who were proficient and licensed – hiring quality subcontractors can make the difference between a project that is a success, and one that doesn’t have a good outcome.
• Have the relevant experience to complete the job - it’s helpful if the general contractor has successfully completed jobs that are similar to the new project as it increases the chances that the new project will go well.

The final check is to ask whether the previous employer would recommend the contractor and why. There may be considerations on the current project that have not yet been envisioned, and a previous employer may bring something to light that will have implications for the new project.

Contractors Reporting Services has been helping contractors with their general licenses in Tampa, Florida for many years and their team has the relevant experience to help you stay up to date with licensing requirements, whether you need help with the application or renewal process

The next info was first published on How to Find the Best General Contractor for the Job in Florida and is republished from Contractors Reporting Services. Find more on:} Contractors Reporting Services Blog

Paperwork that a Florida General Contractor Needs to Have in Order

To perform general contracting work in Florida, you need to hold a contractor’s license. There are two options: to be licensed throughout the whole state or to work only locally in your jurisdiction. Both licenses are processed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. The board operates under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). So, in order to hold a valid general contractor license in Florida, the contractor will need to adhere to the requirements set out by these agencies.

General Contractor License Types in Florida

There are two types of licenses that you can apply for that both fall under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in order to operate as a general contractor.

1. Certified License

A certified general contractors license is valid throughout the state of Florida, permitting the license holder to work anywhere in the state.

2. Registered License

This license is more limited as the contractor is only permitted to work within specified local jurisdictions. To qualify for a registered license, the holder will need to have been issued a certificate of competency by that jurisdiction.

There are also various, more specific contractor licenses that fall under these classifications. In particular, a general contractor may wish to apply for the following additional licenses:

• Building Contractor – this license is for construction work that includes the repair, remodeling, and improvement of commercial and residential buildings that are more than three stories in height.
• Residential Contractor – this license allows for the construction as well as repair, remodeling, and improvement of homes for between one and three families, lower than two stories.

License Requirements for the Contracting Company

Once you have a valid general contractor license, it is important to establish a company. Establishing a contracting company will usually need to be done either as an LLC or an S-Corporation, depending on the specific requirements of the business. Here, a company such as Contractors Reporting Services can assist with advice on what processes need to be followed and how to file papers correctly. All corporations and LLCs (as well as non-profits and partnerships) have to be registered through the Florida Division of Corporations.

As a business operating in Florida, the general contractor will need to register for tax identification numbers as well as licenses and permits. This includes income tax withholding, sales, and use tax as well as unemployment insurance tax. It’s advisable to speak with a qualified person to ensure that all relevant licenses and documents are in order.

Workers Compensation and Exemption

General contractors need to carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance for their employees through either the Florida Worker’s Compensation Insurance System, a commercial carrier or on a self-insured basis. This is to protect employees from lost wages, medical bills, and other possible unexpected expenses that can arise as a result of an injury on the job.

It is also possible to apply for an exemption if you are an officer of a corporation. To apply for the exemption is a straightforward process – the exemption applicant simply needs to complete and submit a Notice of Election to be Exempt application online. This can be done on the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation website.

For a general contractor, the licensing and permit requirements for a construction business can quickly become time-consuming and overwhelming. This is why many general contractors in Florida choose to work with Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, Florida. Contractors trust them to take care of the paperwork and smaller details so that they are freed up to focus on building their business and looking after their clients.

The following post was originally published on Paperwork that a Florida General Contractor Needs to Have in Order and is courtesy of Contractors Reporting Services. Read more on:} http://activatemylicense.com