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2020 Florida Statutes
Chapter 489
CONTRACTING
CONTRACTING
CHAPTER 489
CONTRACTING
PART I
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING(ss. 489.101-489.146)
PART II
ELECTRICAL AND ALARM SYSTEM CONTRACTING(ss. 489.501-489.538)
PART III
SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTING(ss. 489.551-489.558)
PART I
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING489.101 Purpose.
489.103 Exemptions.
489.105 Definitions.
489.107 Construction Industry Licensing Board.
489.108 Rulemaking authority.
489.109 Fees.
489.111 Licensure by examination.
489.113 Qualifications for practice; restrictions.
489.1131 Credit for relevant military training and education.
489.1136 Medical gas certification.
489.114 Evidence of workers’ compensation coverage.
489.115 Certification and registration; endorsement; reciprocity; renewals; continuing education.
489.116 Inactive and delinquent status; renewal and cancellation notices.
489.117 Registration; specialty contractors.
489.118 Certification of registered contractors; grandfathering provisions.
489.119 Business organizations; qualifying agents.
489.1195 Responsibilities.
489.121 Emergency registration upon death of contractor.
489.124 Business records requirements; address of record; service.
489.125 Prequalification of certificateholders.
489.126 Moneys received by contractors.
489.127 Prohibitions; penalties.
489.128 Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable.
489.129 Disciplinary proceedings.
489.13 Unlicensed contracting; notice of noncompliance; fine; authority to issue or receive a building permit; web page.
489.131 Applicability.
489.132 Prohibited acts by unlicensed principals; investigation; hearing; penalties.
489.133 Pollutant storage systems specialty contractors; definitions; certification; restrictions.
489.134 Authority of licensed job scope.
489.140 Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund.
489.1401 Legislative intent.
489.1402 Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund; definitions.
489.141 Conditions for recovery; eligibility.
489.142 Board powers relating to recovery; conduct of hearings and service.
489.1425 Duty of contractor to notify residential property owner of recovery fund.
489.143 Payment from the fund.
489.144 Investment of the fund.
489.145 Guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contracting.
489.1455 Journeyman; reciprocity; standards.
489.146 Privatization of services.
489.101 Purpose.—The Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare to regulate the construction industry.
History.—ss. 1, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 1, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 20, ch. 2000-332.
489.103 Exemptions.—This part does not apply to:
(1) Contractors in work on bridges, roads, streets, highways, or railroads, and services incidental thereto. The board, in agreement with the Department of Transportation, shall, by rule, define “services incidental thereto” for the purposes of this subsection only.
(2) Any employee of a certificateholder or registrant who is acting within the scope of the license held by that certificateholder or registrant and with the knowledge and permission of the licenseholder. However:
(a) If the employer is not a certificateholder or registrant in that type of contracting, and the employee performs any of the following, the employee is not exempt:
1. Holds himself or herself or his or her employer out to be licensed or qualified by a licensee;
2. Leads the consumer to believe that the employee has an ownership or management interest in the company; or
3. Performs any of the acts which constitute contracting.
(b) The legislative intent of this subsection is to place equal responsibility on the unlicensed business and its employees for the protection of the consumers in contracting transactions.
For the purpose of this part, “employee” is defined as a person who receives compensation from and is under the supervision and control of an employer who regularly deducts the F.I.C.A. and withholding tax and provides workers’ compensation, all as prescribed by law.
(3) An authorized employee of the United States, this state, or any municipality, county, irrigation district, reclamation district, or any other municipal or political subdivision, except school boards, state university boards of trustees, and community college boards of trustees, unless for the purpose of performing routine maintenance or repair or construction not exceeding $200,000 to existing installations, if the employee does not hold himself or herself out for hire or otherwise engage in contracting except in accordance with his or her employment. If the construction, remodeling, or improvement exceeds $200,000, school boards, state university boards of trustees, and community college boards of trustees shall not divide the project into separate components for the purpose of evading this section.
(4) An officer appointed by a court when he or she is acting within the scope of his or her office as defined by law or court order. When construction projects which were not underway at the time of appointment of the officer are undertaken, the officer shall employ or contract with a licensee.
(5) Public utilities, including municipal gas utilities and special gas districts as defined in chapter 189, telecommunications companies as defined in s. 364.02(13), and natural gas transmission companies as defined in s. 368.103(4), on construction, maintenance, and development work performed by their employees.
(6) The sale or installation of any finished products, materials, or articles of merchandise that are not fabricated into and do not become a permanent fixed part of the structure, such as awnings. However, this subsection does not exempt in-ground spas and swimming pools that involve excavation, plumbing, chemicals, or wiring of any appliance without a factory-installed electrical cord and plug. This subsection does not limit the exemptions provided in subsection (7).
(7)(a) Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors:
1. When building or improving farm outbuildings or one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease, or building or improving commercial buildings, at a cost not to exceed $75,000, on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease. In an action brought under this part, proof of the sale or lease, or offering for sale or lease, of any such structure by the owner-builder within 1 year after completion of same creates a presumption that the construction was undertaken for purposes of sale or lease.
2. When repairing or replacing wood shakes or asphalt or fiberglass shingles on one-family, two-family, or three-family residences for the occupancy or use of such owner or tenant of the owner and not offered for sale within 1 year after completion of the work and when the property has been damaged by natural causes from an event recognized as an emergency situation designated by executive order issued by the Governor declaring the existence of a state of emergency as a result and consequence of a serious threat posed to the public health, safety, and property in this state.
3. When installing, uninstalling, or replacing solar panels on one-family, two-family, or three-family residences, and the local permitting agency’s county or municipal government is participating in a “United States Department of Energy SunShot Initiative: Rooftop Solar Challenge” grant. However, an owner must utilize a licensed electrical contractor to effectuate the wiring of the solar panels, including any interconnection to the customer’s residential electrical wiring. The limitations of this exemption shall be expressly stated in the building permit approved and issued by the permitting agency for such project.
4. When completing the requirements of a building permit, where the contractor listed on the permit substantially completed the project as determined by the local permitting agency, for a one-family or two-family residence, townhome, or an accessory structure of a one-family or two-family residence or townhome or an individual residential condominium unit or cooperative unit. Prior to qualifying for the exemption, the owner must receive approval from the local permitting agency, and the local permitting agency must determine that the contractor listed on the permit substantially completed the project. An owner who qualifies for the exemption under this subparagraph is not required to occupy the dwelling or unit for at least 1 year after the completion of the project.
(b) This subsection does not exempt any person who is employed by or has a contract with such owner and who acts in the capacity of a contractor. The owner may not delegate the owner’s responsibility to directly supervise all work to any other person unless that person is registered or certified under this part and the work being performed is within the scope of that person’s license. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “owners of property” includes the owner of a mobile home situated on a leased lot.
