Why You Shouldn’t Work as an Unlicensed Contractor

In Florida, working as an unlicensed contractor is illegal. In fact, it’s a criminal offense. For this topic, the information we will share comes directly from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

If you want to be a contractor, it is in your best interest to get a contractor’s license. If you don’t, not only will you be eligible for fewer jobs, but you run the risk of getting caught working unlicensed, and being charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

Besides having an offense against you on your record, you can also be subject to court-ordered monetary restitution.

If you are in trouble, the homeowners you work for don’t even have to end up paying an you, as an unlicensed contractor, even if the work was done well. Now, not all contracting work requires a license, and there are exemptions. In order to fall under an exemption, you must to make sure you are working legally and properly (licensed required or not) so you will not get in trouble with the homeowner, state, or DBPR.

Currently, the DBPR has a hotline and a mobile app that allows people to report unlicensed activity on the go. This makes it very easy for people to report unlicensed work and workers. It’s not easy to work unlicensed anymore. The DBPR also has a Division of Regulation hosts events to spread awareness to perform stings and sweeps in the communities to stop and educate on unlicensed activity.  In 2016, the organization has conducted more than 921 unlicensed activity outreach events, 49 stings, and 828 sweeps.

Don’t risk your future or career by practicing unlicensed activity illegally. If you are worried about the contractor licensing process, don’t be. We can help you. We can make it easy and achievable for you, so you can have a successful career as a contractor instead of having a felony against you.

We are a group of trained professionals that will help you get your Florida contractor’s license fast. To get started on the process, click our contractor’s license page or our Florida contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.

 

How to Upgrade Certain Florida Contractor Licenses

When you get certain contractor licenses, you can always upgrade down the line, especially if you want to pursue a higher-level job. After a period, certain certified licenses are eligible to be upgraded. Licenses that can upgrade include: HVAC – Class C, HVAC –Class B, Residential, Building, Swimming Pool Servicing, Residential Pool Contractor.

If you have one of the above contractor specialty licenses, you may be eligible to upgrade your license. When you upgrade your license, you will have access to more jobs, better jobs, and higher-paying jobs. With a higher-level license, you are beginning to work your way up the contracting world. You will have more work opportunities and options due to your advanced license.

However, there are some stipulations that occur for eligibility; these include:

  • Trade tests for the higher-level license must have been passed within four years of submission.
  • Business and Finance Exam needs to be taken for the original licensure process.
  • License must be in active status for a certain amount of time.

It’s always a good idea to upgrade your contractor license. More money. More work. More credibility. More skills.

At our contractor licensing company, we are a team of professionals that help people get their contractor’s licenses, as well as renew and upgrade their licenses. We don’t just fill out forms for people, but rather we analyze each individual situation and use a person’s information strategically to build an application that will be easily approved. We give unlimited time to our clients by answering any and all questions. With us, clients have no forms to fill out. Ninety-five percent of our clients work with us through email or fax.

 

Our contractor licensing company can make upgrading a Florida contractor’s license easy. We will pull together all the things needed to complete the Florida contractor license application. We will let you know what courses, tests, exams, and experience you need or are missing.  Our goal is to make the process smooth and simple for you.

We are a Florida contractor licensing company but help people in all states get licensed. To get started on the process, click our contractor’s license page or our Florida contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.

 

Steps to Get a Demolition Specialty Contractor License

Five years ago, the state of Florida created a new specialty license available for demolition contractors called “certified building demolition specialty contractor.”

Why was this type of license created?  This license became available, so people and businesses can demolish any residential or commercial structure under four stories tall. If a four-story or taller structure is in the project, the license holder must hold a valid certified general contractor license. For a more technical definition, “this license has been added so that individuals and businesses who work solely with the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to demolish, if not prohibited by law, steel tanks 50 feet or less in height; towers 50 feet or less in height; other structures 50 feet or less in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences three stories or less in height. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classifications.”

To get a demolition specialty contractor license, you need to pass the state certification exam, and you must get your license within four years of getting your exam score. Also, for this license, you need to have four years of experience or a combination of college credits and experience. All demolition specialty contractor license candidates go through a background check that includes fingerprinting.

For this type of license, you need public liability and property damage insurance. You also need to obtain workers compensation insurance within 30 days of getting your license.

Want a demolition specialty contractor’s license? We can help you. We know all the requirements necessary for you to obtain this type of license as we are a contractor licensing company. We will let you know if you’re missing anything. We will let you know about all deadlines and fees. We have helped thousands of contractors in Florida and in other states get their contractor license.

