general contractors licensing & examing board

A-LIC-02 REQUIREMENT BOOKLET REVISED 07/30/2020

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota, Florida 34240 – (941)861-5214

Fax: 941-861-6711 – E-Mail: [email protected]

CONTRACTORS LICENSING & EXAMINING BOARD PROCESS OVERVIEW & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The following information is for all applicants who wish to submit an application for the General Contractors Licensing & Examining Board or the Mechanical Contractors Licensing & Examining Board.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Exam Applicant Process SECTION A

Reciprocity Applicant Process SECTION B

Reinstatement Applicant Process SECTION C

Qualifying Additional Business Process SECTION C-2

Licensing Fees SECTION D

Experience Requirements SECTION E

Net Worth Requirements SECTION F

Construction Schools and/or Bookstores SECTION G

Credit Reporting Agencies SECTION H

Commonly Asked Questions SECTION I

License Definitions & Scope of Work SECTION J

Purpose and Responsibilities of the Licensing Boards SECTION K

mailto:[email protected]

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES


SECTION A New Exam Applicant Process

1. Examination – this category is for applicants wishing to sit for the examination in their respective discipline.

2. An original photo must accompany the complete application.

3. Employment and educational records must be listed.

4. The employment and educational records must include dates and detailed information concerning work performed.

5. A personal credit report from a recognized Credit Bureau is required as part of your application, however the credit report must be mailed directly to the office or the credit report must accompany your application in an unopened envelope. (A credit report is not required if applying for Journeyman Electric or Journeyman Plumber)

6. Experience form, which is attachment “A”, must be completed by the license holder for the company/corporation for which the applicant is or was employed and the license holder’s signature must be notarized. Attachment “A” must include dates work performed.

7. Experience verification and detailed information concerning work performed. (Refer to the Experience Qualification form to see if you have the required experience for your trade. See Section E)

8. Experience verification on company letterhead will not be accepted in place of Attachment “A”.

9. Mechanical Trade Applicants must also submit W-2 Forms or personal tax returns verifying employment in the trade for four (4) years for all categories except Master Plumber and Master Electrician which require six (6) years verification Master Plumber applicants, who must also prove the use of a Journeyman’s Operating Certificate for two years and Master Electrician applicants who must prove the use of a Journeyman’s Operating Certificate for two years after January 18, 1996. Landscape Specialty only requires two (2) years verification. (To see if you are a Mechanical Trade Applicant see Section H). NOTE: If your W-2’s are from a staff leasing and/or payroll company, please provide additional documentation verifying that the staff leasing company administers payroll functions for the company you were or are presently employed.

10. You must complete Personal Financial Statement attachment “B”, and the signature must be notarized. (Note: The Personal Financial Statement is not required for Journeyman Plumber applicants and Journeyman Electrician applicants.)

11. Personal Net Worth Requirement – The Personal Financial Statement form is required for all applicants and a personal bank statement must be provided to the Board. The licensing board ruled that there is no longer a “cash on hand” requirement but you will still be required to complete the Personal Financial Statement and provide bank statements. (Note: The Personal Net Worth/bank statements are not required for Journeyman Plumber and Journeyman Electrician applicants.)



12. There is a $63.00 non-refundable application fee for each license type you are applying for. This fee is for the application process only. Payable to: Board of County Commissioners, Sarasota County.

13. The contractor license fee will vary depending on the type of license you are applying for. (Additional fees are paid at the end of the application process.)

14. Your complete notarized application must be submitted 15 days prior to the next scheduled meeting date. In-complete applications will not be accepted.

15. The date that your complete application is received will determine the date that your application will be reviewed.

16. When your application is reviewed you will be notified in writing of approval or denial.

17. When your application is reviewed and approved, you will then need to take the required test(s) for your particular license.

18. If your application is approved, you will receive a registration form from our licensing department along with a testing schedule.

19. Sarasota County does not give these tests. The tests are given through an outside source called Thompson Prometric.

20. It is the applicant’s responsibility to schedule a testing date with Thompson Prometric. Your passing test grade must be 75% or higher.

21. You have a year from the date your application is approved to take and pass all portions of your exam.

22. There are additional fees that Thompson Prometric will charge for the test (s) you will need to take. Again, these fees will vary depending on the license type. You may inquire about the fees that will apply to you at https://www.prometric.com/en-us/Pages/home.aspx or call 1-800-280-3926.

23. You may retake your exam (s) as many times as needed in the one-year time frame, however you will need a new registration form for each exam sitting and you will need to pay Thompson Prometric the fees for that particular exam.

