Electronic Fingerprinting Technology for Florida General Contractors

Contractors Reporting Services, a service that assists general contractors with Florida contractors license requirements, strives to provide the best and most comprehensive services that contractors need to conduct business, including permits, licenses, and employment documentation. Technology is essential to the construction industry, and one technological application is fingerprinting. The demand for fingerprinting is expanding, so Contractors Reporting Services offers clients multiple strategies to obtain the fingerprinting services needed to expedite the business processes necessary to move projects forward.

Fingerprinting Required for General Contracting License

The State of Florida requires the completion of a live scan Level 2 background check before an individual can apply for licensing and obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Fingerprinting is required for this background check.

Live Scan Technology

Live Scan is an inkless, electronic technology for capturing fingerprints in a digitized format and then transmitting the fingerprints to a state database such as the FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) or the FBI. Traditionally, fingerprinting involved applying ink to each finger then rolling the inked fingers across a fingerprint card to obtain the prints. In contrast, the electronic method only needs for fingerprints to be rolled across a glass plate and scanned. Electronic fingerprinting eliminates the need for ink or a card and is faster and cleaner than the traditional method. This modern method reduces the likelihood of illegible fingerprints and reduces the overall application processing time to about ten minutes or less.

Timeframe

Anyone seeking to take the general contractor exam or seeking to obtain any license that requires fingerprinting should secure the services at least five business days prior to when the prints are needed to allow for processing.

Two Forms of Identification Needed

All applicants are required to bring two forms of identification to the electronic fingerprinting site on the day of the scheduled fingerprinting. One of the types of identification must have the applicant’s picture and signature; a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport would fulfill this requirement. Applicants may not be fingerprinted without proper identification. The electronic fingerprinting service provider will further clarify what is needed when scheduling an appointment.

Sectors

Fingerprinting is not just for crime scenes and background checks. The technology is used in a variety of sectors, including:

• Academia and Admissions
• Financial and Related Services
• Health Care
• Information Technology (IT)
• Military
• State Occupational Licensing

Applications

Since fingerprint identification is almost impossible to counterfeit, the technology finds wide application across many sectors. Practical applications to general contracting include:

• General contractors licensing exam
• New employee background checks
• Biometric security for access to certain projects
• Workers and technicians traveling on behalf of the company

Broad applications include:

• Identity Authentication
• Identity Validation
• Biometric Security: Grant or deny access to a secure area
• Criminal Booking
• Sexual Offender Registration
• Civil Applicant
• Background Checks: Character authentication for certain employment sectors or fiduciary responsibilities
• Admission to Testing Centers

Fingerprinting Service Provider Solutions

Two fingerprinting solutions offered on the Resource Page at Contractors Reporting Services are FieldPrint and Pearson Vue.

FieldPrint

FieldPrint combines expertise with innovative technology to deliver electronic fingerprinting and identity management services to private companies, the general public, and the federal, state, local, and tribal government sectors. Founded in 2006, FieldPrint is the leading provider of nationwide electronic fingerprinting and other remote identity management services. With over 1,300 remote livescan sites and over a decade of experience, FieldPrint is a reliable fingerprinting solution with a demonstrated track record of performance and quality customer service. They walk applicants through the entire process to ensure efficiency and best results. Click on the purple appointment tab on the website to schedule an appointment and start the “simple, safe, secure” fingerprinting process.

Pearson Vue

Pearson Vue provides fingerprinting solutions. To schedule a new appointment, visit the website and click the green schedule button. The representative will ask for the information needed to schedule an appointment and start the process.

Conclusion

Contractors Reporting Services is committed to providing the services general contractors need so their focus can be on building and construction rather than permitting, licensing, documentation, and fingerprinting. The company has over fifty years of experience helping Florida contractors of all types navigate the nuances and typical challenges associated with licensing, incorporation, renewals, annual reporting, credit reports, bonds, and more.

Contractors Reporting Services has been helping the construction industry take care of the paperwork and licensing and approval processes for fifty years. Procedures and approval processes within the various government organizations change. Failure to stay current risks delays. Contractors Reporting Services manages permits, tax documents, and employment documents so that the general contractor can focus on building.