(c) To qualify for exemption under this subsection, an owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application and must satisfy local permitting agency requirements, if any, proving that the owner has a complete understanding of the owner’s obligations under the law as specified in the disclosure statement in this section. However, for purposes of implementing a “United States Department of Energy SunShot Initiative: Rooftop Solar Challenge” grant and the participation of county and municipal governments, including local permitting agencies under the jurisdiction of such county and municipal governments, an owner’s notarized signature or personal appearance to sign the permit application is not required for a solar project, as described in subparagraph (a)3., if the building permit application is submitted electronically to the permitting agency and the owner certifies the application and disclosure statement using the permitting agency’s electronic confirmation system. If any person violates the requirements of this subsection, the local permitting agency shall withhold final approval, revoke the permit, or pursue any action or remedy for unlicensed activity against the owner and any person performing work that requires licensure under the permit issued. The local permitting agency shall provide the person with a disclosure statement in substantially the following form:
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
1. I understand that state law requires construction to be done by a licensed contractor and have applied for an owner-builder permit under an exemption from the law. The exemption specifies that I, as the owner of the property listed, may act as my own contractor with certain restrictions even though I do not have a license.
2. I understand that building permits are not required to be signed by a property owner unless he or she is responsible for the construction and is not hiring a licensed contractor to assume responsibility.
3. I understand that, as an owner-builder, I am the responsible party of record on a permit. I understand that I may protect myself from potential financial risk by hiring a licensed contractor and having the permit filed in his or her name instead of my own name. I also understand that a contractor is required by law to be licensed in Florida and to list his or her license numbers on permits and contracts.
4. I understand that I may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence or a farm outbuilding. I may also build or improve a commercial building if the costs do not exceed $75,000. The building or residence must be for my own use or occupancy. It may not be built or substantially improved for sale or lease, unless I am completing the requirements of a building permit where the contractor listed on the permit substantially completed the project. If a building or residence that I have built or substantially improved myself is sold or leased within 1 year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that I built or substantially improved it for sale or lease, which violates the exemption.
5. I understand that, as the owner-builder, I must provide direct, onsite supervision of the construction.
6. I understand that I may not hire an unlicensed person to act as my contractor or to supervise persons working on my building or residence. It is my responsibility to ensure that the persons whom I employ have the licenses required by law and by county or municipal ordinance.
7. I understand that it is a frequent practice of unlicensed persons to have the property owner obtain an owner-builder permit that erroneously implies that the property owner is providing his or her own labor and materials. I, as an owner-builder, may be held liable and subjected to serious financial risk for any injuries sustained by an unlicensed person or his or her employees while working on my property. My homeowner’s insurance may not provide coverage for those injuries. I am willfully acting as an owner-builder and am aware of the limits of my insurance coverage for injuries to workers on my property.
8. I understand that I may not delegate the responsibility for supervising work to a licensed contractor who is not licensed to perform the work being done. Any person working on my building who is not licensed must work under my direct supervision and must be employed by me, which means that I must comply with laws requiring the withholding of federal income tax and social security contributions under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and must provide workers’ compensation for the employee. I understand that my failure to follow these laws may subject me to serious financial risk.
9. I agree that, as the party legally and financially responsible for this proposed construction activity, I will abide by all applicable laws and requirements that govern owner-builders as well as employers. I also understand that the construction must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.
10. I understand that I may obtain more information regarding my obligations as an employer from the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Small Business Administration, the Florida Department of Financial Services, and the Florida Department of Revenue. I also understand that I may contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board at (telephone number) or (Internet website address) for more information about licensed contractors.
11. I am aware of, and consent to, an owner-builder building permit applied for in my name and understand that I am the party legally and financially responsible for the proposed construction activity at the following address: (address of property) .
12. I agree to notify (issuer of disclosure statements) immediately of any additions, deletions, or changes to any of the information that I have provided on this disclosure.
Licensed contractors are regulated by laws designed to protect the public. If you contract with a person who does not have a license, the Construction Industry Licensing Board and Department of Business and Professional Regulation may be unable to assist you with any financial loss that you sustain as a result of a complaint. Your only remedy against an unlicensed contractor may be in civil court. It is also important for you to understand that, if an unlicensed contractor or employee of an individual or firm is injured while working on your property, you may be held liable for damages. If you obtain an owner-builder permit and wish to hire a licensed contractor, you will be responsible for verifying whether the contractor is properly licensed and the status of the contractor’s workers’ compensation coverage.
Before a building permit can be issued, this disclosure statement must be completed and signed by the property owner and returned to the local permitting agency responsible for issuing the permit. A copy of the property owner’s driver license, the notarized signature of the property owner, or other type of verification acceptable to the local permitting agency is required when the permit is issued.
Signature: (signature of property owner) .
Date: (date) .
(d) A building permit application and disclosure statement electronically submitted by an owner to the authority for a solar project, as described in subparagraph (a)3., must also contain the following additional statement:
OWNER’S ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION STATEMENT: Under penalty of perjury, I declare that all the information contained in this building permit application and the representations made in the required disclosure statement are true and correct.
(e) A permitting authority that accepts a building permit application and disclosure statement in an electronic format from an owner who is exempt pursuant to this subsection and who applies for a permit relating to a solar project, as described in subparagraph (a)3., is not liable in any civil action for inaccurate information submitted by the owner using the authority’s electronic confirmation system.
(8) Any construction, alteration, improvement, or repair carried on within the limits of any site the title to which is in the United States or with respect to which federal law supersedes this part.
(9) Any work or operation of a casual, minor, or inconsequential nature in which the aggregate contract price for labor, materials, and all other items is less than $2,500, but this exemption does not apply:
(a) If the construction, repair, remodeling, or improvement is a part of a larger or major operation, whether undertaken by the same or a different contractor, or in which a division of the operation is made in contracts of amounts less than $2,500 for the purpose of evading this part or otherwise.
(b) To a person who advertises that he or she is a contractor or otherwise represents that he or she is qualified to engage in contracting.
(10)(a) Any construction or operation incidental to the construction or repair of irrigation and drainage ditches;
(b) Regularly constituted irrigation districts or reclamation districts; or
(c) Clearing or other work on the land in rural districts for fire prevention purposes or otherwise except when performed by a licensee.
(11) A registered architect or engineer acting within the scope of his or her practice or any person exempted by the law regulating architects and engineers, including persons doing design work as specified in s. 481.229(1)(b); provided, however, that an architect or engineer shall not act as a contractor unless properly licensed under this chapter.