24. Once you have taken the test and passed your exam (s) with a passing grade of 75% or higher for both the Technical Exam and the Business & Law Exam, you still need to register with the State of Florida as a Registered Contractor. Planning Development Services will issue the applicant a local competency card that needs to be sent to the State (DBPR) with the state registration application.

25. You will have 120 days to register with the State. When you receive your State registration number, a copy of that must be sent to our office via mail or fax. Once the State license number is received your permanent licensing card will be mailed to you reflecting the State license number.

26. Your application will expire one year from date of Board approval. If in the year’s time you have not passed the required test, it is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a new updated application package for the Board to review and for re-approval.

https://www.prometric.com/en-us/Pages/home.aspx



SECTION B RECIPROCTIY APPLICANT PROCESS

Reciprocity – this category is for applicants who presently hold an operating certificate from another jurisdiction and wish to reciprocate test scores to Sarasota County from another jurisdiction that originally sponsored the applicant for their examination. (If the license you hold from another jurisdiction was issued under a Grandfather provision, you are not eligible to apply by way of Reciprocity. You must apply as an Exam applicant.)





5. Experience form, which is attachment “A”, must be completed by the license holder for the company/corporation for which the applicant is or was employed and the license holder’s signature must be notarized. Attachment “A” must include dates work performed and detailed information concerning work performed (Refer to the Experience Qualification form to see if you have the required experience for your trade. See Section E)

6. Experience verification on company letterhead will not be accepted in place of Attachment “A”.







11. You will need to request a letter of reciprocity from the County or City, where your test(s) had been taken. Your passing test grade has to be 75% or higher, otherwise you will need to take the test for your trade again).

12. The contractor license fee will vary depending on the type of license you are applying for. (Additional fees are paid at the end of the application process.)



15. When your application is reviewed you will be notified in writing of approval or denial.

16. If your application is approved, you will then need to pay remaining fees and show proof of insurance before your contractor license can be issued.

17. Your application will expire one year from date of Board approval. If in the years’ time you have not paid all remaining fees and show proof of insurance, it is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a new updated application package for the Board to review and for re-approval.

SECTION C REINSTATMENT APPLICANT PROCESS

Reinstatement – this category is for applicants needing to apply to the local Licensing Board to re-instate a delinquent operating certificate. NOTE: Applicants holding operating certificates delinquent for less than five years can apply for reinstatement. Applicants holding operating certificates delinquent five years or more must apply for examination.





5. Experience form, which is attachment “A”, must be completed by the license holder for the company/corporation for which the applicant is or was employed and the license holder’s signature must be notarized. Attachment “A” must include dates work performed and detailed information concerning work performed) (Refer to the Experience Qualification form to see if you have the required experience for your trade. See Section E)



6. Experience verification on company letterhead will not be accepted in place of Attachment “A”. If your original experience verification form is on file it can be used in place of a new Attachment “A”

7. You will need to give a written explanation as to why your license went into a delinquent status.





12. The contractor license fee will vary depending on the type of license you are applying for. (Additional fees are paid at the end of the application process, late fees for the years the license was delinquent will also be assessed.)

13. Your complete notarized application must be submitted 15 days prior to the next scheduled meeting date. In-complete applications will not be accepted. The date that your complete application is received will determine the date that your application will be reviewed. When your application is reviewed you will be notified in writing of approved or denial. If your application is approved, you will then need to pay remaining fees (including back licensing fees) and show proof of insurance before your contractor license can be issued. Your application will expire one year from date of Board approval. If in the years’ time you have not paid all remaining fees and show proof of insurance, it is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a new updated application package for the Board to review and for re-approval.



SECTION C-2 QUALIFYING AN ADDITIONAL BUSINESS APPLICANT PROCESS

Qualifying an Additional Business – this category is for applicants needing to apply to the local Licensing Board to qualify an additional business and obtain a second operating certificate for the new business. NOTE: Applicants with state registered licenses must apply before the DBPR licensing board in addition to the local board.





5. Experience form, which is attachment “A” must be completed by the license holder for the company/corporation for which the applicant is or was employed and the license holder’s signature must be notarized. Attachment “A” must include dates work performed and detailed information concerning work performed) (Refer to the Experience Qualification form to see if you have the required experience for your trade. See Section E)

6. Experience verification on company letterhead will not be accepted in place of Attachment “A”. If your original experience verification form is on file it can be used in place of a new Attachment “A”

7. You will need to give a written explanation as to why you would like to qualify an additional business.



10. Personal Net Worth Requirement – The Personal Financial Statement form is required for all applicants and a personal bank statement must be provided to the Board. The licensing board ruled that there is no longer a “cash on hand” requirement but you will still be required to complete the Personal Financial Statement and provide bank statements. (Note: The Personal



Net Worth/bank statements are not required for Journeyman Plumber and Journeyman Electrician applicants.)