For more information about reporting services and general contractor license assistance, visit the Contractors Reporting Services website at activatemylicense.com. Contact the office by phone at (813) 932-5244 or by email at info@activatemylicense.com.

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The post Electronic Fingerprinting Technology for Florida General Contractors appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Electronic Fingerprinting Technology for Florida General Contractors

Contractors Reporting Services, a service that assists general contractors with Florida contractors license requirements, strives to provide the best and most comprehensive services that contractors need to conduct business, including permits, licenses, and employment documentation. Technology is essential to the construction industry, and one technological application is fingerprinting. The demand for fingerprinting is expanding, so Contractors Reporting Services offers clients multiple strategies to obtain the fingerprinting services needed to expedite the business processes necessary to move projects forward.

Fingerprinting Required for General Contracting License

The State of Florida requires the completion of a live scan Level 2 background check before an individual can apply for licensing and obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Fingerprinting is required for this background check.

Live Scan Technology

Live Scan is an inkless, electronic technology for capturing fingerprints in a digitized format and then transmitting the fingerprints to a state database such as the FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) or the FBI. Traditionally, fingerprinting involved applying ink to each finger then rolling the inked fingers across a fingerprint card to obtain the prints. In contrast, the electronic method only needs for fingerprints to be rolled across a glass plate and scanned. Electronic fingerprinting eliminates the need for ink or a card and is faster and cleaner than the traditional method. This modern method reduces the likelihood of illegible fingerprints and reduces the overall application processing time to about ten minutes or less.

Timeframe

Anyone seeking to take the general contractor exam or seeking to obtain any license that requires fingerprinting should secure the services at least five business days prior to when the prints are needed to allow for processing.

Two Forms of Identification Needed

All applicants are required to bring two forms of identification to the electronic fingerprinting site on the day of the scheduled fingerprinting. One of the types of identification must have the applicant’s picture and signature; a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport would fulfill this requirement. Applicants may not be fingerprinted without proper identification. The electronic fingerprinting service provider will further clarify what is needed when scheduling an appointment.

Sectors

Fingerprinting is not just for crime scenes and background checks. The technology is used in a variety of sectors, including:

• Academia and Admissions
• Financial and Related Services
• Health Care
• Information Technology (IT)
• Military
• State Occupational Licensing

Applications

Since fingerprint identification is almost impossible to counterfeit, the technology finds wide application across many sectors. Practical applications to general contracting include:

• General contractors licensing exam
• New employee background checks
• Biometric security for access to certain projects
• Workers and technicians traveling on behalf of the company

Broad applications include:

• Identity Authentication
• Identity Validation
• Biometric Security: Grant or deny access to a secure area
• Criminal Booking
• Sexual Offender Registration
• Civil Applicant
• Background Checks: Character authentication for certain employment sectors or fiduciary responsibilities
• Admission to Testing Centers

Fingerprinting Service Provider Solutions

Two fingerprinting solutions offered on the Resource Page at Contractors Reporting Services are FieldPrint and Pearson Vue.

FieldPrint

FieldPrint combines expertise with innovative technology to deliver electronic fingerprinting and identity management services to private companies, the general public, and the federal, state, local, and tribal government sectors. Founded in 2006, FieldPrint is the leading provider of nationwide electronic fingerprinting and other remote identity management services. With over 1,300 remote livescan sites and over a decade of experience, FieldPrint is a reliable fingerprinting solution with a demonstrated track record of performance and quality customer service. They walk applicants through the entire process to ensure efficiency and best results. Click on the purple appointment tab on the website to schedule an appointment and start the “simple, safe, secure” fingerprinting process.

Pearson Vue

Pearson Vue provides fingerprinting solutions. To schedule a new appointment, visit the website and click the green schedule button. The representative will ask for the information needed to schedule an appointment and start the process.