(12) Any person who only furnishes materials or supplies without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of, the work of the contractor.
(13) Any person who is licensed pursuant to chapter 527 when such person is performing the work authorized by such license.
(14) Any person who sells, services, or installs heating or air-conditioning units which have a capacity no greater than 3 tons or 36,000 Btu, which have no ducts, and which have a factory-installed electrical cord and plug.
(15) The installation and maintenance of water conditioning units for domestic, commercial, or industrial purposes by operators of water conditioning services. No municipality or county may adopt an ordinance, rule, or regulation which requires such an operator to become licensed, certified, or registered as a plumber or which otherwise prevents the installation and maintenance of such water conditioning units by an operator.
(16) An architect or landscape architect licensed pursuant to chapter 481 or an engineer licensed pursuant to chapter 471 who offers or renders design-build services which may require the services of a contractor certified or registered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, as long as the contractor services to be performed under the terms of the design-build contract are offered and rendered by a certified or registered general contractor in accordance with this chapter.
(17) Contracting for repair, maintenance, remodeling, or improvement by any person licensed under part I of chapter 475 while acting as the owner’s agent pursuant to that license, where all work requiring a contractor is performed by a contractor who has a current, valid certificate or registration issued under this part to perform such work, and where the aggregate contract for labor, materials, and all other items is less than $5,000; however, this exemption does not apply:
(a) If the maintenance, repair, remodeling, or improvement is a part of a larger or major operation, whether undertaken by the same or a different contractor, or in which a division of the operation is made in contracts of amounts less than $5,000 for the purpose of evading this part or otherwise.
(b) To a person who advertises that he or she is qualified to engage in contracting.
(18) Any one-family, two-family, or three-family residence constructed or rehabilitated by Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., or its local affiliates. Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., or its local affiliates, must:
(a) Obtain all necessary building permits.
(b) Obtain all required building code inspections.
(c) Provide for supervision of all work by an individual with construction experience.
(19) A disaster recovery mitigation organization or a not-for-profit organization repairing or replacing a one-family, two-family, or three-family residence that has been impacted by a disaster when such organization:
(a) Is using volunteer labor to assist the owner of such residence in mitigating unsafe living conditions at the residence;
(b) Is not holding itself out to be a contractor;
(c) Obtains all required building permits;
(d) Obtains all required building code inspections; and
(e) Provides for the supervision of all work by an individual with construction experience.
(20) The sale, delivery, assembly, or tie-down of prefabricated portable sheds that are not more than 250 square feet in interior size and are not intended for use as a residence or as living quarters. This exemption may not be construed to interfere with the Florida Building Code or any applicable local technical amendment to the Florida Building Code, local licensure requirements, or other local ordinance provisions.
(21) The sale, delivery, assembly, or tie-down of lawn storage buildings and storage buildings not exceeding 400 square feet and bearing the insignia of approval from the department showing compliance with the Florida Building Code.
(22) A person licensed pursuant to s. 633.304(1)(d) or (3)(b) performing work authorized by such license.
(23) An employee of an apartment community or apartment community management company who makes minor repairs to existing electric water heaters or to existing electric heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems if:
(a) The employee:
1. Does not hold himself or herself or his or her employer out to be licensed or qualified by a licensee.
2. Does not perform any acts, other than acts authorized by this subsection, that constitute contracting.
3. Receives compensation from and is under the supervision and control of an employer who deducts the FICA and withholding tax and who provides workers’ compensation, as prescribed by law.
4. Holds a current certificate for apartment maintenance technicians issued by the National Apartment Association and accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Requirements for obtaining such certificate must include at least:
a. One year of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience.
b. Successful completion of at least 90 hours of courses or online content that covers electrical maintenance and repair; plumbing maintenance and repair; heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning system maintenance and repair; appliance maintenance and repair; and interior and exterior maintenance and repair.
c. Completion of all examination requirements.
(b) The equipment:
1. Is already installed on the property owned by the apartment community or managed by the apartment community management company.
2. Is not being modified except to replace components necessary to return the equipment to its original condition and the partial disassembly associated with the replacement.
3. Is a type of equipment commonly installed in similar locations.
4. Is repaired with new parts that are functionally identical to the parts being replaced.
(c) An individual repair does not involve replacement parts that cost more than $1,000. An individual repair may not be so extensive as to be a functional replacement of the electric water heater or the existing electric heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning system being repaired. For purposes of this paragraph, an individual repair may not be part of a larger or major project that is divided into parts to avoid this restriction.
(d) The property owned by the apartment community or managed by the apartment community management company includes at least 100 apartments.
This subsection does not limit the authority of a municipality or county to adopt or enforce an ordinance, rule, or regulation requiring licensure, certification, or registration of a person employed as an apartment maintenance technician or apartment repair worker or in any position that includes any part of the scope of work described in this subsection.
History.—ss. 11, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 1, ch. 84-160; s. 1, ch. 87-235; ss. 2, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 3, ch. 89-115; s. 69, ch. 89-162; s. 1, ch. 89-343; s. 29, ch. 89-374; s. 38, ch. 90-228; ss. 34, 68, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 7, ch. 92-55; s. 1, ch. 93-154; s. 1, ch. 93-166; s. 255, ch. 94-119; s. 4, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 1125, ch. 97-103; s. 39, ch. 98-250; s. 19, ch. 98-287; s. 22, ch. 98-419; s. 39, ch. 2000-141; s. 34, ch. 2000-154; s. 30, ch. 2000-372; s. 34, ch. 2001-186; s. 3, ch. 2001-372; s. 26, ch. 2003-32; s. 5, ch. 2005-30; s. 26, ch. 2005-132; s. 43, ch. 2005-147; s. 1, ch. 2006-283; s. 56, ch. 2007-217; s. 25, ch. 2009-195; s. 26, ch. 2010-176; s. 61, ch. 2011-36; s. 37, ch. 2011-64; s. 404, ch. 2011-142; s. 13, ch. 2011-222; s. 8, ch. 2012-13; s. 143, ch. 2013-183; s. 2, ch. 2016-129; s. 2, ch. 2017-149; s. 3, ch. 2019-75; s. 63, ch. 2020-160.
489.105 Definitions.—As used in this part:
(1) “Board” means the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(3) “Contractor” means the person who is qualified for, and is only responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others; and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the paragraphs of this subsection. For the purposes of regulation under this part, the term “demolish” applies only to demolition of steel tanks more than 50 feet in height; towers more than 50 feet in height; other structures more than 50 feet in height; and all buildings or residences. Contractors are subdivided into two divisions, Division I, consisting of those contractors defined in paragraphs (a)-(c), and Division II, consisting of those contractors defined in paragraphs (d)-(q):
(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.