12. The contractor license fee will vary depending on the type of license you are applying for. (Additional fees are paid at the end of the application process)



15. When your application is reviewed you will be notified in writing of approved or denial.

16. If your application is approved, you will then need to pay remaining fees and show proof of insurance under the name of the new business before your contractor license can be issued.

17. Your application will expire one year from date of Board approval. If in the years’ time you have not paid all remaining fees and show proof of insurance, it is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a new updated application package for the Board to review and for re-approval.

SECTION D SCHEDULE OF CONTRACTORS OPERATING CERTIFICATE FEES

Persons holding a County Certificate of Competency in the following listed contractor categories shall be required to request a Contractors Operating Certificate and pay the appropriate fee. Such Operating Certificates shall be valid for two years from October 1 of even numbered years (e.g., October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2014).

General Class “A”……………………………………… $193.25 Building Class “B”……………………………………... $193.25 Residential Class “C”………………………………….. $193.25 Electrical Contractor…………………………………… $193.25 Plumbing Contractor…………………………………… $193.25 Mechanical Contractor – Class A OR B……...………… $193.25 Roofing Contractor…………………………………..…. $193.25 Class “A” Commercial Pool Contractor…………….…. $193.25 Class “B” Residential Pool Contractor………………… $193.25 Class “C” Service Pool Contractor…………………….. $193.25 Specialty Contractor………………………………….… $129.95 Journeyman Electrician or Plumber……………….…… $129.95 Inactive Contractor (five year limit)…………………… $31.65

Disabled U.S. War Veteran – Fee Waiver (Proof of 10% disability or more)……………………….…..$ 50.00 WAIVED

FROM TOTAL FEE Contractor – 65 years of age or older………………………..$ TOTAL FEE WAIVED



Sarasota County or Municipal Employee……………………$ TOTAL FEE WAIVED Application Review……………….… …………………… $ 63.00 (Per license type) Regulatory fees for the listed contractor categories shall be valid for two (2) years from the 1st day of October on even numbered years. Example: 2012-2014

SECTION E

Experience qualifications for General Board Trades All classifications must have:

• Four years proven experience in the trade or educational equivalent thereto or a combination thereof. The following combinations of education and experience are considered to be equivalent:

• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in the appropriate field of building construction, architecture, or structural engineering, and one full year of proven experience in the category in which the person seeks to qualify, or

• A two-year degree from an accredited Jr. College in the appropriate field of building construction, architecture, or structural engineering, and two full years of proven experience in the category in which the person seeks to qualify, or

• Three years of experience as an apprentice and one year as a foreman in the category in which the person seeks to qualify.

For purposes of satisfying the above requirements, 1,800 man-hours shall be equivalent to one year of experience. In substituting accredited college level courses as evidence by a certified transcript, thirty (30) credit hours shall equate to one year from a college or university on a semester basis and forty-five (45) credit hours shall equate to one year from a college or university on a term (or quarter) basis.

Class “A” General and “B” Building Contractors’ Classifications: When qualifying in either of these classifications, the definition of experience refers to structurally related areas of construction such as site-work, excavation, footing, piles and pile caps, concrete slabs, masonry walls, reinforcement bars, trusses, formwork, steel and column erection.

Class “A” General Contractor Classification: An applicant for Class “A” General Contractor’s examination shall possess a minimum of one year of structural experience on buildings four (4) stories or more in height.

Class “B” Building Contractor Classification: An applicant for Class “B” Building Contractor’s examination shall possess a minimum of one year of structural experience on the construction of commercial or industrial buildings or multiple dwelling residential buildings one, two, or three stories in height. A multiple dwelling residential building is a building containing four or more connected family residences.

Class “C” Residential Contractor Classification: When qualifying for this classification, the definition of experience refers to structurally related areas of construction such as site-work, excavation, footings, concrete slabs, masonry walls, reinforcement bars, trusses and formwork.

Commercial “A “Pool Contractor Classification:



In qualifying for the Commercial Pool Contractor classification, an applicant shall possess experience in the construction of commercial pools as distinguished from residential pools.

All Other License Types Reviewed by the General Contractor Licensing Board: An applicant for all license types reviewed by the General Contractor Licensing Board shall possess a minimum of four (4) years of experience.