Conclusion

Contractors Reporting Services is committed to providing the services general contractors need so their focus can be on building and construction rather than permitting, licensing, documentation, and fingerprinting. The company has over fifty years of experience helping Florida contractors of all types navigate the nuances and typical challenges associated with licensing, incorporation, renewals, annual reporting, credit reports, bonds, and more.

Contractors Reporting Services has been helping the construction industry take care of the paperwork and licensing and approval processes for fifty years. Procedures and approval processes within the various government organizations change. Failure to stay current risks delays. Contractors Reporting Services manages permits, tax documents, and employment documents so that the general contractor can focus on building.

For more information about reporting services and general contractor license assistance, visit the Contractors Reporting Services website at activatemylicense.com. Contact the office by phone at (813) 932-5244 or by email at info@activatemylicense.com.

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The post Electronic Fingerprinting Technology for Florida General Contractors appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Tampa Contractors Reporting Service Offers Tips on COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. Only a few days later on March 13, the President of the United States declared the American coronavirus outbreak a national emergency. In the ensuing days and months, life and business in America and around the world changed as nations recalibrated economies, companies, industries, educational institutions, and lifestyles to cope with the invisible threat of COVID-19. Social distancing, self-quarantine, sheltering in place, massive layoffs, and remote work became the new normal.

With most of the United States under lockdown, only essential businesses and activities were permitted. The construction industry, by and large, was deemed essential in most states. Designation as “essential” meant continued operations but with some significant alterations in business practices to ensure worker, vendor, and client safety.

One construction industry analyst described the situation as requiring “sweeping changes” that might be long-term. “In the span of two months, the coronavirus crisis has demanded sweeping changes from the US construction industry, and experts say many of them will remain in place even after the outbreak recedes. As contractors prepare to return to work on sites that have been shut down by shelter-in-place initiatives, they will face an industry that has been drastically changed by both the public health and economic effects of the pandemic.”

Industry analysts recognize eight ways COVID-19 is re-shaping the construction industry for the near future and beyond.

1. Job sites will be cleaner and safer.
2. Through the use of technology, social distancing will be the norm.
3. Projects will take longer to complete.
4. Telework will become more common.
5. Union influence will grow.
6. Demand for project types will change from hospitality, retail, and entertainment to healthcare and healthcare-related manufacturing.
7. Supply chains will recalibrate in an effort to avoid anticipated disruptions.
8. Modular adoption (offsite construction) will increase.

Making the Work Environment Safer

Contractors across the US are implementing practical changes in their daily operations. Tighter safety measures are designed to promote and preserve the health of the client and the crew.

The construction industry is working diligently to maintain the trust and confidence of clients during and after the pandemic. Here are some of the safety measures the industry is implementing in order to provide safe construction services to the client.

1. Implementing CDC guidelines across the board

Construction companies are instructing employees to follow CDC guidelines while on the job. Across the entire industry, service and supply companies are also adopting and following CDC guidelines and safe practices.

2. Practicing on the job social distancing

Employee travel is limited to one person per vehicle. The vehicles are sanitized at least twice daily. Daily team meetings in the mornings or afternoons are being suspended until further notice. Staggered start times limit group contact. Where possible, travel is limited to one person per vehicle.

Virtual project management and job supervision is maintaining and even improving job performance and quality control. Companies are utilizing technologies such as Zoom for video meetings with employees, vendors, subcontractors, and clients.

3. Improving employee hygiene

Crews are using hand-sanitizer, wearing face masks, and are not sharing tools. Where possible, crew sizes are intentionally lean. Symptomatic crew members are sent home or are staying at home under self-quarantine.

4. Adjusting the office and sales staff work environment

On the sales front, where customer contact most often occurs, companies are keeping the experience safe yet still personal. New practices include:

• Social distancing while engaged in onsite consultations with clients
• Face masks and gloves
• Paperless documents for estimates, invoices, site plans, and general correspondence
• Remote work for office staff, engineers, architects, and project managers
• Outsourcing permitting, licensing, notifications, and renewals through companies like Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa. Other services that can be outsourced are on the company website.

