Month: June 2017

Reasons to Become a Florida Contractor

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The world of contracting is vast. There are many specialties within this industry for an individual to choose a specialty in. Whether you enjoy working on buildings, AC units, swimming pools, or water tanks, contracting is a great way for you to work with your hands and solve problems on a daily basis.

As a Florida contractor licensing company, our job is to help people get their Florida contractor’s license. However, we also take pride in sharing important information and news with the contracting community. Rules are changing all the time and technologies improve so we want to be able to let you know what the 411 is, so you can be on top of what’s going on in your field today.

For this article, we’re directing it to the individuals who are considering a career as a contractor. Below, we’ve listed a number of different reasons to consider a career in this industry.

  • There is always a need for contractors. The numbers for each specialty continue to grow each year. With a growing population and reconstruction, along with old buildings aging, there is always a high demand for the work contractors do. Even when the economy is bad, the jobs of contractors are always needed in some way.
  • You get to work with a lot of different people and develop communications skills, while learning hands-on specialized skills from them.
  • A contractor’s license gives you credibility and people will trust the work you do.
  • With a contractor’s license, you’ll be able to land high-paying jobs at bigger companies.
  • You get to work on a variety different projects, and the chance of getting bored is rare.
  • You don’t necessarily need a college degree to work. But, you do need experience and training.
  • In many specialties, salaries are in a good range. For example, an electrical contractor can earn up to $85-90K per year.
  • With the proper experience, you can move up in this industry and eventually even own and run your own contracting company.

Thinking about getting your Florida contractor’s license? Let us help you. We do all the hard work for you. We have helped thousands get licensed to begin their careers. Click here or call 239-777-1028 to get started on the contractor license process today.

Obtaining a Contractor License in Florida

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When it comes to contracting jobs, in any state, there are unique laws and licensing requirements that one must adhere to in order to operate lawfully within the state. The rules between each state vary, and there can even be variances between different counties within the same state. Anyone who plans to work or operate a contracting service needs to be well versed with the licensing laws in his or her state.

 

In the state of Florida, there are strict licensing laws that require almost all contractors to be licensed by the state in order to operate lawfully. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation handles this type of licensing, more specifically, the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

 

The Construction Industry Licensing Board is tasked with a variety of different jobs, including the conducting of informal hearings, reviewing disciplinary action, and, of course, considering and granting contractor licenses.

 

This is also the place where you would lodge a complaint to the state against a particular person, business, or contractor. Through this department, you can also easily verify contractor licenses to ensure that anyone you hire is properly licensed.

 

The department also handles unlicensed activity. This is actually a pretty serious offense and if a complaint is verified with evidence, the offender’s information will be forwarded to the state attorney general’s office, who may or may not decide to file charges against the person or company in question.

 

Since the laws are so varied and the penalties for working without appropriate licensing are so steep, it is recommended that you really double check before proceeding with any contracting work without a license. While all may seem above board, it is a big hassle and can be a bit financial burden if the work you are doing was supposed to be licensed work. The fines and penalties for even unwittingly doing unlicensed work can be pretty steep.

 

If you are a company that hires contractors, it is up to you to ensure that everyone who works for you has the appropriate licensing they need to operate lawfully on a given project or work site. Oftentimes, both the unlicensed worker and the company that employed said individual can be held liable for damages in the event of an accident or other issue. The same department that handles issuing and renewing licenses also makes it easy to quickly verify a license so that everyone can ensure that the appropriate requirements have been met.

 

 

Looking to get your Florida contractor’s license? We can help. We are a contracting licensing company in Florida who has helped thousands get licensed. Click here or call 239-777-1028 to get started today.

How to Start Your Own Business As A Contractor

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You’ve gotten the experience. You’ve passed the test.  You have fulfilled all the requirements. You applied for a contractor’s license… and you got it! Congrats! But, now what? If you’re a true go-getter and want to start your own business, that is a great idea. But remember, there will be a lot to know, do and get established. You want to make sure your business idea and plan are well-thought out before taking on clients. Starting your own business can be tricky and we wanted to share some tips that can help you get started. Keep these things in mind so you make educated decisions with every move you make.

  • Make yourself aware of legal and tax implications for a business of your type. Learn the difference between a Limited Liability Company, Corporation, Partnership, etc… and decide what you want to be. All your legal and tax decisions will reflect on what type of business you are.
  • Be aware of Florida’s rules and guidelines when it comes to running a contracting business in the state. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is a great resource for you. You need to learn how to register your business and what permits and insurances are needed.
  • Think about resources and overhead you’ll need to run your business. You need tools and software to complete projects, do tax and insurance documents, to pay people, to charge people, to do your accounting, to register. Start making a list of all the things you will need to get the business going and what it is all going to cost you.

Do you research. Do the work. It will pay off. But, we can help you! We may not be able to give you legal advice, but we can tell you everything you need to start a business. In fact, we can help you out quite a bit. We can help you form your business in 2 to 3 days and keep the price low for you. We do the paperwork for you.

 

We are a Florida contracting licensing company and have help many people get their Florida business license. Click here to learn more or call us at 239-777-1028 to get started.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors proposes a new rule

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The Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors proposes a new rule for Chapter 553-3 qualifications for licensure. The new rule will implement a process so that military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for licensure with the State Licensing Board.

A public hearing will be held on June 21, 2017 at 9 a.m. at the Office of the Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia. This hearing will be an opportunity for the public to comment and provide input into the proposed rule. The proposed new rule will be considered for adoption by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors at this meeting on June 21.