Experience qualifications for Mechanical Board Trades All classifications must have:

• Four years proven experience in the trade or educational equivalent thereto or a combination thereof, except Master Plumber applicants, who must also prove the use of a Journeyman’s Operating Certificate for two years and Master Electrician applicants who must prove the use of a Journeyman’s Operating Certificate for two years after January 18, 1996. The following combinations of education and experience are considered to be equivalent:

• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in the appropriate field of engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, and one full year of proven experience in the category in which the person seeks to qualify, or

• A two-year degree from an accredited Jr. College in the appropriate field of engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, and two full years of proven experience in the category in which the person seeks to qualify, or

• A four year approved apprenticeship program for the trade category in which the person seeks to qualify that stipulates the number of hours of on the job training and the number of classroom hours for the mechanical trades (Electrical, Plumbing, H.A.R.V.).

• Four years of experience: a) three years as an apprentice and b) one year as a foreman, in the category in which the person seeks to qualify.

For purposes of satisfying the above requirements, 1,800 man-hours shall be equivalent to one year of experience. In substituting accredited college level courses as evidence by a certified transcript, thirty (30) credit hours shall equate to one year from a college or university on a semester basis and forty-five (45) credit hours shall equate to one year from a college or university on a term (or quarter) basis. Verified successful completion of an approved four-year apprenticeship shall equate to four-year experience.

Class “A” Air Conditioning Contractor Classification: In qualifying for the Class “A” Air Conditioning Contractor classification an applicant shall possess experience in the installation, repair, and maintenance of systems in excess of twenty-five tons cooling and 500,000 B.T.U. heating per system.

Class “B” Air Conditioning Contractor Classification: In qualifying for the Class “B” Air Conditioning Contractor classification an applicant shall possess experience in the installation, repair, and maintenance of systems up to twenty-five tons cooling and 500,000 B.T.U. heating per system.

All Other License Types Reviewed by the Mechanical Contractor Licensing Board: An applicant for license types reviewed by the Mechanical Contractor Licensing Board shall possess a minimum of four years’ experience EXCEPT for Landscape and Master Plumbing and Master Electrical applicants.

Landscaping Contractor License applicants shall be required to prove two (2) years of experience.



Master Plumber applicants and Master Electrician applicants must also prove the use of a Journeyman’s Operating Certificate for two (2) years after January 18, 1996 for a total of six (6) years of experience.

Other Classifications: For experience requirements refer to the provisions under 1. Qualifications and definitions as defined in Ordinance No. 83-63, as amended by Ordinance No. 93-105, Sections 3.D., 3.E. and 3.F.

SECTION F NET WORTH REQUIREMENTS

The licensing Board ruled that there is no longer a “cash on hand” requirement. You will still be required to complete the Personal Financial Statement and show financials and provide bank statements but “minimum cash on hand” is no longer required.

Trade Category Net Worth Requirement General Contractor “A” $20,000 Building Contractor “B” $20,000 Residential Contractor “C” $20,000 Commercial Pool “A” $10,000 Residential Pool “B” $10,000 Service Pool “C” $10,000 Roofing Unlimited $10,000 Masonry/Concrete Specialty $2,500 Aluminum/Concrete Specialty $2,500 Marine Specialty $2,500 Sign (non-electrical) Specialty $2,500 Demolition Specialty $2,500 Fence Erection Specialty $2,500 Window & Door Specialty $2,500 Garage Door Specialty $2,500 Hurricane Shutter Specialty $2,500

The General Contractor Licensing Board reviews the above 16 license types. The Mechanical Contractor Licensing Board reviews the above 5 license types.

Trade Category Net Worth Requirement Master Plumber $10,000 Master Electrician $10,000 Class “A” or Class “B” H.A.R.V. $10,000 Landscape Specialty $2,500 Irrigation Specialty $2,500



SECTION G

CONSTRUCTION SCHOOLS AND/OR BOOKSTORES The Sarasota County Planning Development Services (PDS) cannot recommend or endorse a particular construction school or bookstore. The list provided below includes all of the construction schools and bookstores that we are currently aware of. It is provided solely as a courtesy to assist you in locating resources. PDS specifically disclaims any responsibility for the quality or cost of services provided by the institutions listed below.

AAA Construction School 7402 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite #3 Jacksonville, FL 32211 Phone: (904) 722-9994/ (800) 741-PASS Fax: (904) 722-8472 Web: www.aaaconstructionschool.com

Construction Estimating Institute 5011 Ocean Boulevard Sarasota, Fl 34242 Phone: (941) 349-5400 Fax: (941) 346-0221 Web: www.estimating.org

Builders Book Depot 1033 East Jefferson, #500 Phoenix, AZ 85034-2255 Phone: (602) 252-4050 Fax: (602) 258-8808 Web: www.buildersbookdepot.com

Contractors Exam School 6750 Pembroke Rd. Hollywood, FL 33023 Phone: (954) 963-5444 Fax: (954) 963-2872 Web: www.contractorsexamschool.com

Builders Book Barn 2136 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, Fl 34232 Phone: (800) 832-2496 Fax: (800) 391-5585 Web: http://buildingtradeeducation.com

