Tag: how to get your florida contractor license

Unlicensed contractors target of undercover investigation

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Think unlicensed contracting work is no big deal?

 

Think again.

 

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the arrest of nine men in July on charges related to performing unlicensed contracting work, following an undercover investigation dubbed “Operation Freelancer IV.”

 

With the help of Florida’s Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, detectives contacted individuals who were advertising home repair services – work that requires one or more state-issued license.

 

Once the contractor showed up to a home to perform the work, authorities checked with the DBPR to determine if they held a license, were registered as a contractor in Florida and were required to hold workers’ compensation coverage.

 

The three-day sting reportedly resulted in 11 felony charges and seven misdemeanor charges. Those arrested ranged in age from 42 to 69, and resided in Bradenton, Englewood, North Port, Myrtle Beach, Port Charlotte and Sarasota.

 

Typically, a first offense results in a civil citation, but subsequent violations can lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. Those charged can also expect to receive a cease and desist order from the State of Florida.

 

“Maintenance operations like these should be a good reminder for consumers to always seek licensed contractors to perform work on their homes or businesses,” Sheriff Tom Knight said in a WFLA News Channel 8 report. “Consumers are exposing themselves to financial and physical risk by allowing these people to enter their home, unlicensed, and in some cases, with criminal histories. Let this be a warning to criminals who come into our community and illegally solicit services that their behavior will not be tolerated.”

 

In a separate sting operation in June called “Operation Builder Bust,” authorities in Lakeland arrested eight men on similar charges. Those charged reportedly advertised their abilities to perform wide-ranging plumbing and electrical work on the Internet without licenses or training, and all but one had no workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees, according to news reports.

 

A Florida contractor licensing company can help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. We are a Florida contracting licensing company. We can help get you licensed. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida contractor license website or call 239-777-1028.

 

Five great iOS apps for contractors

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Five great iOS apps for contractors

 

Let’s face it: If you’re not using your iPhone to “life hack” – that is, take a shortcut in a novel way to boost productivity or save time – you’re missing out big time. That small-ish Apple computer in your pocket can do a lot – more than you probably think.

 

Contractors throughout the country are increasingly turning to low-cost mobile apps to help with everyday tasks, at a time when the construction industry has been slow to adopt time-saving technologies, according to the 5th Annual Construction Technology Report, a study co-developed by Texas A&M University.

 

Here are five affordable, top-rated iOS apps for contractors that will help make the workday a little easier:

 

  1. Fieldwire by Fieldwire (https://appsto.re/us/nggGU.i)

 

Fieldwire is an easy-to-use task management app designed by construction professionals for construction professionals. The free trial version is ideal for small teams, and allows contractors to view and share blueprints, create and delegate task lists and track issues. In-app upgrades offer additional project management features.

 

Cost: Free trial version; $29 per user for Pro version, $39 per user for Business version

 

  1. Photo Measures by Big Blue Pixel Inc. (https://appsto.re/us/d1pVy.i)

 

Photo Measures allows contractors to photograph a space and note dimensions on those photos – a helpful way to remember the layout of a work site. Measurements can be edited, comments can be added and photos are easily imported or exported as .jpeg or .pdf files.

 

Cost: $6.99; free lite version

 

  1. RoomScan Pro by Locometric (https://appsto.re/us/dj3jO.i)

 

Draft floor plans by touching the walls of a room with your iPhone – no tape measure required. Contractors can easily add doors to blueprints by touching doorframes — or stairs by placing the phone on the top and bottom steps.

 

Cost: $4.99

 

  1. Home Builder Pro Calcs by Double Dog Studios (http://appsto.re/us/qvgeA.i)

 

Home Builder Pro Calcs offers hundreds of home improvement calculations and unit conversions – from roofing and framing to concrete and paving – as well as estimators for business expenses, materials and work hours. Calculations can be easily emailed from the app.