(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.
(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.
(d) “Sheet metal contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill necessary for the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design, if not prohibited by law, of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge and of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass, used in lieu thereof and of air-handling systems, including the setting of air-handling equipment and reinforcement of same, the balancing of air-handling systems, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system.
(e) “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.
(f) “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.
(g) “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.
(h) “Class C air-conditioning contractor” means a contractor whose business is limited to the servicing of air-conditioning, heating, or refrigeration systems, including any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system, and whose certification or registration, issued pursuant to this part, was valid on October 1, 1988. Only a person who was registered or certified as a Class C air-conditioning contractor as of October 1, 1988, shall be so registered or certified after October 1, 1988. However, the board shall continue to license and regulate those Class C air-conditioning contractors who held Class C licenses before October 1, 1988.
(i) “Mechanical 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, lift station equipment and piping, 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, pneumatic control piping, gasoline tanks and pump installations and piping for same, standpipes, air piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen lines, nitrous oxide piping, ink and chemical lines, fuel transmission lines, liquefied petroleum gas lines within buildings, and natural gas fuel lines within buildings; 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 potable water lines or connections thereto, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring. A mechanical 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.
(j) “Commercial pool/spa contractor” 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.
(k) “Residential pool/spa contractor” 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.
(l) “Swimming pool/spa servicing contractor” 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.
(m) “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 as a category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer, or category V LP gas installer, as defined in s. 527.01, who is licensed under chapter 527 or an 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.
(n) “Underground utility and excavation contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to the construction, installation, and repair, on public or private property, whether accomplished through open excavations or through other means, including, but not limited to, directional drilling, auger boring, jacking and boring, trenchless technologies, wet and dry taps, grouting, and slip lining, of main sanitary sewer collection systems, main water distribution systems, storm sewer collection systems, and the continuation of utility lines from the main systems to a point of termination up to and including the meter location for the individual occupancy, sewer collection systems at property line on residential or single-occupancy commercial properties, or on multioccupancy properties at manhole or wye lateral extended to an invert elevation as engineered to accommodate future building sewers, water distribution systems, or storm sewer collection systems at storm sewer structures. However, an underground utility and excavation contractor may install empty underground conduits in rights-of-way, easements, platted rights-of-way in new site development, and sleeves for parking lot crossings no smaller than 2 inches in diameter if each conduit system installed is designed by a licensed professional engineer or an authorized employee of a municipality, county, or public utility and the installation of such conduit does not include installation of any conductor wiring or connection to an energized electrical system. An underground utility and excavation contractor may not install piping that is an integral part of a fire protection system as defined in s. 633.102 beginning at the point where the piping is used exclusively for such system.
(o) “Solar contractor” means 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 therewith, whether public, private, or otherwise, regardless of use. A contractor, certified or registered pursuant to this chapter, is not required to become a certified or registered solar contractor or to contract with a solar contractor in order to provide services enumerated in this paragraph that are within the scope of the services such contractors may render under this part.
(p) “Pollutant storage systems contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to, 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, pollutant storage tanks. Any person installing a pollutant storage tank shall perform such installation in accordance with the standards adopted pursuant to s. 376.303.
(q) “Specialty contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is limited to a particular phase of construction established in a category adopted by board rule and whose scope is limited to a subset of the activities described in one of the paragraphs of this subsection.
(4) “Primary qualifying agent” means a person who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility, to supervise, direct, manage, and control the contracting activities of the business organization with which he or she is connected; who has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control construction activities on a job for which he or she has obtained the building permit; and whose technical and personal qualifications have been determined by investigation and examination as provided in this part, as attested by the department.
(5) “Secondary qualifying agent” means a person who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control construction activities on a job for which he or she has obtained a permit, and whose technical and personal qualifications have been determined by investigation and examination as provided in this part, as attested by the department.
(6) “Contracting” means, except as exempted in this part, engaging in business as a contractor and includes, but is not limited to, performance of any of the acts as set forth in subsection (3) which define types of contractors. The attempted sale of contracting services and the negotiation or bid for a contract on these services also constitutes contracting. If the services offered require licensure or agent qualification, the offering, negotiation for a bid, or attempted sale of these services requires the corresponding licensure. However, the term “contracting” shall not extend to an individual, partnership, corporation, trust, or other legal entity that offers to sell or sells completed residences on property on which the individual or business entity has any legal or equitable interest, or to the individual or business entity that offers to sell or sells manufactured or factory-built buildings that will be completed on site on property on which either party to a contract has any legal or equitable interest, if the services of a qualified contractor certified or registered pursuant to the requirements of this chapter have been or will be retained for the purpose of constructing or completing such residences.
(7) “Certificate” means a certificate of competency issued by the department as provided in this part.
(8) “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.
(9) “Registration” means registration with the department as provided in this part.
(10) “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.
(11) “Certification” means the act of obtaining or holding a certificate of competency from the department as provided in this part.
(12) “Local construction regulation board” means a board, composed of not fewer than three residents of a county or municipality, which the governing body of that county or municipality may create and appoint to maintain the proper standard of construction of that county or municipality.
(13) “Business organization” means any partnership, corporation, business trust, joint venture, or other legal entity which engages or offers to engage in the business of contracting or acts as a contractor as defined in this section.
(14) “Financially responsible officer” means a person other than the primary qualifying agent who with the approval of the board assumes personal responsibility for all financial aspects of the business organization.
(15) “Structural component” means any vertical or horizontal load-bearing member of a structure which supports dead or live loads in addition to its own weight and includes, but is not limited to, a foundation, an exterior or interior load-bearing wall, a column, a column beam, a floor, and a roof structure.
(16) “Arbitration” means a process whereby a neutral third person or panel, called an arbitrator or arbitration panel, considers the facts and arguments presented by the parties and renders a decision which is binding on the parties.
(17) “Pollutant storage tank” means a tank, together with associated piping or dispensing facilities, which is or could be used for the storage or supply of pollutants as defined in s. 376.301 and which is required to be registered under chapter 17-761, Florida Administrative Code.
(18) “Tank” means any container other than one which is aboveground and either elevated or situated upon an impermeable surface, or which is located in an accessible underground area and either elevated or situated upon an impermeable surface therein, in such manner that any leak in such container may be readily detected.
(19) “Initial issuance” means the first time a certificate or registration is granted to an individual or business organization, including the first time an individual becomes a qualifying agent for that business organization and the first time a business organization is qualified by that individual.
