Florida Residential Contracting Licensing

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.

What is a Residential Contractor?

Ever thought of a career in contracting? Like building things? Working with your hands? Thinking critically? Solving problems? If you said yes to all of these things, you may want to look into being a contractor. A contractor is a rewarding career. You get to work on a project and see the fruits of your labor. Hard work pays off in this industry. Plus, you’ll most likely stay in great physical shape because of it. There are also a number of different specialties in the contracting community. One of the biggest contracting specialties is a residential contractor. A residential contractor must obtain a license in the state of Florida to work.

What does a residential contractor do? A residential contractor constructs, remodels, repairs or improves homes (single, two-family, three-family etc) that do not go above two stories. If you want to work on buildings more than three stories, you must get another license, a Florida building contractor’s license. Or, if you want less restrictions on what t=you can build or work on, a general contractor’s license would be your best bet.

Before getting a license, a person must take three different exams: the Residential Contract Administration exam; the Residential Project Management Exam; and the Business and Finance Exam. The Residential Contract Administration Exam is 45 questions long, open book and lasts 4 hours and 45 minutes. The subjects on the exam include: pre-construction activities, project contracts, obtaining licenses, permits and approvals, construction procedures and operations. The Residential Project Management Exam is 60 questions, open book and lasts 4 hours and 45 minutes. Subjects in the test include: construction methods, materials, tools, equipment, safety, reading plans and specifications. The Business and Finance Exam is 120 questions is 6 hours and 30 minutes. Subjects on this test include: establishing contracting business, managing admin duties, managing trade operations, conducting accounting functions, managing human resources, and complying with government regulations.

If you have taken the exams and are ready to apply for a Florida contractor’s license, let us help you. The process can be confusing, and often times, people fail to get their license if things are missing or filled out incorrectly. We are an experienced team of professionals who have helped thousands of people get their contractor’s license. Click here to get your license process started today or call 239-777-1028.