 

Cost: $4.99

 

  1. iHandy Level by iHandy Inc. (https://appsto.re/us/rp23r.i)

 

Level is a simple app with a range of uses beyond straightening wall photos. From angle measurements to roof pitch calculations, the app essentially replaces one of the longest tools in your toolbox. iHandy’s Carpenter ($1.99) adds additional features such as a plumb bob level and 0-to-180-degree protractor, but the enhanced app’s ruler reportedly doesn’t work well with the iPhone 7.

 

Cost: Free

 

For contractor news, updates and other helpful information, check out our company blog, which is updated frequently.  We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To obtain a Florida contractor’s license, click our Florida Contractor’s License page or call 239-777-1028.

An ‘active’ year predicted for hurricanes in Florida

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It’s mid-July, and we’re 1½ months into the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. Weather forecasters have predicted an active hurricane season, with as many as 17 storms expected (and named, from Franklin to Jose, Ophelia to Tammy). A handful of those could turn from tropical storms into hurricanes, with sustained winds up to 74 to 95 mph — the range for a Category 1 storm – or higher.

 

Officials say it’s never too early to start preparing for the uncertainty of hurricane season. 2016 was the most active year for hurricanes in the Sunshine State since 2012, with four major storms wreaking havoc along the state’s eastern seaboard. Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine together caused more than $1.5 billion in property damage, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

 

And while hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30, the potential for severe weather remains year-round: In January, a series of tornadoes ripped through areas of Florida and Georgia over two days, causing extensive property damage and killing more than a dozen people.

 

Wild weather poses unique challenges for contractors – whether they’re installing solar panels, repairing swimming pools or remodeling homes. Here are some things to consider as the hurricane season advances into August:

 

–With storms developing by the week, it’s important to keep tabs daily – or even hourly — on changes in weather systems, so that project schedules can be adjusted at job sites.

 

–Communicate regularly with workers about emergency procedures and safety plans. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes guidelines for storm preparedness.

 

–With major storms closing in, contractors should clean up and secure work sites, especially those with heavy machinery and equipment. Objects such as portable bathrooms, garbage bins, tools and loose building materials can turn into damaging projectiles during high-wind events. Board-up windows and seal doorways, and expect localized flooding.

 

In a storm’s aftermath, when the demand for emergency repairs is high, don’t get caught performing unlicensed work. Roof repairs, the installation of new windows, plumbing work, electrical rewiring and the rebuilding of marine docks all require a license – and not just one single license. The penalties for performing unlicensed work, even for first-time offenders, are stiff — up to one year in prison or 12 months of probation, and a fine of $1,000.

 

That’s especially important to know for out-of-state contractors seeking work in Florida.

 

A Florida contractor licensing company can help companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida Contractor Licensing website or call 239-777-1028.

Renewing a Florida Contracting License

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Pretty much all states have their own rules and regulations surrounding how one legally operates as a contractor within their state. Florida is, of course, no different. To legally work within the state of Florida as a residential or independent contractor, you are required to be licensed by the state. Basically, what this entails is that you provide certain proof of skills and other requirements, and then take a couple of tests related to your field.

 

Most people know that they need a license to operate in Florida, but many are less sure about what goes into renewing your license, which is something you will need to do every two years to remain in good legal standing. If all your information with the state of Florida is up to date, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail about a month before your license is set to expire.

 

This is incredibly helpful as, two years in, you are likely amid working on a variety of projects that are at different levels of progress. When you receive your renewal notice, you are going to be prompted to double check all your information such as address, phone number, email address, etc. It might not seem like a big deal, but failing to make sure that all your information is up to date can lead to delays in getting your license renewed, so it is imperative that you look this information over and update anything necessary.

 

You will also be asked to supply a few other pieces of information to renew your license, as well. You will need to show proof of continuing education and training. You may also be asked to provide current proof of insurance and perhaps a few smaller pieces of information. Be sure to look over your renewal documents carefully to ensure that you have included all required information. Certain counties may require slightly different types of documentation.