History.—ss. 2, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 1, 3, ch. 80-85; s. 367, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 28, 49, ch. 82-179; s. 1, ch. 83-140; s. 5, ch. 83-160; s. 1, ch. 85-290; ss. 27, 31, ch. 86-159; s. 6, ch. 87-374; ss. 3, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 2, ch. 89-343; s. 30, ch. 89-374; ss. 33, 34, ch. 90-228; ss. 35, 66, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 1, ch. 92-55; s. 10, ch. 92-115; s. 57, ch. 92-149; s. 4, ch. 93-154; s. 2, ch. 93-166; s. 256, ch. 94-119; s. 184, ch. 94-218; s. 1, ch. 96-365; s. 1126, ch. 97-103; s. 8, ch. 98-170; ss. 23, 59, ch. 98-419; s. 33, ch. 2000-372; s. 6, ch. 2005-30; s. 4, ch. 2008-191; s. 30, ch. 2008-240; s. 26, ch. 2009-195; s. 14, ch. 2011-222; s. 9, ch. 2012-13; s. 15, ch. 2012-72; s. 144, ch. 2013-183; s. 3, ch. 2016-129; s. 57, ch. 2018-84.
489.107 Construction Industry Licensing Board.—
(1) To carry out the provisions of this part, there is created within the department the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Members shall be appointed for 4-year terms. A vacancy on the board shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as the original appointment. No member shall serve more than two consecutive 4-year terms or more than 11 years on the board.
(2) The board shall consist of 18 members, of whom:
(a) Four are primarily engaged in business as general contractors;
(b) Three are primarily engaged in business as building contractors or residential contractors, however, at least one building contractor and one residential contractor shall be appointed;
(c) One is primarily engaged in business as a roofing contractor;
(d) One is primarily engaged in business as a sheet metal contractor;
(e) One is primarily engaged in business as an air-conditioning contractor;
(f) One is primarily engaged in business as a mechanical contractor;
(g) One is primarily engaged in business as a pool contractor;
(h) One is primarily engaged in business as a plumbing contractor;
(i) One is primarily engaged in business as an underground utility and excavation contractor;
(j) Two are consumer members who are not, and have never been, members or practitioners of a profession regulated by the board or members of any closely related profession; and
(k) Two are building officials of a municipality or county.
(3) To be eligible to serve, each contractor member must have been certified by the board to operate as a contractor in the category with respect to which the member is appointed, be actively engaged in the construction business, and have been so engaged for a period of not less than 5 consecutive years before the date of appointment. Each appointee must be a citizen and resident of the state.
(4) The board shall be divided into two divisions, Division I and Division II.
(a) Division I is comprised of the general contractor, building contractor, and residential contractor members of the board; one of the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (2)(j); and one of the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (2)(k). Division I has jurisdiction over the regulation of general contractors, building contractors, and residential contractors.
(b) Division II is comprised of the roofing contractor, sheet metal contractor, air-conditioning contractor, mechanical contractor, pool contractor, plumbing contractor, and underground utility and excavation contractor members of the board; one of the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (2)(j); and one of the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (2)(k). Division II has jurisdiction over the regulation of contractors defined in s. 489.105(3)(d)-(p).
(c) Jurisdiction for the regulation of specialty contractors defined in s. 489.105(3)(q) shall lie with the division having jurisdiction over the scope of work of the specialty contractor as defined by board rule.
(5) Five members of Division I constitute a quorum, and five members of Division II constitute a quorum. The combined divisions shall meet together at such times as the board deems necessary, but neither division, nor any committee thereof, shall take action on any matter under the jurisdiction of the other division. However, if either division is unable to obtain a quorum for the purpose of conducting disciplinary proceedings, it may request members of the other division, who are otherwise qualified to serve on the division unable to obtain a quorum, to join in its deliberations. Such additional members shall vote and count toward a quorum only during those disciplinary proceedings.
(6) The Construction Industry Licensing Board and the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board shall each appoint a committee to meet jointly at least twice a year.
History.—ss. 3, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 80-85; s. 368, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 1, ch. 84-322; ss. 4, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 11, ch. 89-162; s. 36, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 157, ch. 92-149; s. 5, ch. 93-154; s. 3, ch. 93-166; s. 257, ch. 94-119; s. 185, ch. 94-218; s. 24, ch. 98-419; s. 15, ch. 2011-222; s. 16, ch. 2012-72.
489.108 Rulemaking authority.—The board has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter conferring duties upon it.
History.—s. 2, ch. 87-235; s. 21, ch. 88-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 160, ch. 98-200.
489.109 Fees.—
(1) The board, by rule, shall establish reasonable fees to be paid for applications, certification and renewal, registration and renewal, and recordmaking and recordkeeping. The fees shall be established as follows:
(a) With respect to an applicant for a certificate, the initial application fee may not exceed $150, and, if an examination cost is included in the application fee, the combined amount may not exceed $350. The initial certification fee and the renewal fee may not exceed $250. However, any applicant who seeks certification under this part by taking a practical examination must pay as an examination fee the actual cost incurred by the department in developing, preparing, administering, scoring, score reporting, and evaluating the examination, if the examination is conducted by the department.
(b) With respect to an applicant for registration, the initial application fee may not exceed $100, and the initial registration fee and the renewal fee may not exceed $200.
(c) The board, by rule, may establish delinquency fees, not to exceed the applicable renewal fee for renewal applications made after the expiration date of the certificate or registration.
(d) With respect to an application for registration or certification to qualify a business organization, the initial application fee and the renewal fee shall be $50.
(e) The board, by rule, shall impose a renewal fee for an inactive status certificate or registration, not to exceed the renewal fee for an active status certificate or registration. Neither the inactive certification fee nor the inactive registration fee may exceed $50. The board, by rule, may provide for a different fee for inactive status where such status is sought by a building code administrator, plans examiner, or inspector certified pursuant to part XII of chapter 468 who is employed by a local government and is not allowed by the terms of such employment to maintain a certificate on active status issued pursuant to this part.
(f) The board, by rule, shall impose an additional late fee on a delinquent status certificateholder or registrant when such certificateholder or registrant applies for active or inactive status.
(g) The board, by rule, shall impose an additional fee, not to exceed the applicable renewal fee, which reasonably reflects the costs of processing a certificateholder’s or registrant’s request to change licensure status at any time other than at the beginning of a licensure cycle.
(2) The board shall establish fees that are adequate to ensure the continued operation of the board. Fees shall be based on department estimates of the revenue required to implement this part and the provisions of law with respect to the regulation of the construction industry.