Contractors Institute (formerly Scotty’s) 8301 Joliet Street Hudson, FL 34667 Phone: (800) 676-3006 Fax: (727) 869-6660 Web: www.contractorsinstitute.com Web: http://contractorslibrary.com

Cam Tech School of Construction 16114 North Florida Avenue Lutz, FL 33549-6129 Phone: (813) 960-0100 Fax: (813) 960-0209 Web: http://camtechschool.com

Mike Holt Enterprises The Electrical Training Center 7310 West McNab Road, Suite 201 Tamarac, Fl 32205

Downtown Book Center 247 SE 1st Street Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 377-9939

Palm Construction School 7440 Universal Blvd. Orlando, Fl 32819 Phone: (407) 345-0096 Fax: (407) 351-7828 Web: www.palm-school.com

Engineer’s Bookstore 748 Marietta Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: (404) 221-1669 Fax: (404) 221-1119 Web: www.engrbookstore.com

SPLASH School of Construction PO Box 1792 Naples, FL 34106-1792 Phone: (941) 352-2425

Florida Atlantic University 1515 W. Commercial Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: (954) 229-4179 Fax: (954) 229-4176

KCC Estimating & Construction Services, Inc. 1849 Vamo Drive Sarasota, FL 34239-7727 Phone: (941) 966-7047 Fax: (941) 966-7047

http://www.aaaconstructionschool.com/

http://www.estimating.org/

http://www.buildersbookdepot.com/

http://www.contractorsexamschool.com/

http://www.contractorsinstitute.com/

http://contractorslibrary.com/

http://camtechschool.com/

http://www.palm-school.com/

http://www.engrbookstore.com/



Web: www.fau.edu/ouce/contruc.htm Web: www.KCCestimating.com Gold Coast School of Construction Suite 35 2700 West Oakland Park Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 486-4701 Fax: (954) 731-9226 Web: www.goldcoastschools.com

SECTION H

CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES

Acceptable Credit Reporting Agencies: (This listing is not all-inclusive. Please see disclaimer below.)

1. USA Credit Bureau 1-888-474-2270 2. Check Mate Information Bureau 941-366-1819 fax 866-852-8258 Sarasota www.cmate.us or

www.checkmateplace.com 3. Credit Check Inc 1-877-616-5556 www.creditcheckinc.com 4. Experian http://www.experian.com/ 5. Equifax http://www.equifax.com 6. Transunion http://www.transunion.com

Disclaimer: Planning & Development Services cannot recommend or endorse a particular credit-reporting agency. The list provided above includes all of the agencies that we are aware of that currently meet the Board's reporting requirements. It is provided solely as a courtesy to assist you in locating resources. The Planning & Development Services specifically disclaims any responsibility for the quality or cost of services provided by the agencies listed above. Remember: Your credit report must come to the County SEALED and UNOPENED!

SECTION I

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is a photograph necessary? A. Yes, as specified in the application requirements.

Q. Do I need to provide all the information requested, even though I have a license in another county?

A. Yes. In order for the local Licensing & Examining Board to review an application, Sarasota County requires all applicants interested in obtaining a Sarasota County Operating Certificate to provide complete and accurate employment and personal information as noted in your particular application process.

Q. How do I verify work experience? A. A licensed contractor, by whom the applicant was employed or is presently employed, a building

official, inspector or other individual from the construction industry must verify work experience.

http://www.fau.edu/ouce/contruc.htm

http://www.kccestimating.com/

http://www.goldcoastschools.com/

http://www.cmate.us/

http://www.checkmateplace.com/

http://www.creditcheckinc.com/

http://www.experian.com/

http://www.equifax.com/

http://www.transunion.com/



Q. Can a customer verify my work experience? A. No. A licensed contractor, by whom the applicant was employed or is presently employed, a

building official or other licensed individual from the construction industry must verify work experience.

Q. May I provide business financial information in addition to personal financial information? A. No. Sarasota County requires only a personal financial statement and a personal credit report.

Q. Where do I get a personal credit report? A. Personal credit reports can be obtained from any local- or national-recognized credit-reporting

agency and must be mailed directly to Sarasota County Planning Development Services or accompany your completed application in an un-opened envelope.

Q. Can a credit report be downloaded from the Internet? A. No. Personal credit reports can only be obtained from local- or national-recognized credit

reporting agencies and mailed directly to Sarasota County Planning Development Services or accompany your application in an un-opened envelope, as outlined in the application requirements.

Q. Must I take both the technical exam and the business & law exam? A. Yes. With the exception of Journeymen and Landscape licenses, all applicants requesting a

Sarasota County Operating Certificate by examination are required to take both a technical examination and two (2)-hour Business & Law examination.