To get your contractor license, click our click our Florida contractor’s license page or our  contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028 with any questions about a demolition specialty contractor license or any contractor license.

 

 

 

Steps to Get a Marine Contractor License

The contractor world continues to grow and needs skilled workers. With college continue to skyrocket with tuition, more people are gravitating toward a career in contracting, as they will have little to no debt and a good salary starting out in their careers. With the current contractor labor shortage, it is a great time to entre the field. In the contracting industry, there’s many different types of work and you can easily find something that matches your interests and skills.

As a contractor licensing company, we wanted to share with you details about being a marine contractor. If you like the water, boats, and working with your hands, this is the contracting job for you! We help people get their marine contractor licenses in Florida, Georgia, and all other states.

By definition, a marine contractor “is a specialty contractor qualified and certified by the board to perform any work involving the construction, repair, alteration, extension and excavation for fixed docks, floating docks, boathouses, mooring devices, mooring fields, seawalls, bulkheads, piers, wharfs, boatlifts, boat ramps, revetments, cofferdams, wave attenuators, dune crossovers and other marine structures and activities, including pile driving, framing, concrete, masonry, dredge and fill, and wood shingle, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing on a new structure of his or her own construction. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classification.”

Sound like an interesting job?

The requirements to become a marine contractor include.

  • Four years of experience, which can be reduced by up to three years with college credits and/or military experience.
  • At least one year out of the four years of experience must have been as a foreman.
  • You must show experience from this employment period that demonstrates substantial compliance with statutory experience:
  • Floating Marine Structures:
    • Floatation
    • Framing
    • Decking
    • Anchor
    • Access Gangway
    • Mooring
  • Fixed Marine Structures:
    • Framing
    • Concrete Deck
    • Roof System
  • Foundation:
    • Concrete Footers
    • Structural Pilings

Our company can make obtaining this marine contractor’s license easy. We will pull together all the things needed to complete the marine contractor license application. We will let you know what courses, tests, exams, and experience you need or are missing.  Our goal is to make the process smooth and simple for you.

We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To get started on the process, click our contractor’s license page or our marine contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.

Steps to Get a Structure Specialty Contractor License

Contractors are needed… in all specialties! Have you though about becoming a structure specialty contractor? There’s plenty of work out there for you. This job is growing and allows you to be physically active and think critically. As a contractor licensing company, we would love to help you get your structure contractor’s license in Florida, Georgia, or another state.

What is a structure specialty contractor? By definition, a structure specialty contractor is “responsible for structurally-related work using aluminum and allied products, including the fabrication, assembly, handling, erection, installation, dismantlement, adjustment, alteration, repair, service and design work with Hurricane Shutters, Doors, Windows, Metal Porches, Awnings, Screen Porches, Site Work, Excavation, Foundation, Laying Concrete (Slabs/Decks), Block knee-walls, Reinforcement Bar and Framework.”

The requirements for a structure specialty contractor’s license include:

  • Four years of experience under a licensed contractor, which can be reduced by up to three years with college credits.
  • At least one year out of the four years of experience must have been as a foreman.
  • Residential/commercial construction experience in fabrication and/or installation, using aluminum and allied products, of:
      • Foundations
  • Concrete Slabs
  • CMU Kneewalls
  • Excavating, Laying Out, Forming, & Placing Pier-type Post Footings
      • Wall Sections
  • Screen Walls
  • Screen/Storm Doors
  • Framed Solid Panel Walls
  • Composite Metal Panel Walls
      • Roof Sections
  • Screen Roofs
      • Windows
  • Vinyl Windows
  • Glass Windows
      • Other
  • Post and Beam Structures

Does working with and creating structures sound fun to you?  In the contractor license process, there are a lot of items that need to be pulled together, and things to keep track of. Many people get rejected when they apply on their own due to missing or incorrect information. If you hire us, we make the process smooth and simple for you and get you licensed fast.

We will walk you through each step of the process that we have down to a science. We know what the Contractor Licensing Board is looking for, and what needs to be done for this type of license.

We are a contractor licensing company based in Florida who has helped thousands of people get their contractor license. To start the process, click our contractor’s license page or our structure specialty contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.

 

 

 

Steps to Get Your Solar Contractor License

If you’re thinking about a career in contracting, what about being a solar contractor? With a eco-friendlier outlook, the world is more in demand for solar technology, so the job of solar contractor is in demand.