(3) In addition to the fees provided in subsection (1) for application and renewal for certification and registration, all certificateholders and registrants must pay a fee of $4 to the department at the time of application or renewal. The funds must be transferred at the end of each licensing period to the department to fund projects relating to the building construction industry or continuing education programs offered to persons engaged in the building construction industry in Florida, to be selected by the Florida Building Commission. The board shall, at the time the funds are transferred, advise the department on the most needed areas of research or continuing education based on significant changes in the industry’s practices or on changes in the state building code or on the most common types of consumer complaints or on problems costing the state or local governmental entities substantial waste. The board’s advice is not binding on the department. The department shall ensure the distribution of research reports and the availability of continuing education programs to all segments of the building construction industry to which they relate. The department shall report to the board in October of each year, summarizing the allocation of the funds by institution and summarizing the new projects funded and the status of previously funded projects.
History.—ss. 4, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 5, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 35, ch. 88-205; s. 1, ch. 89-5; s. 62, ch. 89-162; s. 31, ch. 89-374; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 58, ch. 92-149; s. 7, ch. 93-166; s. 258, ch. 94-119; s. 4, ch. 97-228; s. 12, ch. 99-254; s. 40, ch. 2000-141; s. 27, ch. 2009-195; s. 405, ch. 2011-142.
489.111 Licensure by examination.—
(1) Any person who desires to be certified shall apply to the department in writing.
(2) A person shall be eligible for licensure by examination if the person:
(a) Is 18 years of age;
(b) Is of good moral character; and
(c) Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:
1. Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college in the appropriate field of engineering, architecture, or building construction and has 1 year of proven experience in the category in which the person seeks to qualify. For the purpose of this part, a minimum of 2,000 person-hours shall be used in determining full-time equivalency. An applicant who is exempt from passing an examination under s. 489.113(1) is eligible for a license under this section.
2. Has a total of at least 4 years of active experience as a worker who has learned the trade by serving an apprenticeship as a skilled worker who is able to command the rate of a mechanic in the particular trade or as a foreman who is in charge of a group of workers and usually is responsible to a superintendent or a contractor or his or her equivalent; provided, however, that at least 1 year of active experience shall be as a foreman.
3. Has a combination of not less than 1 year of experience as a foreman and not less than 3 years of credits for any accredited college-level courses; has a combination of not less than 1 year of experience as a skilled worker, 1 year of experience as a foreman, and not less than 2 years of credits for any accredited college-level courses; or has a combination of not less than 2 years of experience as a skilled worker, 1 year of experience as a foreman, and not less than 1 year of credits for any accredited college-level courses. All junior college or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses.
4.a. An active certified residential contractor is eligible to receive a certified building contractor license after passing or having previously passed the building contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 3 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
b. An active certified residential contractor is eligible to receive a certified general contractor license after passing or having previously passed the general contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 4 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
c. An active certified building contractor is eligible to receive a certified general contractor license after passing or having previously passed the general contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 4 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
5.a. An active certified air-conditioning Class C contractor is eligible to receive a certified air-conditioning Class B contractor license after passing or having previously passed the air-conditioning Class B contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 3 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
b. An active certified air-conditioning Class C contractor is eligible to receive a certified air-conditioning Class A contractor license after passing or having previously passed the air-conditioning Class A contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 4 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
c. An active certified air-conditioning Class B contractor is eligible to receive a certified air-conditioning Class A contractor license after passing or having previously passed the air-conditioning Class A contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 1 year of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
6.a. An active certified swimming pool servicing contractor is eligible to receive a certified residential swimming pool contractor license after passing or having previously passed the residential swimming pool contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 3 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
b. An active certified swimming pool servicing contractor is eligible to receive a certified commercial swimming pool contractor license after passing or having previously passed the swimming pool commercial contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 4 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
c. An active certified residential swimming pool contractor is eligible to receive a certified commercial swimming pool contractor license after passing or having previously passed the commercial swimming pool contractors’ examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 1 year of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.
d. An applicant is eligible to receive a certified swimming pool/spa servicing contractor license after passing or having previously passed the swimming pool/spa servicing contractors’ examination if he or she has satisfactorily completed 60 hours of instruction in courses related to the scope of work covered by that license and approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board by rule and has at least 1 year of proven experience related to the scope of work of such a contractor.
(3)(a) The board may refuse to certify an applicant for failure to satisfy the requirement of good moral character only if:
1. There is a substantial connection between the lack of good moral character of the applicant and the professional responsibilities of a certified contractor; and
2. The finding by the board of lack of good moral character is supported by clear and convincing evidence.
(b) When an applicant is found to be unqualified for a certificate because of a lack of good moral character, the board shall furnish the applicant a statement containing the findings of the board, a complete record of the evidence upon which the determination was based, and a notice of the rights of the applicant to a rehearing and appeal.
(4) The department shall ensure that a sensitivity review committee has been established including representatives of various ethnic/minority groups. No question found by this committee to be discriminatory against any ethnic/minority group shall be included in the examination.
History.—ss. 5, 17, ch. 79-200; s. 369, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 6, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 12, ch. 89-162; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 480, ch. 97-103; s. 5, ch. 97-228; s. 1, ch. 2001-117; s. 7, ch. 2002-392; s. 64, ch. 2020-160.
489.113 Qualifications for practice; restrictions.—
(1) Any person who desires to engage in contracting on a statewide basis shall, as a prerequisite thereto, establish his or her competency and qualifications to be certified pursuant to this part. To establish competency, a person shall pass the appropriate examination approved by the board and certified by the department. If an applicant has received a baccalaureate degree in building construction from an accredited 4-year college, or a related degree as approved by the board by rule, and has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, such applicant is only required to take and pass the business and finance portion of the examination. Any person who desires to engage in contracting on other than a statewide basis shall, as a prerequisite thereto, be registered pursuant to this part, unless exempted by this part.
(2) A person must be certified or registered in order to engage in the business of contracting in this state. However, for purposes of complying with the provisions of this chapter, a subcontractor who is not certified or registered may perform construction work under the supervision of a person who is certified or registered, provided that the work is within the scope of the supervising contractor’s license, the supervising contractor is responsible for the work, and the subcontractor being supervised is not engaged in construction work that would require a license as a contractor under any of the categories listed in s. 489.105(3)(d)-(o). This subsection does not affect the application of any local construction licensing ordinances. To enforce this subsection:
(a) The department shall issue a cease and desist order to prohibit any person from engaging in the business of contracting who does not hold the required certification or registration for the work being performed under this part. For the purpose of enforcing a cease and desist order, the department may file a proceeding in the name of the state seeking issuance of an injunction or a writ of mandamus against any person who violates any provision of such order.
(b) A county, municipality, or local licensing board created by special act may issue a cease and desist order to prohibit any person from engaging in the business of contracting who does not hold the required certification or registration for the work being performed under this part.