Q. Where can I get examination reference manuals? A. Examination reference materials can be purchased at any construction school and/or bookstore.

Planning & Development Services Business Center does not recommend that you purchase any material to study for your particular exam until your application is approved by the Licensing Board. The construction schools listed in this booklet do not offer the approved test (s) that are required in order to obtain your contractor license. The construction schools listed may offer a preparation class but it is not the approved exam offered by Sarasota County. Prometric now offers applicants practice exams on their website for some trade at:

https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Pages/Practice_Exam_FAQ.aspx Disclaimer: Planning & Development Services Business Center cannot recommend or endorse a particular construction school and/or bookstore. The list is provided in this booklet includes all of the agencies that we are aware of that currently sell examination reference manuals and/or offer preparation classes. It is provided solely as a courtesy to assist you in locating resources. The PDSBC specifically disclaims any responsibility or the quality or cost of services provided by the agencies listed in this booklet.

Q. Do I need to attend the meeting in which my application will be reviewed? A. No, however you may attend if you feel it necessary or if you feel there are questionable issues

on your application.

Q. Where are the meetings held? A. All meetings are held in the Sarasota County BOB Building located at, 1001 Sarasota Center

Blvd, Sarasota, Florida. The Mechanical Board meets at 3 p.m. The General Board meets at 4 p.m. unless there is a public hearing (meetings are advertised on scgov.net)

https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Pages/Practice_Exam_FAQ.aspx



Q. Does my experience have to be within the State of Florida? A. No. As long as you met the experience requirement, it does not matter what State or County you

obtain your experience in.

Q. I have a license in another state can I reciprocate the license to Sarasota County? A. No. If you wish to try to reciprocate your license from another state, you may contact the DBPR

and see is they currently offer reciprocation for the license type you hold.

SECTION J License Definitions & Scope of Work

AS PROVIDED IN FS 489.105

A "certified contractor" means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "C". If you wish to become a State Certified Contractor, contact the DBPR at 850-487-1395.

A "registered contractor" means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "R" and must pay fees to Sarasota County as well as each jurisdiction the contractor wishes to register the license, along with fees to the State that is required to maintain the license number.

A “specialty contractor”, means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by Sarasota County who shall be allowed to contract in Sarasota County. CLASS “A” GENERAL CONTRACTOR means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do, who may contract for any activity requiring licensure under this part, and who may perform any work requiring licensure under this part, except as otherwise expressly provided in s. 489.113. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

CLASS “B” BUILDING CONTRACTOR means a contractor whose services are limited to construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, which do not exceed three stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection therewith or a contractor whose services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building if the services do not affect the structural members of the building. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

CLASS “C” RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR means a contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences not exceeding two habitable stories above no more than one uninhabitable story and accessory use structures in connection therewith. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

MASTER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR means a person who conducts business in the electrical trade field and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, repair, alter, add to, or design, in compliance with law, electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof, which generates, transmits, transforms, or utilizes electrical energy in any form, including the electrical installations and systems within plants and substations, all in

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.105.html


https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp





compliance with applicable plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations. The term means any person, firm, or corporation that engages in the business of electrical contracting under an express or implied contract; or that undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the capacity to undertake, or submits a bid to engage in the business of electrical contracting; or that does itself or by or through others engage in the business of electrical contracting. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

MASTER PLUMBING CONTRACTOR means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the plumbing trade and includes contracting business consisting of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design plumbing. A plumbing contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design the following without obtaining an additional local regulatory license, certificate, or registration: sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, water and sewer plants and substations, venting systems, public or private water supply systems, septic tanks, drainage and supply wells, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems, and solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and related venting, and storm and sanitary sewer lines. The scope of work of the plumbing contractor also includes the design, if not prohibited by law, and installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of air-piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems; fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers if authorized by law; ink and chemical lines; fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants; and pneumatic control piping systems, all in a manner that complies with all plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations applicable. The scope of work of the plumbing contractor applies to private property and public property, including any excavation work incidental thereto, and includes the work of the specialty plumbing contractor. Such contractor shall subcontract, with a qualified contractor in the field concerned, all other work incidental to the work but which is specified as being the work of a trade other than that of a plumbing contractor. This definition does not limit the scope of work of any specialty contractor certified pursuant to s. 489.113(6), and does not require certification or registration under this part of any authorized employee of a public natural gas utility or of a private natural gas utility regulated by the Public Service Commission when disconnecting and reconnecting water lines in the servicing or replacement of an existing water heater. A plumbing contractor may perform drain cleaning and clearing and install or repair rainwater catchment systems; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