According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), a solar contractor is defined as a contractor whose services “consist of the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, relocation, or replacement of solar panels for potable solar water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with these systems.”

There are two types of solar contractors: you can either become a certified solar contractor (CV) and a residential solar water or a heating specialty contractor (CW).

To work as a solar contractor in many states, you need to have a contractor’s license; however, if you are working under a licensed contractor you do not need to be licensed yet. If you do work on your own that requires installing, altering, repairing, maintaining, relocating or replacing any type of solar thermal or PV system, you need a certification and/or license to work legally in the state of Florida.

It is in your best interest to have a solar contractor’s license regardless of what state you work in. Why? People will trust you more and you will likely be paid better for your work.

If a person needs a solar water heater or solar pool heater installed, only a CV or CW licensed worker or a plumbing contractor can do that job. A photovoltaic system must be installed by a CV license holder or an electrical contractor, but not a CW license holder. If these systems are not installed by these specific contractors, the owners are not eligible for Florida’s established rebate program for residential and commercial solar water heaters, solar electric systems, and residential solar pool heaters.

Some jurisdictions have a solar contractor certificate of competency that is considered an RX license; these contractors are limited to the installation of solar water or pool heaters.

Solar photovoltaic installers can receive a salary from $32K to $48K per year, depending on experience and knowledge.

Want to be a solar contractor?  We can help you get your solar contractor’s license. We are a licensed contracting company and we do the application process for you; we make it easy and fast.

To start the process, click our contractor’s license page or our solar contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.

 

Steps to Get Your Roofing Contractor License

Roofs are a necessity. Whether it’s a new house/building, a worn roof, or a destroyed roof (from a natural disaster), roofs will need to be installed or repaired. Being a roofer is rewarding. It is a physically demanding job. As a roofer you will also get to work in many different locations and meet lots of different people.

According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations, a roofing contractor is defined as a contractor whose “services are unlimited in the roofing trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof. The scope of work of a roofing contractor also includes skylights and any related work, required roof-deck attachments, and any repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair or replacement and any related work.”

To be a roofer, on-the-job training and/or an apprenticeship is the best way to gain skills to become a roofer.

In 2015, the average pay for a roofer was $36,720. In 2014, 123,400 roofers were employed. By 2024, there a 13 percent increase in roofing jobs.

There will always be a need for roof repair or new roofs. Unfortunately, major storms can damage or compromise roofs, which is bad for the homeowner, but great business for roofers.

To be a roofer, a person who is physically fit and able. The job requires a lot of climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and heavy lifting. The job is outside, and you will have to deal with potentially inclement weather.

To work legally as a contractor, you will need a roofing contractor’s license. It is in your best interest to have a roofing contractor’s license regardless of what state you work in. Why? People will trust you more and you will likely be paid better for your work.

 

We are a Florida contractor licensing company and will work with you to get your application approved by the Board the first time through. The application process can be tricky, so leave it up to us!

 

Want to be a roofing contractor?  We can help you get your roofing contractor’s license.

To start the process, click our contractor’s license page or our roofing contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.

 

Steps to Get an Electrical Contractor License

Contractors come in all type, including electricians. A career as an electrician is rewarding, and you can often go into business for yourself making a very good salary.

In order to be an electrician, you need to be licensed and certified through the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (ECLB).

There are four different ECLB certificates you can get including: Electrical contractor, Alarm contractor I (includes fire alarms), Alarm contractor II (excludes fire alarms), Specialty: residential, lighting, utility line, etc. You can get some or all of them, depending on the type of work you want to do – the more you know/are certified for the more jobs you can land.

To become certified as an electrical contractor, you need to do at least one of the four requirements:

  • Operate as a manager in your trade for at least three years within the last six years of applying for certification.
  • Act as a supervisor in your field for at least four years within the last eight years of applying for certification.
  • Show at least six years of education, training and/or experience in electrical work that is within the last 12 years.
  • Work as a licensed, professional electrical engineer for three or more years.

For each specific electrical specialty, there are different requirements needed so you must follow those. After you’ve met all the qualifications and taken the tests, you can apply and submit your application for your electrical contractor’s license in Florida and other states.

Remember, there are fees with some of the requirements and paperwork that you will do throughout this process.