(3) A contractor shall subcontract all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming pool, and air-conditioning work, unless such contractor holds a state certificate or registration in the respective trade category, however:
(a) A general, building, or residential contractor, except as otherwise provided in this part, shall be responsible for any construction or alteration of a structural component of a building or structure, and any certified general contractor or certified underground utility and excavation contractor may perform clearing and grubbing, grading, excavation, and other site work for any construction project in the state. Any certified building contractor or certified residential contractor may perform clearing and grubbing, grading, excavation, and other site work for any construction project in this state, limited to the lot on which any specific building is located.
(b) A general, building, or residential contractor shall not be required to subcontract the installation, or repair made under warranty, of wood shingles, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing materials on a new building of his or her own construction.
(c) A general contractor shall not be required to subcontract structural swimming pool work. All other swimming pool work shall be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed certified or registered swimming pool contractor.
(d) A general contractor shall not be required to subcontract the construction of a main sanitary sewer collection system, storm collection system, or water distribution system, not including the continuation of utility lines from the mains to the buildings, and may perform any of the services, on public or private property, for which a license as an underground utility and excavation contractor is required under this part.
(e) A general contractor shall not be required to subcontract the continuation of utility lines from the mains in mobile home parks, and such continuations are to be considered a part of the main sewer collection and main water distribution systems.
(f) A solar contractor shall not be required to subcontract minor, as defined by board rule, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or roofing work so long as that work is within the scope of the license held by the solar contractor and where such work exclusively pertains to the installation of residential solar energy equipment as defined by rules of the board adopted in conjunction with the Electrical Contracting Licensing Board.
(g) No general, building, or residential contractor certified after 1973 shall act as, hold himself or herself out to be, or advertise himself or herself to be a roofing contractor unless he or she is certified or registered as a roofing contractor.
(4)(a) When a certificateholder desires to engage in contracting in any area of the state, as a prerequisite therefor, he or she shall be required only to exhibit to the local building official, tax collector, or other person in charge of the issuance of licenses and building permits in the area evidence of holding a current certificate and to pay the fee for the occupational license and building permit required of other persons.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), a local construction regulation board may deny, suspend, or revoke the authority of a certified contractor to obtain a building permit or limit such authority to obtaining a permit or permits with specific conditions, if the local construction regulation board has found such contractor, through the public hearing process, to be guilty of fraud or a willful building code violation within the county or municipality that the local construction regulation board represents or if the local construction regulation board has proof that such contractor, through the public hearing process, has been found guilty in another county or municipality within the past 12 months, of fraud or a willful building code violation and finds, after providing notice of an opportunity to be heard to the contractor, that such fraud or violation would have been fraud or a violation if committed in the county or municipality that the local construction board represents. Notification of and information concerning such permit denial shall be submitted to the department within 15 days after the local construction regulation board decides to deny the permit.
(c) The local government may also deny issuance of, or may suspend, any outstanding building permit where a contractor fails or refuses to provide proof of public liability and property damage insurance coverage as required by s. 489.115(5) and workers’ compensation insurance coverage as required by s. 489.114.
(d) It is the policy of the state that the purpose of regulation is to protect the public by attaining compliance with the policies established in law. Fines and other penalties are provided in order to ensure compliance; however, the collection of fines and the imposition of penalties are intended to be secondary to the primary goal of attaining compliance with state laws and local jurisdiction ordinances. It is the intent of the Legislature that a local jurisdiction agency charged with enforcing regulatory laws shall issue a notice of noncompliance as its first response to a minor violation of a regulatory law in any instance in which it is reasonable to assume that the violator was unaware of such a law or unclear as to how to comply with it. A violation of a regulatory law is a “minor violation” if it does not result in economic or physical harm to a person or adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare or create a significant threat of such harm. A “notice of noncompliance” is a notification by the local jurisdiction agency charged with enforcing the ordinance, which is issued to the licensee that is subject to the ordinance. A notice of noncompliance should not be accompanied with a fine or other disciplinary penalty. It should identify the specific ordinance that is being violated, provide information on how to comply with the ordinance, and specify a reasonable time for the violator to comply with the ordinance. Failure of a licensee to take action correcting the violation within a set period of time would then result in the institution of further disciplinary proceedings.
(5) The certificate is not transferable.
(6) The board shall, by rule, designate those types of specialty contractors which may be certified under this part. The limit of the scope of work and responsibility of a specialty contractor shall be established by the board by rule. However, a certified specialty contractor category established by board rule exists as a voluntary statewide licensing category and does not create a mandatory licensing requirement. Any mandatory statewide construction contracting licensure requirement may only be established through specific statutory provision.
(7) If an eligible applicant fails any contractor’s written examination, except the general and building contractors’ examination, and provides the board with acceptable proof of lack of comprehension of written examinations, the applicant may petition the board to be administered a uniform oral examination, subject to the following conditions:
(a) The applicant documents 10 years of experience in the appropriate construction craft.
(b) The applicant files written recommendations concerning his or her competency in the appropriate construction craft.
(c) The applicant is administered only one oral examination within a period of 1 year.
(8) Any public record of the board, when certified by the executive director of the board or the executive director’s representative, may be received as prima facie evidence in any administrative or judicial proceeding.
(9)(a) This part does not prevent any contractor from acting as a prime contractor where the majority of the work to be performed under the contract is within the scope of his or her license or from subcontracting to other licensed contractors that remaining work which is part of the project contracted.
(b) This part, chapter 471, chapter 481, or any other provision of law does not:
1. Prevent any licensed engineer or architect from contracting directly with a licensed contractor for the preparation of plans, specifications, or a master design manual addressing structural designs used to make an application for building permits.
2. Require a licensed engineer or architect, when preparing drawings, specifications, plans, or master design manuals for use by any licensed contractor, to prepare site-specific drawings, specifications, or plans for the design and construction of single-family and two-family dwellings; swimming pools, spas, or screened enclosures; or any other structure not exceeding 1,200 square feet or one story in height. For the purpose of issuing building permits, local building officials shall accept such drawings, specifications, or plans when submitted by any licensed contractor. Upon good cause shown, local government code enforcement agencies may accept or reject plans prepared by persons licensed under chapter 471, chapter 481, or this chapter.
As used in this section, the term “master design manual” means a restrictive design manual intended to be used to design, permit, and construct structures as described in this section. Any such manual must be prepared by a licensed engineer or architect and specifically detail the limits of its use, including, but not limited to, the structure type, size, materials, loading conditions, time limits, applicable codes, and associated criteria. The manual must also detail the required training for the contractor, engineer, or architect using the manual. All master design manuals must be peer reviewed by an independent licensed engineer or architect having no financial interest in the development of the manual or the construction of structures pursuant to the manual. The engineer or architect conducting the peer review must be identified in the manual.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter or any other provision of law, a licensed engineer or architect is not required for the preparation or use of any design guide adopted by the Florida Building Commission as part of the building code pursuant to s. 553.73.