CLASS “A’ AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system if such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, and pneumatic control piping; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. The scope of work for such contractor also includes any excavation work incidental thereto, but does not include any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, except for disconnecting or reconnecting changeouts of liquefied petroleum or






natural gas appliances within buildings; potable water lines or connections thereto; sanitary sewer lines; swimming pool piping and filters; or electrical power wiring. A Class A air-conditioning contractor may test and evaluate central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

CLASS “B” AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR means a contractor whose services are limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 Btu of heating in any one system in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system being installed under this classification, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping and insulation of pipes, vessels, and ducts; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. The scope of work for such contractor also includes any excavation work incidental thereto, but does not include any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, except for disconnecting or reconnecting changeouts of liquefied petroleum or natural gas appliances within buildings; potable water lines or connections thereto; sanitary sewer lines; swimming pool piping and filters; or electrical power wiring. A Class B air-conditioning contractor may test and evaluate central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

ROOFING CONTRACTOR means 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. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

COMMERCIAL POOL/SPA CONTRACTOR “A” means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public, private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the installation, repair, or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or






replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

RESIDENTIAL POOL/SPA CONTRACTOR “B” means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of a residential swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the installation, repair, or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

SWIMMING POOL/SPA SERVICING CONTRACTOR “C” means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the repair and servicing of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public or private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the repair or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation or addition of pool heaters, the repair or replacement of all perimeter piping and filter piping, the repair of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and the substantial or complete draining of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, for the purpose of repair or renovation. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

ALUMINUM/CONCRETE CONTRACTOR limited to erection, repair, and alterations of aluminum one (1) story structures, including masonry, floors and foundations as parts thereof, for use as carports, screened areas, Florida rooms, utility rooms, and accessory buildings only; however, this will not include additional stories to buildings under construction, or to existing structures. They may re-roof an all aluminum structure. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

MARINE CONTRACTOR limited to construction or repair of docks, seawalls and their allied components, but excluding electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, which shall be performed by







subcontractors holding the required Operating Certificates. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

MASONRY/CONCRETE CONTRACTOR limited to the construction or repair of concrete footers, slabs and floors, and masonry walls not to exceed one (1) story in height, and shall be responsible for all required reinforcing steel placement and proper filling of masonry block cells or forms as required by this code. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

SIGN – NONELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR limited to the erection, repair, and alteration of out-of-door signs, including ground, wall or roof supported signs, but excluding electrical work which shall be performed by a subcontractor holding the required Operating Certificate. (A certified version of this license can be obtained by going to the DBPR)

STRUCTURAL STEEL ERECTION CONTRACTOR limited to the erection of structural steel shapes and plates, including such minor field fabrication as may be necessary, of any profile, perimeter or cross-section that are or may be used as structural members for buildings and structures, including riveting, welding, and rigging, only in connection therewith. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR limited to the installation, maintenance, alteration, and/or repair, and design, when not prohibited by law, of residential and commercial irrigation systems for turf or landscaped areas by means of above-ground or surface mounted equipment with above or below ground permanently installed piping and controls, in compliance with the Sarasota County Building Code, including connection to a water pump, but excluding installation of required backflow prevention devices, connections to or extensions of potable waterlines, or connections to or extensions of electric lines and service panels, which work shall be performed by contractors holding the required applicable operating certificates. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR limited to the selection, planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, bushes, lawns and other decorative vegetation, ornamental pools, fountains, planters and related walls. Walkways and fencing incidental to the landscaping and retaining walls not more than four feet in height. This scope does not include work on load bearing structural walls or perimeter fencing. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

WALL ERECTION CONTRACTOR limited to the construction, installation, maintenance, or repair of precast concrete, masonry and structurally engineered foam walls, in accordance with all life safety, zoning and building codes. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

DEMOLITION SPECIALTY scope of work is the demolition and removal of structures and foundations, residential and commercial, and incidental grubbing and clearing. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

WINDOW/DOOR INSTALLER scope of work is limited to the installation of exterior doors and windows for existing residential structures three (3) stories or less. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

HURRICANE SHUTTER INSTALLER scope of work is limited to the installation and repair of storm shutters, including both manually and mechanically operated shutters for existing residential structures three (3) stories or less. No electrical work may be performed under this scope. Only






nonstructural adjustments to existing openings may be performed as part of the work. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

GARAGE DOOR INSTALLER scope of work is limited to the installation and repair of replacement garage doors in existing residential structures and the hardware as is necessary to connecting, closing and locking of such doors. (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER is one who is qualified to perform work in the plumbing trade and for the installation of plumbing materials and equipment while employed and supervised by a Sarasota County Licensed Master Plumber Contractor. THEY CANNOT PULL PERMITS (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN is one who is qualified to perform work in the electrical trade and for the installation of electrical materials and equipment while employed and supervised by a Sarasota County Licensed Master Electrical Contractor. THEY CANNOT PULL PERMITS (This license type is Sarasota County “specialty contractor” and considered, “local only”.)

