Tag: contractor

June is National Safety Month

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And in the world of contracting, safety is of the upmost importance. The National Safety Council dedicates an entire month to safety awareness because it reminds people of the importance of safety and how we can all keep ourselves, our friends, our workers, and loved ones safe. The goal of the month is to reduce leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and even at home.

We wanted to share some contractor safety tips with you in honor of this important month.

  1. Access the safety of your workplace. Look around at all potential hazards and risks. Remove them if at all possible. If they cannot be removed, make all employees aware of such hazrds, so they will know to avoid them.
  2. Make sure all your workers hae the proper licenses and qualifications so you know they will be tackling jobs you give them in a safe and correct manner.
  3. Offer safety training. You can offer classes or online courses where your employees can learn safety about emergency procedures and hazards.
  4. Always communicate with employees about what you’re working on and what you’ll be doing. Have all your workers learn to communicate with each other, as well. That way no one will accidently walk through a zone that may be unsafe. Everyone will know what is going on at all times to avoid any dangerous area.
  5. Check all equipment. From ladders and drills to machinery and hard hats, make sure everything is in working order and is not falling apart. You do not want your equipment failing you, because you failed to inspect and maintain your own items properly.
  6. Post warning signs in appropriate areas in work sites.

In 2012, 500 workers were killed on the job in the construction industry. With more safety knowledge and precautions in place, we can help reduce this number each year.

If you’re looking to get your Florida contractor’s license or business license, we can help you. We can even steer you in the right direction for contractor safety information for the state of Florida. We are a Florida contracting company and we’ve helped thousands of people get their Florida contractor licenses and business licenses. To learn more and contact us, click here or call 239-777-1028 .

 

How to Renew a Contractor License

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Do you currently have a Florida contractor’s license? Is it up for renewal? If you’re unsure of how to renew your contractor’s license, we can help you through the process. We will take you through the steps needed to renew your license correctly.

 

When renewing your contractor’s license, there is two parts. First, you have to pay a renewal fee; then, you have to complete continuing education (CEU) courses.

 

If you are a registered contractor in the state of Florida, you are likely registered online with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Click here to access the DBPR’s website. Log into your account. If you do not have an account set up yet, click here for a tutorial on how to create your account and how to link your contractor license to the account.  In this site, you can upload necessary documents and paperwork, check your application status, renew your license, make payments, update contact information view classes information, and more.

 

Once you’re logged into the site, these are the steps for contractor license renewal:

  1. Click on the contractor license you want to renew. The list to choose from is on the right.
  2. Select “Renew”
  3. A disclaimer screen will pop up explaining CEU information. After you read it, click “Next.”
  4. A screen with your name, birthday and SSN will pop up. Click “Next.”
  5. A screen with your main address will pop up. If you need to change your address, click the “Main Address” button. If you’d like to add an additional address or add a new phone number, click “Add.”
  6. Click “Next” when done with address information.
  7. A summary page will pop up to conform any change mads. It will provide the information about to be saved into the system. Read this page. If the information is correct, click “Next.” If there is an error, click “Previous” to make changes.
  8. Complete the Attest Statement by selecting “Yes,” followed by “Submit.”
  9. A payment screen will pop up showing the renewal price. Click “Pay Now” to complete the transaction or click “Submit Additional Applications” if you have more than one license that needs renewal. You can pay either by credit card or electronic check.
  10. After you enter in your payment information, your card will be processed, and a confirmation number will be provided for you.

 

License Renewal Parts

 

Paying Renewal Fees – Check the DBPR site for the current 2017 renewal fees for certified and registered contractors. There is also info about unlicensed activity fees.

 

CEU Requirement –  In, Florida, contractors must complete 14 hours of board-approved CEU hours for each two-year renewal cycle. Courses can be taken online or in a classroom This includes:  workplace safety, worker’s compensation, business practices, Florida laws, false alarms, and Florida Building Code. The remaining seven hours go to courses reflecting your specific trade in the contractor work whether it’s plumbing or electrical or any other specialty you’re in.

 

Need Help with Your Florida Contractor License Renewal?

If you need help with the contractor license renewal process or need help finding CEU courses, we can help you. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To start the process today, contact us at 239-777-1028 or click here to learn more.

 

Florida Residential Contracting Licensing

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In most states, you must obtain certain types of licensing to legally operate within the state as a contractor of any kind. In Florida, residential contractors of all types are required to sit for two different exams to qualify for the license that allows you to operate in the state.

 

Whether you yourself are a contractor, or you own a contracting business, licensing is required from everyone within the organization. In Florida, contractor’s licenses must be renewed every two years in order to maintain compliance.

 

There are two tests required of general contractors, specialty contractors may be required to take a different set of tests specific to their field. These tests relate to finance and basic business practices.

To even qualify to take the test, you must be able to show proof of at least four years of experience within your field. You will also be required to subject an asset disclosure and will have to have a certain net worth to qualify for certain types of contractor classification.

It is also required that you have proof of general liability insurance that has certain minimums for bodily injury and property damage.

Once you have met all these requirements, you are eligible for the tests required to receive licensing. If you pass both tests and receive your contracting license, you will need to renew the license every two years. One of the requirements for renewal is that you take at least 14 hours of continuing education courses during that two-year period. You can contact the state directly to get a detailed list of what all counts as continuing education for the purposes of license renewal.