 

While it is a hassle, it is important to be ready and prepared when your two-year contracting license renewal information comes in the mail, it is important to gather all the pertinent information, as this will make it a lot easier to get your renewal through and approved without any delay. The paperwork you receive about your renewal will tell you all the pieces of information you will need to provide to approve your renewal. Having all your proverbial ducks in a row helps to make this a simple and smooth process.

 

Let us help you renew (or get) your Florida contractor’s license. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. Click here or call us at 239-777-1028 to get started on the process today.

Do You Want a Career in Roofing?

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If you like working with your hands, and doing physical labor, a job as a roofing contractor could be a great match for you. Well, unless you’re afraid of heights!

What does a roofing contractor do? They install, maintain, repair, alter, extend and design everything to do with roofs. They are skilled in knowing how to waterproof, coat, repair, stop leaks, and more. Roofing contractors repair and replace and install roofs in both residential homes and commercial buildings. A roofer can be self-employed or work for a larger construction-based company. This job  will never be put out of work as roofs will always be found on homes and buildings across the country and world.

You can’t just have knowledge of roofing to become a roofer. You need a license. Without the license, you are practicing illegally and unsafely. If any problem occurs, you can get into a lot of legal trouble.

As a roofer, you can also have a specialty. Roofs are made from all different materials. Roofers can choose which type of roofs they are exceptionally skilled at installing or repair, like metal or tile, and some even do solar panels.

As a contractor licensing company, we can help you get your Florida roofer contractor’s license. We have helped thousands complete their application successfully and get their license fast. As part of the application process, there are certain requirements and experience needed in order to get a license. Here is a list of what is required.

  • Four years of experience working under a licensed roofing contractor. This experience can be reduced by up to 3 years with college credits and/or military service.
  • At least one year out of the four years of work experience must have been as a foreman
  • You have to show experience from this employment period that shows substantial compliance with statutory experience requirements in all of these areas:
    • Built-up Roofing Systems
    • Built-up Roofing
    • Roll Roofing
    • Modified Bitumen
    • Cold Process
    • Single-ply Systems
    • Single-ply
    • Foam
    • Architectural Metal Roofing
    • Concrete and Tile Roofing
    • Shingles & Shakes
    • Gutters and Downspouts

 

If you’re ready to get your Florida roofer contractor’s license, please contact us to get started. The process can be stressful and complicated, but we know the ins and outs of everything needed. We will do all the hard work for you. Click here or call 239-777-1028 to get started on the contractor license process today.

 

 

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.

 

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.

Intent with Wording for a Contractor

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Contractors, especially those running their own business, have to know a lot more than the basics of the trade. For this post, we wanted to discuss letters of intent. In the contracting world, contracts and deals happen all the time. Letters of intent are enforceable when they are properly written, but they must include essential terms of the agreement at hand including the price, payout, scope of work, duration of project, and a commitment to sign a contract for the work by a certain date. If this letter of intent says it’s not binding until a formal contract is signed, then in a court of law they will say no terms were agreed upon yet.

Think of a letter of intent as a halfway point between a verbal agreement and a formal contract. There is always the chance that letters of intent are unenforceable. If you’re worried about any issues arising, you’re better off skipping this step and creating a formal agreement right off the bat. With a formal contract, looked over by lawyers, there is no question about what is being promised and delivered for a deal or project. All the details are laid out and this contract binds both parties to the agreement.

When you’re a contractor, you also have to think about legal information, along with other rules, regulations and daily duties. If you have any concerns about legal issues or rules in the contracting industry, please feel free to reach out to us. We are a Florida contractor licensing company and we stay on top of all the latest news and rules that you need to know to practice legally.

