Contractors working in Florida need a general contractor license with the state to operate a business. Florida limits what construction services people can provide without a contractor’s license. Florida offers specific reinstatement guidelines to restore a license for those who had a general contractor’s license go null and void.
Applying for or reinstating a contractor’s license in Florida can be a complicated process. If you need a Florida contractor’s license, Contractors Reporting Services can help you navigate Florida contractor’s license requirements and quickly get you back to business.
Who Needs a General Contractor’s License in Florida?
If you’re a handyman whose business is limited to small repair jobs, you don’t need a FL contractor license. There has been a change to the previous handyman exemption to state licensing requirements. The provision in 489.103, Florida Statutes, formerly exempted projects totaling less than $1,000. The exemption amount will be raised to $2,500. The remaining stipulations, including that the work be of a casual, minor and inconsequential nature, remain in place. That phrase is defined in Rule 61G4-12.011, Florida Administrative Code, and essentially means, when no permit is required.
Florida allows unlicensed handyman to do repair jobs like:
- Minor carpentry
- Carpet and flooring installation
- Painting
- Paneling
- Small appliance repair
- Wallpapering
- Yardwork
Florida requires anyone who does remodeling or structural work to be licensed and certified by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. Florida offers several types of contractor’s licenses. For example, Florida contractor license requirements are different for general contractors than for swimming pool technicians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers.
Because the FL contractor’s license process is so complex, it helps to partner with a company like Contractors Reporting Services to ensure that you successfully meet the Florida general contractor license requirements.
How to Become a Contractor
If you’ve never held a general contractor’s license in Florida, the state requires you to complete a four-year training program or prove that you’ve had at least four years of work experience. The state also requires that you must:
- Be 18 years or older and have a valid Social Security number
- Submit credit reports to show financial stability
- Show proof of insurance with at least $300,000 in coverage for liabilities
- Pass the Florida Exam for Contractors, which tests knowledge of safety, construction, and finances
After meeting the requirements, you can apply for your general contractor license in Florida.
How to Get a Florida Contractor’s License Reinstated
You need to renew your general contractor license in Florida every two years. If you fail to renew your contractor’s license in Florida for two consecutive cycles, it will be null and void. In most cases, to reinstate it, the state requires that you go through the licensure process and retake the Florida Exam for Contractors.
If you can prove that you weren’t able to renew your contractor’s license due to illness or financial hardship, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation has the authority to reinstate the license. If it reinstates your license, you can keep your former license number. If it doesn’t, you’ll get a new license number after you reapply.
Skip the Red Tape with Contractors Reporting Services
Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa has helped hundreds of satisfied customers resolve Florida contractor’s license issues. Established in 1965, Contractors Reporting Services, located at 13795 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33613, are experts in navigating Florida general contractor license requirements.
If you need assistance applying for your first general contractor license in Florida or need help reinstating a null and void contractor’s license, contact Contractors Reporting Services at 1-800-487-2084 or online.
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