 

The process is straightforward and simple. There are a wide range of different study materials that you can obtain to help prepare you for the two tests you must take in order to pass the licensing test. Knowing everything you will need to have in order ahead of time makes the process of getting a license a lot easier than it might otherwise be. It allows you to be better prepared and likely more confident in your ability to pass the required tests.

 

To legally operate as a residential contractor in Florida, you must obtain the appropriate licensing from the state. To become a licensed residential contractor, you will need to provide proof of net worth, liability insurance, experience, and you will also need to take two pertinent tests. If you pass, you will then receive licensing for two years. To renew your license every two years, you must participate in a small amount of continued education in order to qualify for renewal.

 

Looking to get your Florida residential contractor’s license? We can help you through the process; we can make it pain-free and simple. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To get started with us, click here or call 239-777-1028.

How Do I Become An Electrical Contractor?

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Have you thought about a career as an electrical contractor? As an electrical contractor, your specialty is in electrical systems. You will design, install and maintain these systems. But remember, an electrical contractor is not an electrician. An electrical contractor is able to employ his or her own electricians; however, both an electrical contractor and electrician need a specific license to operate their businesses legally and safely.

We are a contractor licensing company who helps people get their Florida contractor’s license.  When applying for a Florida electrical contractor’s license, you will have to deal with a lot of paperwork and items that need to be gathered. Sadly, there are a lot of ways the application process can go wrong. You can miss some paperwork; you could forget to fill out a certain section; you could miss a deadline. When you work with us, we are able to do all of this for you, and we’ve been doing this for years with a very high success rate. We can get you licensed fast in the state of Florida.

For the Florida electrical contractor’s license, here is a list of some items and experience you will need in order to be approved. All of this must occur in the years immediately preceding the filing of the application.

  • Three years of management experience in the electrical trader within the last six years
  • Four years of experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor in the trade within the last eight years.
  • Six years of comprehensive training, technical education or supervisory experience associated with an electrical or alarm contracting business.
  • W-2s, K1s or Schedule Cs for all of the years of experience.
  • Notarized Employment verifications
  • Possible job list of five jobs per year of experience.
  • Personal financial statement showing positive net worth.
  • Business financial statement showing net worth of $10,000 for unlimited.
  • Business and personal credit report.

 

For a more thorough and detailed list, visit the site of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

 

If you’d like help getting a Florida electrical contractor’s license, let us help you. We will make it easy and fast for you. We have helped thousands get their license. Click here or call 239-777-1028.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Contractor Warranty Information

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We are a Florida Contractor Licensing company, and although our main focus is helping people get their Florida contractor’s license, we also share information with our clients and the contracting company. The information we share is crucial for people to know to succeed in a career in contracting. For this post, we wanted to share information on warrant claim.

Florida’s Condonminimu Act says that contractors and suppliers must provide a warrant of fitness and merchantability as work and materials provided for condominium developments. The law/act requires the right words be used to describe a claim in order for the claim to be enforced.

Here is an example: An association’s boat storage building had work done on a roof that failed. The association called the roofer, who came out to repair the roof, but he realized the problem wasn’t with the work he did, but the actual materials. At this point, the association made a call to the manufacturer of the materials, but the company would not take responsibility for the leaks that were occurring in the roof. The association decided to file a suit against the manufacturer based on the product’s warranty. The association said they were entitled for the roof to be repaired based on the guaranty given to the roofer by the manufacturer. This did not hold up in court. The court needed to say that the manufacture “furnished, sold and/or delivered materials to the project.” If they used the correct wording, the association would have been able to go after the manufacturer.

As you can see from this example, wording is important.

If you have any questions about this topic, we can help. We help our contractor clients with all sorts of questions in the industry.  If you’re looking to get a Florida contractor’s license, we offer a fast and easy contractor license application process. Contact us about getting your Florida contractor’s license today.

 

 

How to Obtain a Registered Contractor License in Florida

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Whether you have been a Florida resident for years, or you just recently moved to the state and are looking to start a trade business or transfer your current certification to Florida, obtaining a Florida contractor license can be daunting when you aren’t sure of the proper steps to take towards receiving licensure.

 

Florida, unlike some other states, has a set of guidelines for both Certified Contractors and Registered Contractors. The guidelines and requirements for a certified contractor and a registered contractor are a little bit different from each other.

 

When it comes to becoming a Florida Registered Contractor, as previously stated, there are a few requirements that the state has before you are handed a license. Registered Contractors are required to meet local requirements for different counties and municipalities, along with obtaining a Local Competency Card and Occupational License. The competency card must be registered with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

 

Most importantly, a Registered Contractor may only work in the county to which they have received their competency card. Certified Contractors can take work anywhere in the state.

 

  1. To be considered for a Registered Contractor license, you must have: Workers’ Compensation (or exempt forms), Liability, and Property Damage Insurance.
  2. You must also provide a credit report, proof of satisfaction of liens and any judgments, along with the ability to prove your financial stability, and proper net worth requirements set under Rule 61G4-15.005, FAC.

 

Obtaining a Registered Contractor License is a little easier than going through the Certified contractor process, as it has a few less requirements. Although, both types of licenses require many of the same steps.

 

Looking to get your Florida contractor’s license? We can help. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We also help people get their Georgia contractor’s license, as well as other states.To get started on the contractor license process, click here or call 239-777-1028.