Looking to become a Florida contractor? We can help get you licensed. We’ve helped thousands get their Florida Contractor’s license and we help them do it fast and efficiently. 95 percent our applicant’s license package makes it through on the first try. Let us help you get your career started. To learn more, get help on other contractor issues, or get your license, click our Florida Contractor’s License page.

Certified Contractor License vs Registered Contractor License

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Which Option is Best For You and Your Business

 

If you are considering opening up your own Florida contracting business, it might be a bit hard to figure out which contractor license is best for you.

 

No matter what your trade is, whether you’re a carpenter, HVAC, electrician, etc., it is very important for you and your business to make the right choice when it comes to licensure.

 

It goes without saying that it is important that you have real and legitimate experience in your chosen field in which you are seeking licensure. And in the case of a Certified Contractor License, you must have legitimate proof that you have experience in the field to which you lay ownership.

Certified Contractor License

With a Certified Contractor License, you will have the ability to take work anywhere in the state of Florida without having to be registered at any specific municipality or county in which the work is to be performed.

 

The requirements are a bit more difficult, such as: you must have at least four years of experience in the field, and this experience needs to be proven and verified with the contractor you worked for. Also, at least one of the four years, you must have had a supervisor role.

 

You must also successfully complete the Florida Certified Contractor Examination. Both of these requirements are unique to the Florida Certified Contractor License.

Registered Contractor License

In contrast with the Certified Contractor License, a Registered Contractor License will only permit you to take and perform work in the county to which your Competency Card is registered.

 

You still have to obtain insurance and provide a credit report for both licenses.

Which License is Better?

It all comes down to your end goal. If you just want and have a small business, you will do fine with just a Registered Contractor License. You don’t have to jump through so many hoops to get this licensure, though you will have only a small area to seek out and perform work.

 

If you want a big booming conglomerate business, a Certified Contractor License is the better choice. This will help you spread your business across the entire state of Florida, and take work anywhere in the whole state.

 

All in all, what contractor license you decided to get is entirely your preference, and how much work you want to have available to you at any given time. Both options are great for different people and purposes.

 

If you are looking to get your Florida contractor’s license, certified or registered, and are looking to get into this industry, contact us today and let us help you. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. Click here or call 239-777-1028 to contact us.

What is an Irrigation Contractor?

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Contracting is a huge industry. When a person things of contracting, often times, construction or electrical industries, come to mind. However, there are so many specialties in the world of contracting. Whether you like working with pipes or wood or windows, there is a type of contracting out there to suit a person’s interests and skill set. For this particular article, we wanted to focus on: a irrigation contractor.

A Florida Irrigation contractor maintains, repairs, alters, extends, manages, monitors, audits and designs irrigation systems, including excavation work. Irrigation systems including piping, fittings, sprinklers, drip irrigation products, valves, irrigation controllers, control wiring, water pumps, rain sensors, water conservation devices, water harvesting systems, irrigation main lines, utility alternative water supply distribution lines, and dedicated backflow prevention devices.

To become an irrigation contractor in the state of Florida, a person must take and pass two state certification exams. The Irrigation exam and the Business & Law exam. The Irrigation exam is an open-book test consisting of 80 questions and people are tested on the topics of: pre-construction, construction, maintenance and repair, scheduling and water conservation, rules, laws, and codes. The Business and Finance exam last 6.5 hours and is 120 questions. Topics on the test include: establishing the contracting business, managing administrative duties, managing trade operations, conducting accounting functions, managing HR, and complying with government regulations.

People can take classes to prepare and pass for the two exams. If a person does not take the exams, he or she cannot apply for a license.  In-person classes for these exams are not mandatory; there are also online classes. There are also a variety of books available that can prepare a person for these exams.

Thinking about getting a Florida contractor’s license? In irrigation? Or any other contracting specialty? Our team of professionals can help you. We work with our clients to help them get through the contracting process fast and easy. We do in-depth reviews of licenses packages to ensure everything is exactly right and everything is included. Contact us today. To learn more or start the process, click here or call 239-777-1028.