Florida contractors’ licenses are separated into two distinct types for regulatory purposes, certified or registered. Each license type has its distinct benefits and drawbacks which should be discussed and weighed with your clients prior to proceeding with the licensure process. Certified Contractors– are permitted to operate in all Florida cities […]
The Department and CILB have several alternative construction licensing processes that are worth discussing. While these provisions still utilize the normal application process, they are alternatives to the normal examination/experience or registration requirements of section 489.111, Florida Statutes. 1. Certification of Registered Contractors License (Grandfathering) Pursuant to Section 489.118, Florida Statutes, […]
As a prerequisite to the initial issuance, or the renewal of an active construction license in Florida the applicant must prove that they have the statutory insurance policies in place. In order to do so, the applicant shall submit a signed affidavit attesting to the fact that the it has […]
Florida is synonymous with condominium living as a way of life. It’s also synonymous with hurricanes. Hurricanes have largely shaped Florida’s construction industry in that the building code is shaped and modeled after the building of structures that can withstand the storms. The building code creates certain high wind zones […]
In the first part of this series I discussed the disciplinary process leading up to the Probable Cause Panel (“Panel”) proceedings. This article will discuss how an Administrative Complaint is properly filed to initiate formal discipline on a licensee, and the decisions that a licensee must make once an Administrative […]
The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) was enacted by Congress in 1990 to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in access to employment, governmental services and programs, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. As stated in the law, the ADA is “an Act to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of […]
All certified contractors must abide by the provisions of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, which govern construction contracting. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“Department”) is tasked with the responsibility of regulating the construction industry and disciplining the licensee for violations of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. Practically everyday, the Department […]
When a party wishes to construct, erect, alter, modify, repair or demolish any building in the state of Florida, obtaining a building permit is the crucial first step. Fla. Stat. § 5531.79(1). However, state agencies have the authority to deny or revoke a building permit if any plans regarding a building are not in conformity with the Florida Building Code.
As I mentioned in a previous post, when a construction project encounters problems, and especially when a suit is filed, a property owner will seek every bit of leverage he or she can get against the contractor handling the project. This may include, for instances, threats by the property owner […]
As many construction professionals are no doubt aware, when a construction project encounters problems, regardless of the reason, tensions and emotions can run high; this is doubly true when the problem results in a lawsuit by the owner of the property against the general contractor. When a dispute has progressed […]