Conclusion

The construction industry, including Contractors Reporting Services, is essential and striving for safety. Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa fits in well with the policies and procedures of companies seeking to be efficient and safe. Clients can have every confidence that employees and staff are following CDC guidelines and recommendations. Social distancing, workforce screening, paperless documents, and other measures have been implemented to preserve and promote the safety of clients.

For more information about Florida contractor license requirements, visit the  Contractors Reporting Services website at activatemylicense.com. Contact the office by phone at (813) 932-5244.

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The post Tampa Contractors Reporting Service Offers Tips on COVID-19 appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Tampa Contractors Reporting Service Offers Tips on COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. Only a few days later on March 13, the President of the United States declared the American coronavirus outbreak a national emergency. In the ensuing days and months, life and business in America and around the world changed as nations recalibrated economies, companies, industries, educational institutions, and lifestyles to cope with the invisible threat of COVID-19. Social distancing, self-quarantine, sheltering in place, massive layoffs, and remote work became the new normal.

With most of the United States under lockdown, only essential businesses and activities were permitted. The construction industry, by and large, was deemed essential in most states. Designation as “essential” meant continued operations but with some significant alterations in business practices to ensure worker, vendor, and client safety.

One construction industry analyst described the situation as requiring “sweeping changes” that might be long-term. “In the span of two months, the coronavirus crisis has demanded sweeping changes from the US construction industry, and experts say many of them will remain in place even after the outbreak recedes. As contractors prepare to return to work on sites that have been shut down by shelter-in-place initiatives, they will face an industry that has been drastically changed by both the public health and economic effects of the pandemic.”

Industry analysts recognize eight ways COVID-19 is re-shaping the construction industry for the near future and beyond.

1. Job sites will be cleaner and safer.
2. Through the use of technology, social distancing will be the norm.
3. Projects will take longer to complete.
4. Telework will become more common.
5. Union influence will grow.
6. Demand for project types will change from hospitality, retail, and entertainment to healthcare and healthcare-related manufacturing.
7. Supply chains will recalibrate in an effort to avoid anticipated disruptions.
8. Modular adoption (offsite construction) will increase.

Making the Work Environment Safer

Contractors across the US are implementing practical changes in their daily operations. Tighter safety measures are designed to promote and preserve the health of the client and the crew.

The construction industry is working diligently to maintain the trust and confidence of clients during and after the pandemic. Here are some of the safety measures the industry is implementing in order to provide safe construction services to the client.

1. Implementing CDC guidelines across the board

Construction companies are instructing employees to follow CDC guidelines while on the job. Across the entire industry, service and supply companies are also adopting and following CDC guidelines and safe practices.

2. Practicing on the job social distancing

Employee travel is limited to one person per vehicle. The vehicles are sanitized at least twice daily. Daily team meetings in the mornings or afternoons are being suspended until further notice. Staggered start times limit group contact. Where possible, travel is limited to one person per vehicle.

Virtual project management and job supervision is maintaining and even improving job performance and quality control. Companies are utilizing technologies such as Zoom for video meetings with employees, vendors, subcontractors, and clients.

3. Improving employee hygiene

Crews are using hand-sanitizer, wearing face masks, and are not sharing tools. Where possible, crew sizes are intentionally lean. Symptomatic crew members are sent home or are staying at home under self-quarantine.

4. Adjusting the office and sales staff work environment

On the sales front, where customer contact most often occurs, companies are keeping the experience safe yet still personal. New practices include:

• Social distancing while engaged in onsite consultations with clients
• Face masks and gloves
• Paperless documents for estimates, invoices, site plans, and general correspondence
• Remote work for office staff, engineers, architects, and project managers
• Outsourcing permitting, licensing, notifications, and renewals through companies like Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa. Other services that can be outsourced are on the company website.

Conclusion

The construction industry, including Contractors Reporting Services, is essential and striving for safety. Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa fits in well with the policies and procedures of companies seeking to be efficient and safe. Clients can have every confidence that employees and staff are following CDC guidelines and recommendations. Social distancing, workforce screening, paperless documents, and other measures have been implemented to preserve and promote the safety of clients.