SECTION K

PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LICENSING BOARDS Duties: It shall be the duty and responsibility of said Boards to: 1. Recommend to the Director the various trades within the Construction Industry that will require

a contractor in a particular field to secure a Certificate of Competency by examination, and the type, contents, and grade required to pass said examination.

2. Examine all applications and determine the applicants' qualifications as to their familiarity with the rules, regulations, and technical codes pertaining to that particular trade. Investigate their character, experience, financial responsibility and fitness prior to examination.

3. Recommend the means of examination by: a. State Licensing Board Examinations. b. Contractual Service Examinations. c. Sarasota County Specialty Examinations.

4. Issue Certificates of Competency to all who are entitled to receive same through successful examination, reciprocity or re-examination. Authorize the issuance of Operating Certificates to those holding Certificates of Competency. Reciprocity shall be considered for the following: a. Individuals who passed the Block and Associates examination prior to June 15, 1968,

proctored by a Building Department, with a grade of seventy-five percent (75%) or more. b. Individuals who passed the Block and Associates or Experior examination on or after

June 15, 1968, prepared, proctored and graded by Block and Associates or Experior with a grade of seventy-five percent (75%) or more.

5. Require Experior or local specialty examinations to be given in the various contractor categories. All applicants shall be required to pass the two-hour Business and Law Examination in addition to the three-hour or six-hour Technical Examination. Experior will schedule and administer all examinations and collect all required fees. Related fees to be charged and collected by the Sarasota County Planning & Development Services Business Center shall be set by Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners:



6. Within a five (5) year period, the Boards will consider reinstatement of delinquent or inactive operating certificates by written request therefore, accompanied by a current personal credit report, personal financial statement, and payment of all past due operating certificate fees. Set dates for and conduct public hearings after receipt and investigation of sworn written complaints, which investigation has resulted in a determination of probable cause of a violation of the provisions of this Ordinance in cases involving holders of Sarasota County Certificates of Competency and/or Operating Certificates. Such hearings may be held at any time after fifteen (15) days’ notice by hand-delivery or Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, to the last known address of the respondent setting forth the nature of the complaint and the specific allegations of wrong doing. At the hearing, the Department shall have the initial burden of proving the violation by a preponderance of evidence. The proceedings shall be informal. The respondent may represent himself or may be represented by counsel. Failure of a respondent, who has been duly notified by the hearing, to appear, shall be deemed a default as to the specified violation. After the hearing and weighing of the evidence produced, the Boards may revoke, or suspend the Operating Certificate, impose a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or a combination thereof, or reprimand the offender for incompetency or negligence in conducting work, or for conducting contracting business in violation of this Ordinance, existing building codes of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, dishonest practices in trade, or misrepresentation of any sort, financial irresponsibility, conviction of a felony in the performance of any work regulated by this Ordinance, or for permitting the Operating Certificate to be used by any other person, firm, or corporation for the purpose of obtaining permits or doing work, or obtaining permits for others to perform the work. In addition, for State Registered Contractors, the Boards shall issue a recommendation for no further action, suspension, revocation, or restriction of the registration or a fine to be levied by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, or a combination thereof. The severity of any such disciplinary action shall bear a reasonable relation to the gravity of any such offense. Written minutes and records of a Board's action shall be distributed and stored in the office of the Building Official. Every decision of the Boards shall be final, subject however, to such remedy as any aggrieved party might have at law or equity. Within thirty (30) days after rendition of a decision by the Boards, the respondent or Sarasota County has the right to apply to the Circuit Court for judicial relief from the decision by filing a Petition for Writ of Certiorari which shall be governed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. Following the same hearing procedures set forth in Section 7.D.7., above, the Boards may suspend or revoke permitting privileges of State Certified Contractors for: committing fraud; committing a willful building code violation; having been found guilty in another county or municipality within the last twelve (12) months of fraud or a willful building code violation if such fraud or violation would have been a violation if committed in Sarasota County; or failing or refusing to provide proof of public liability and property damage insurance coverage as required by Section 489.115(5), Florida Statutes, and workers' compensation insurance coverage as required by Section 489.114, Florida Statutes. Within thirty (30) days after rendition of a decision by the Boards, the respondent or Sarasota County has the right to apply to the Circuit Court for judicial relief from the decision by filing a petition for Writ of Certiorari which shall be governed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. To review the various building codes and recommend alterations thereof to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration and adoption.

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