How to Get a Florida Contractor’s License

It goes without saying that getting a contractor license in Florida can be a headache.

This is good and bad for a few reasons but most importantly, it is good because it guarantees Florida citizens that the work they will receive will be top notch. On the other hand, contractors have to go through a strict, semi-complicated, and long process to achieve appropriate licensure within the state.

 

Florida has quite a few guidelines that aren’t followed in other states, but this just shows how important it is to take the proper necessary steps, and make the paperwork and effort you put in all the more perfect so you don’t waste your valuable time when you could be out getting work!

 

A Certified Contractor in Florida has the ability to contract work anywhere in the entire state of Florida. This is the better option for trade workers, as compared to Registered Contractors.

 

The guidelines and requirements for each license are a bit different, but here we will focus mainly on the requirements and guidelines to obtain a Certified Contractor License in the state of Florida.

 

  1. The person seeking a contractor license must have at least four years of experience in the field that they are seeking certification. At least one of the four years must be in a supervisor role. The four years of experience must be verified by a pre-existing Florida Certified Contractor, or a licensed engineer, building official, or architect.
  2. Applicants must successful complete the Florida Certified Contractor’s Examination.
  3. Candidates must have Worker’s Compensation (or exempt forms), Liability, and Property Damage Insurance.
  4. Applicants must also provide proof of satisfaction of liens and judgments, proper showing financial stability, a credit report, and a net worth requirement under Rule 61G4-15.005, FAC.

 

It sounds like a lot of work, but if you have the right people on your side helping you with the paperwork, it is a breeze to receive your Certified Contractor License in Florida. This contractor license will allow you to take work anywhere in the state, which will help you build your business, and open new doors for work opportunities.

 

If you need helping getting your Florida contractor’s license, let us help you. We have helped thousands of people in Florida get licensed. We are a Florida-based contracting company, but we also help people get licensed in other states, as well. Click here or call 239-777-1028 to get the process started today.

 

All About a Home Inspector

Ever thought about being a home inspector? It’s a great career path, and we wanted to share some basic info on the profession here for you. Home inspectors, in Florida, perform a visual inspection, followed by a written professional opinion of the state and condition of the home. It’s the inspector’s job to describe the current condition of the home at the time of the inspection; however, this doesn’t guarantee the condition of the home in the future.

During an inspection, a home inspector looks at the home’s structure, electrical system, HVAC system, roof covering, plumbing system, and site conditions. Whenever a house is on the market, potential buyers will request for a home inspection to be done. In Florida, more homes are being built all the time, which means the need for home inspectors continues to grow.

In order to get a Florida home inspector’s license, a person needs to pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE); this exam is given by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). A person also has to complete a 120-hour pre-licensing course, submit to a criminal background check, have good moral character, have a $300,000 commercial general liability insurance policy, and submit an application with fee.

On average, a home inspector make $53,410 a year in Florida. The minimum education a home inspector needs is a high school degree, but many employers expect people to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of home inspector jobs is predicted to increase by 18 percent, which is 4 percent above the national average.

Looking to get your home inspector’s license? Or, just a contractor’s license in Florida? We can help! For the last 10 years, we have helped thousands of Florida contractors get their licenses. To contact us, click here. We will help make the process easy and stress free for you.

All About Being A Home Inspector

home inspector

As a home inspector, you determine the condition of a building or home (or any structure). You help identify problems, if any, with said structures. You’ve received your license and plenty of training. But, what makes you stand out? What makes you an excellent home inspector? Why should a person hire you over anyone else? Below, we will share some tips and information about what people are looking for when thinking about hiring a home inspector. You don’t only want to be good, you want to be seen as great. Having a reputable reputation can go a long way, and help you get more clients in the end.

  • Like stated before, reputation is key. People will ask friends and family for recommendations for inspectors.
  • Your track record. People will read up on your experience, years in the business, and the numbers of inspections you’ve performed.
  • People tend to look for a person with a broad knowledge of a home’s systems and structure, not just someone who just specializes in one category.
  • People will check with the state to verify your license or to see if there have been any complaints about you put on record.
  • They will be looking for an inspector who carries insurance.
  • People want an inspector who will deliver a full and completed report with plenty of time to review it.
  • People look for objective inspectors with no connection to a realtor.
  • Price matters. People are willing to pay more for a better qualified inspector, since inspections are so crucial and important.
  • Many people would like to see a sample report.
  • People will read reviews about you online.
  • People do care about the time It takes you to do the inspection. Anything under two hours may seem suspicious to them, because that shows your work isn’t very thorough.
  • People want you to be very upfront with them. Let them know what you will be inspecting.
  • People will want to attend the inspection. Saying “No” is seen by many as a red flag.
  • Plan on being interviewed by the family, person, or business who is thinking about hiring you.

Haven’t gotten your home inspector license yet? Well, we can help with you that process. The process can be tricky with lots of things to gather and write up properly, but we have years of experience helping people get their home inspector’s license in Florida. To learn more or to get help getting your license, click here or call 239-777-1028.