For more information about Florida contractor license requirements, visit the  Contractors Reporting Services website at activatemylicense.com. Contact the office by phone at (813) 932-5244.

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The post Tampa Contractors Reporting Service Offers Tips on COVID-19 appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Contractor Consulting Firm Explains Changes Affecting Florida Contractors

The Florida construction industry must be familiar with the impactful changes which have recently been made to the payment bond claim requirements on private projects under section 713.23, Florida Statutes, effective Oct. 1, 2019. If subcontractors, suppliers, and workers fail to comply, they lose their right to payment from the payment bond surety insurance. Owners and contractors must understand the changes in the sureties in order to determine if their claims are valid. The changes to section 713.23, Florida Statutes, made by House Bill 1247, can be reviewed in detail online in PDF form.

A payment bond is a three-party agreement that includes the property owner (oblige), the general contractor (principal), and surety. The surety guarantees that the contractor will pay subcontractors, workers, and material suppliers for their work on a construction project. A payment bond functions as security for payment instead of the right that subcontractors, workers, and suppliers would typically have to file a construction lien against the project. Instead, the individuals must bring their claims against the payment bond. As a result, claims of lien filed against the property will be transferred to the bond. Subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers must be familiar with and comply with the payment bond claim requirements on bonded projects.

Which Changes Should Payment Bond Claimants Know About?

1. Notice of Nonpayment

Under current law, in order to proceed with a claim against a payment bond, all potential claimants are required to serve a written notice of nonpayment to the contractor and the surety. This notice must be issued no later than 90 days after the claimant’s final provision of labor, services, or materials to the project. Filing late nullifies the right to recover payment.

House Bill 1247 made significant changes to the requirements of what must be included in the notice of nonpayment. The form includes numerous items of the required information, several of which are listed below.

• The name and address of the contractor
• The name and address of the surety
• The nature of the labor or services provided
• The nature of the labor or services to be provided, if known
• The materials furnished
• The materials to be supplied, if known
• The amount paid on the account
• The amount due as well as how much of the amount owed is for retainage, if any
• The amount to become due, if known
• The signature and address of the notice provider

All of the statements made in the notice of nonpayment must now be made under oath. In addition, the following declaration must be included: “I declare that I have read the foregoing Notice of Nonpayment and that the facts stated in it are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.” Should the notice fail to abide by these requirements, the claimant risks losing or impairing his or her rights under the payment bond.

2. Fraudulent Notice of Nonpayment

House Bill 1247 also creates a new concept of a fraudulent notice of nonpayment. Claimants will lose all rights under the payment bond if they serve a fraudulent notice of nonpayment.

A notice of nonpayment will be considered fraudulent in the following cases:

1. The claimant willfully exaggerates the payment amount that is due.
2. The claimant willfully includes a claim for work not performed or materials not furnished.
3. The claimant prepares the notice of nonpayment with willful and gross negligence, resulting in willful exaggeration.

A minor mistake or good faith dispute regarding the amount owed will not defeat an otherwise valid claim against the bond. Payment bond claimants need to be aware of this new risk. They will need to carefully and conservatively prepare and submit their sworn notices of nonpayment to avoid the potential fraudulent notice of nonpayment defenses by contractors or sureties.

3. Time Limit to Serve Notice of Nonpayment for Rental Equipment

Lastly, House Bill 1247 changes the time limitations associated with submitting a notice of nonpayment. A notice of nonpayment must be served on the contractor and the surety no later than 90 days after the claimant’s final furnishing of labor, services, or materials to the project. Rental equipment is included under this time limit with some specific requirements to be met. Failure to file on time can preclude the claimant’s right to recover payment.

Conclusion

The changes listed above are only some of the more significant details of the legislative changes that have been made. Note that these changes apply to construction industry participants on privately bonded projects. Subcontractors, workers, and suppliers need to be aware of and adhere to these changes. The details of each project are different, so consult a professional regarding any issues or inquiries regarding payment bond claims and notice requirements.

For more information about obtaining a general contractor license in Florida, contact Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, Florida at (813) 932-5244.