In this new rule, military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for an expedited processing of the license application by showing that he or she is a military spouse or transitioning service member, and that he or she (the applicant) has paid the fee and meets the requirements for licenses under the law and rules for the type of license for which the applicant has applied and in accordance with Title 43, Chapter 41.

If this new proposed rule passes, it will become effective July 1, 2017.

If you have any questions regarding this new ruling, you can visit the Georgia Board of Residential & General Contractors’ website here, or feel free to contact us! At Licenses, Etc. we have helped thousands of people get their contractor’s license. To contact us, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

Change In Mechanical and Air Conditioning Contractor Licensing Exams

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Starting in August, the Mechanical and Air Conditioning “Class A” contractor exams with no longer be given in pencil and paper format; there will be a switch to a computer test. This is great news! People can now take the tests whenever they want, as long as they schedule it. Before, people had to go to certain locations and the exams ran only once every 2 months.

However, construction license exams in pencil and paper format still exist, but they have been cut back to one day exams.  The exam schedule is as follows:

  • Wednesday, August 16, 2017 – Deadline, July 16, 2017
  • Wednesday, October 18, 2017 – Deadline, September 17, 2017
  • Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – Deadline, November 12, 2017

 

If you have questions about any of the exams, our team is here to help. Every type of contractor license requires a different type of testing. If you are unsure about what exams or other requirements that are needed for the type of license you’re trying to acquire, visit our Contractor Licenses page or gives us a call at 239-777-1028.

 

For example, a mechanical contractor has the following requirements and experience needed for a person to obtain a license.

 

  • A person needs to have at least 4 years of experience working for a licensed contractor, or
  • A person needs a combo of college credits or military experience,
  • 12 months of this experience, at least, have to be has a foreman

 

During this experience, a person must do sheet metal ductwork, piping for lift stations, install systems more than 25 tons for cooling and 500,000 BTU for heating, install ACs, install heating equipment, install refrigeration equipment, install boilers, install condensate piping, install digital control wiring and direct it, and more!

 

Like stated above, these requirements are different for each specialty of contracting, but all contractors must pass the exams. Let us help you get your license! Click here to contact us.

 

Does Your Contracting Service Require Florida Licensing?

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When it comes to providing a range of different contractual services in Florida, you may or may not need licensing and even certain permits in order to proceed with the project and be good with the laws of the state. Failing to obtain the proper permits or licenses can result in hefty fines, penalties, and even worse if you are a repeat offender. This is why it is really important to know whether or not you need licensing for a project you have been contracted to undertake.

The basic rule of thumb is that, for most construction related services, your company and perhaps everyone who works in said company, will need to be licensed by the state in order to operate lawfully. This licensing is not required for, say, a group of friends getting together to help a buddy with a weekend project. These licensing requirements are intended for people who receive financial compensation for their work.

Pretty much any sort of major undertaking, particularly if it can affect the structural integrity of the building you are working on, is going to require each person on the project have the appropriate state licensing. However, even if you are getting compensation, there are some projects that do not require state licensing.

Things that are superficial or aesthetic, such installing non-fixed awnings, cleaning of pools and spas, installation or maintenance of irrigation systems, can all be performed for compensation without a license. Driveways and sidewalks, water filtration systems, and even replacement of drywall (so long as it does not effect a load bearing wall) can also be undertaken without a license.

Regardless of what type of project you plan on undertaking, it is recommended to check to ensure that you have the right licensing and permits for any project you are going to be compensated for. Almost all major projects, including anything electrical, structural, or dealing with lead bearing walls or frames, is going to require all who are on the contracted team to be licensed by the state.

 

However, there are smaller, more superficial projects that are routine parts of most contracting jobs that can be performed by an unlicensed worker without any issue. You can find a comprehensive list of what actions require licensing and which do not on the Florida state website, but it is still advised to double check, especially if the project you have been tasked with isn’t on the list.

 

If you’re looking to get a Florida contractor’s license, we can help. We are a Florida contracting licensing company. For more information, click here or call 239-777-1028.

Calling all future contractors!

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Calling all future contractors! The construction world needs you right now.  Right now, there is a high demand in the United States for construction jobs; however, there is a lack of workers. According to the National Association of Home Builders, there are about 200,000 construction jobs that need to be filled across America. The average age of a construction worker continues to rise, and fewer younger people are coming into the industry. Once the Baby Boomer generation retires, then there will be a true shortage in the number of construction workers out there.

Construction is a fast-growing industry right now, increasing 2.8 percent each year. There will be close to 800,000 jobs added in this industry in the next 7 years.

Being a contractor can be a rewarding job, but it can also be a stressful and demanding one, which may be a reason why some people have decided not to pursue a career in this industry. Most, if not all, construction jobs are physically demanding, which means a person needs to be a certain level of physically fit to complete tasks. Many construction workers are also out of work due to sickness of injuries resulting from a job. Construction sites can be dangerous, but also extremely physical, like stated before; people can end up with broken bones, strains, heart issues, hurt backs, pulled muscles, etc.

If you take care of yourself and practice safety measures at any jobsite, your chance of getting hurt of sick will be less. It is good to be physically active with the body, but sometimes it can become too demanding. Checkups with a doctor, chiropractor, massage therapist are great ways to keep the body healthy and limber.

The world will always need contractors. Construction will always occur whether it’s on a new building or an old bridge.

If you’re interested in becoming a contractor, we can help you make that happen. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We will gather all necessary information from you and do all the hard work for you. We will have you licensed fast with little-to-no hassle! To learn more, click our Florida Contractor’s License page or click here or call 239-777-1028 to contact us.