The contractor licensing process can be tricky, and your application may be denied. Your work experience may not be enough, or maybe you missed a deadline or didn’t pass the test with a high enough score. If you work with contractor licensing professionals, we can make sure your electrical license application does not get denied. We know exactly what you need to qualify.  We will help put together your application and get everything up to the board’s standards.

Getting your electrical contractor license involves a lot of planning. You must know the requirements and deadlines.

While Florida rejects 90 percent of contractor applications the first time, our team of contractor licensing professionals has a 95 percent approval rate.

To schedule a free consultation and get started on your contractor license application, click our contractor’s license page or our electrical contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028.

Steps to Get a Gypsum Drywall Contractor License

Contractors work with all types of materials from wires and metal to wood and plastic. To be a contractor, you need a license to work legally, even for installing drywall.

 

Our team of contractor licensing experts can help you get your gypsum drywall contractor’s license in Florida and all other states. When applying for a contractor’s license, there are many items and forms that need to be pulled together. If you don’t know how to put a contractor licens application together, there are many ways for things to go wrong, but if you hire our team, we will make the process smooth and simple for you.

We will walk you through each step of the process, complete the contractor license application information for you, and provide you with exactly what you need to gather the supporting documentation for a gypsum drywall license.

We know what the Board is looking for with this specific license.

The legal definition of a gypsum drywall contractor is: “a gypsum drywall contractor is a specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the installation of all necessary and incidental metal accessories, including non-load bearing metal studs, runners, hangers, channels, drywall metal suspension accessories and prefabricated ceiling materials; and the preparation of the surface over which drywall product is to be applied. This includes the application of base and finish coats specifically designed for the gypsum drywall products of their own erection. This category shall not include plastering, block, or wood partitions. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classifications.”

The requirements and experience needed to be a gypsum drywall licensed contractor include:

  • Four years of experience under a Licensed Gypsum Drywall Contractor or Division I Contractor (RC, BC, GC). This can be reduced by up to 3 years with college credits.
  • At least one year out of the four years of experience must have been as a foreman.
  • You want to show experience from this employment period that demonstrates substantial compliance with statutory experience requirements in all of the following areas:
    • Light Steel Framing
    • Gypsum Board
    • Finishing

 

For over a decade, we have been helping contractors as Florida contractor licensing company. We know the deadlines and the requirements for the gypsum drywall specialty. To get started on the contractor license process, click our contractor’s license page or our gypsum drywall specialty license page call us at 239-777-1028.

 

 

Steps to Get a Pollutant Storage Systems Contractor License

A career as a contractor is rewarding – there’s so many avenues to go down. There isn’t endless schooling to pay back and the jobs pay well. You learn a lot, the jobs are challenging mentally and physically and you get to work in a lot of different environments and meet all sorts of people.

Currently, there is a high demand for skilled contractors, so it’s a great time to get a contractor’s license.

As a contractor licensing company, we want to help you get your contractor’s license. We help people get their contractor licenses in Florida, Georgia, and many other states, as well.

For this article, we wanted to focus on being a pollutant storage systems contractor. After hearing about this type of contractor work, you may be interested in going down this route.

By legal definition, a pollutant storage contractor “is a contractor whose services are limited to the installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, extension, or design and use of materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of, pollutant storage tanks.”

Working with pollutant storage tanks is a serious profession that requires specialized training and certification. You need to be licensed to become this type of contractor and to work legally.

Requirements for a pollutant storage system contractor license include:

  • Four years of experience (one year must be as a foreman) or a combination of college and experience doing all of the areas below on Pollutant Storage Systems if you wish to negate the need for board review:
  • Installation
  • Extension
  • Alteration/Repair
  • Maintenance

When it comes to applying for a pollutant storage systems contractor’s license, there is a lot of paperwork and deadlines to be met. It can be confusing. If you hire our contractor licensing team, we will do all the work for you, and make the process simple. We will let you know exactly what information we need, what exams you need to take, and if you need more experience or skills. We will submit this information to the Contractor Licensing Board.

Whether this is your first contractor license, or you need a renewal, we can help you get what you need. Leave it to us contractor licensing professionals.

Since 2007, we have been helping people as a contractor licensing company. We will work with you every step of the way. We know the exact deadlines and the requirements for the pollutant storage systems specialty.

To get your pollutant storage systems contractor license, click our click our Florida contractor’s license page or our  pollutant storage systems contractor license page call us at 239-777-1028 with any questions about a demolition specialty contractor license or any contractor license.