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The post Contractor Consulting Firm Explains Changes Affecting Florida Contractors appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Contractor Consulting Firm Explains Changes Affecting Florida Contractors

The Florida construction industry must be familiar with the impactful changes which have recently been made to the payment bond claim requirements on private projects under section 713.23, Florida Statutes, effective Oct. 1, 2019. If subcontractors, suppliers, and workers fail to comply, they lose their right to payment from the payment bond surety insurance. Owners and contractors must understand the changes in the sureties in order to determine if their claims are valid. The changes to section 713.23, Florida Statutes, made by House Bill 1247, can be reviewed in detail online in PDF form.

A payment bond is a three-party agreement that includes the property owner (oblige), the general contractor (principal), and surety. The surety guarantees that the contractor will pay subcontractors, workers, and material suppliers for their work on a construction project. A payment bond functions as security for payment instead of the right that subcontractors, workers, and suppliers would typically have to file a construction lien against the project. Instead, the individuals must bring their claims against the payment bond. As a result, claims of lien filed against the property will be transferred to the bond. Subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers must be familiar with and comply with the payment bond claim requirements on bonded projects.

Which Changes Should Payment Bond Claimants Know About?

1. Notice of Nonpayment

Under current law, in order to proceed with a claim against a payment bond, all potential claimants are required to serve a written notice of nonpayment to the contractor and the surety. This notice must be issued no later than 90 days after the claimant’s final provision of labor, services, or materials to the project. Filing late nullifies the right to recover payment.

House Bill 1247 made significant changes to the requirements of what must be included in the notice of nonpayment. The form includes numerous items of the required information, several of which are listed below.

• The name and address of the contractor
• The name and address of the surety
• The nature of the labor or services provided
• The nature of the labor or services to be provided, if known
• The materials furnished
• The materials to be supplied, if known
• The amount paid on the account
• The amount due as well as how much of the amount owed is for retainage, if any
• The amount to become due, if known
• The signature and address of the notice provider

All of the statements made in the notice of nonpayment must now be made under oath. In addition, the following declaration must be included: “I declare that I have read the foregoing Notice of Nonpayment and that the facts stated in it are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.” Should the notice fail to abide by these requirements, the claimant risks losing or impairing his or her rights under the payment bond.

2. Fraudulent Notice of Nonpayment

House Bill 1247 also creates a new concept of a fraudulent notice of nonpayment. Claimants will lose all rights under the payment bond if they serve a fraudulent notice of nonpayment.

A notice of nonpayment will be considered fraudulent in the following cases:

1. The claimant willfully exaggerates the payment amount that is due.
2. The claimant willfully includes a claim for work not performed or materials not furnished.
3. The claimant prepares the notice of nonpayment with willful and gross negligence, resulting in willful exaggeration.

A minor mistake or good faith dispute regarding the amount owed will not defeat an otherwise valid claim against the bond. Payment bond claimants need to be aware of this new risk. They will need to carefully and conservatively prepare and submit their sworn notices of nonpayment to avoid the potential fraudulent notice of nonpayment defenses by contractors or sureties.

3. Time Limit to Serve Notice of Nonpayment for Rental Equipment

Lastly, House Bill 1247 changes the time limitations associated with submitting a notice of nonpayment. A notice of nonpayment must be served on the contractor and the surety no later than 90 days after the claimant’s final furnishing of labor, services, or materials to the project. Rental equipment is included under this time limit with some specific requirements to be met. Failure to file on time can preclude the claimant’s right to recover payment.

Conclusion

The changes listed above are only some of the more significant details of the legislative changes that have been made. Note that these changes apply to construction industry participants on privately bonded projects. Subcontractors, workers, and suppliers need to be aware of and adhere to these changes. The details of each project are different, so consult a professional regarding any issues or inquiries regarding payment bond claims and notice requirements.

For more information about obtaining a general contractor license in Florida, contact Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, Florida at (813) 932-5244.

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The post Contractor Consulting Firm Explains Changes Affecting Florida Contractors appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.