Blogs & Resources

Each year the Florida Legislature proposes and votes on bills for amending the Florida Statutes.  Bills that pass both the Florida House and Senate go before the Governor who decides which bills become law.  In the 2018 legislative session, approximately 150 fewer bills were proposed, and 40 fewer bills ultimately […]

The construction industry is booming again in Florida. As a result, many people are seeking to take advantage of this by becoming licensed contractors.  Chapter 489, Florida Statutes and 61G4-12 through 23, Florida Administrative Code sets forth the requirements for an applicant to achieve initial licensure. In Florida, an individual […]

If you are a secondary qualifying agent for a company, there is potential for being financially responsible for the company you qualify. This stems from how the law shifts liability after a primary qualifying agent terminates their business relationship. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to the status […]

The Florida Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare to regulate the construction industry in Florida.  As a result, the Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.  Florida Construction Licensing is further broken down by restrictions on the scope of work a respective […]

Many Florida contractors and license holders have a general understanding of the requirements of Chapter 489, however there are some requirements that seem to be neglected.  All too often, a contractor will “lose” or “destroy” project records prematurely.  This can actually make it more difficult to defend against a claim […]

Part III of this series will discuss being disciplined by a local municipality and how this can affect a certified contractor’s license.  It is common knowledge within the construction industry that local building departments require certified contractors to obtain an occupational license.  The governing authority regarding this issue is § […]

Part II of this series will discuss civil judgments and how they can affect a certified contractor’s license.  The governing authority the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”) cites to when prosecuting civil judgment violations is section 489.129(1)(q), Florida Statutes.  This section allows for disciplinary action to be taken […]

This series will discuss the five most common violations prosecuted by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”) pertaining to certified contractors.  Part I of this series will discuss permitting violations and the steps to take in order to avoid the DBPR pursuing disciplinary action against a contractor’s license. […]

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, […]