(10) The addition of a new type of contractor or the expansion of the scope of practice of any type of contractor under this part shall not limit the scope of practice of any existing type of contractor under this part unless the Legislature expressly provides such a limitation.
(11) Any local act, law, ordinance, or regulation, including, but not limited to, a local building code or building permit requirement, of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision that pertains to hoisting equipment including power-operated cranes, derricks, hoists, elevators, and conveyors used in construction, demolition, or excavation work, that is not already preempted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under 29 C.F.R. parts 1910 and 1926, including, but not limited to, local worksite regulation regarding hurricane preparedness or public safety, is prohibited and is preempted to the state. This subsection does not apply to the regulation of elevators under chapter 399 or to airspace height restrictions in chapter 333.
History.—ss. 6, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 3, 4, ch. 80-85; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 2, ch. 85-290; ss. 28, 31, ch. 86-159; s. 3, ch. 87-235; s. 13, ch. 87-310; s. 7, ch. 87-374; ss. 7, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 32, ch. 89-374; s. 43, ch. 90-228; s. 67, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 59, ch. 92-149; ss. 2, 6, ch. 93-154; s. 8, ch. 93-166; s. 186, ch. 94-218; s. 481, ch. 97-103; s. 6, ch. 97-228; s. 25, ch. 98-419; s. 4, ch. 2003-257; s. 8, ch. 2007-227; s. 11, ch. 2012-13; s. 1, ch. 2012-62; s. 65, ch. 2020-160.
489.1131 Credit for relevant military training and education.—
(1) The department shall provide a method by which honorably discharged veterans may apply for licensure. The method must include a veteran-specific application and provide:
(a) To the fullest extent possible, credit toward the requirements for licensure for military experience, training, and education received and completed during service in the United States Armed Forces if the military experience, training, or education is substantially similar to the experience, training, or education required for licensure.
(b) Acceptance of up to 3 years of active duty service in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of duty or training, to meet the experience requirements of s. 489.111(2)(c). At least 1 additional year of active experience as a foreman in the trade, either civilian or military, is required to fulfill the experience requirement of s. 489.111(2)(c).
The board may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this subsection.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning October 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the department, in conjunction with the board, is directed to prepare and submit a report titled “Construction and Electrical Contracting Veteran Applicant Statistics” to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report must include statistics and information relating to this section and s. 489.5161 which detail:
(a) The number of applicants who identified themselves as veterans.
(b) The number of veterans whose application for a license was approved.
(c) The number of veterans whose application for a license was denied, including the reasons for denial.
(d) Data on the application processing times for veterans.
(e) Recommendations on ways to improve the department’s ability to meet the needs of veterans which would effectively address the challenges that veterans face when separating from military service and seeking a license regulated by the department pursuant to this part.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2016-242.
489.1136 Medical gas certification.—
(1)(a) In addition to the certification or registration required to engage in business as a plumbing contractor, any plumbing contractor who wishes to engage in the business of installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance of any tubing, pipe, or similar conduit used to transport gaseous or partly gaseous substances for medical purposes shall take, as part of the contractor’s continuing education requirement, at least once during the holding of such license, a course of at least 6 hours. Such course shall be given by an instructional facility or teaching entity that has been approved by the board. In order for a course to be approved, the board must find that the course is designed to teach familiarity with the National Fire Prevention Association Standard 99C (Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems, latest edition) and also designed to teach familiarity and practical ability in performing and inspecting brazing duties required of medical gas installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance work. Such course shall issue a certificate of completion to the taker of the course, which certificate shall be available for inspection by any entity or person seeking to have such contractor engage in the business of installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance of a medical gas system.
(b) Any other natural person who is employed by a licensed plumbing contractor to provide work on the installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance of a medical gas system, except as noted in paragraph (c), shall, as a prerequisite to his or her ability to provide such service, take a course approved by the board. Such course shall be at least 8 hours and consist of both classroom and practical work designed to teach familiarity with the National Fire Prevention Association Standard 99C (Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems, latest edition) and also designed to teach familiarity and practical ability in performing and inspecting brazing duties required of medical gas installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance work. Such course shall also include the administration of a practical examination in the skills required to perform work as outlined above, including brazing, and each examination shall be reasonably constructed to test for knowledge of the subject matter. The person taking such course and examination must, upon successful completion of both, be issued a certificate of completion by the giver of such course, which certificate shall be made available by the holder for inspection by any person or entity seeking to have such person perform work on the installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance of a medical gas system.
(c) Any other natural person who wishes to perform only brazing duties incidental to the installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance of a medical gas system shall pass an examination designed to show that person’s familiarity with and practical ability in performing brazing duties required of medical gas installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance. Such examination shall be from a test approved by the board. Such examination must test for knowledge of National Fire Prevention Association Standard 99C (Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems, latest edition). The person taking such examination must, upon passing such examination, be issued a certificate of completion by the giver of such examination, and such certificate shall be made available by the holder for inspection by any person or entity seeking to have or employ such person to perform brazing duties on a medical gas system.
(d) It is the responsibility of the licensed plumbing contractor to ascertain whether members of his or her workforce are in compliance with this subsection, and such contractor is subject to discipline under s. 489.129 for violation of this subsection.
(e) Training programs in medical gas piping installation, improvement, repair, or maintenance shall be reviewed annually by the board to ensure that programs have been provided equitably across the state.
(f) Periodically, the board shall review training programs in medical gas piping installation for quality in content and instruction in accordance with the National Fire Prevention Association Standard 99C (Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems, latest edition). The board shall also respond to complaints regarding approved programs.
(2)(a) On any job site where a medical gas system is being installed, improved, repaired, or maintained, it is required that a person qualified under paragraph (1)(a) or paragraph (1)(b) must be present. When any brazing work is performed by a person qualified under paragraph (1)(c), a person qualified under paragraph (1)(a) or paragraph (1)(b) must be present.
(b) It is the responsibility of the licensed contractor to ascertain whether members of his or her workforce are in compliance with paragraph (a), and such contractor is subject to discipline under s. 489.129 for violation of this subsection.
(3) The term “medical” as used in this section means any medicinal, life-supporting, or health-related purpose. Any and all gaseous or partly gaseous substance used in medical patient care and treatment shall be presumed for the purpose of this section to be used for medical purposes.
History.—s. 27, ch. 98-419; s. 35, ch. 2000-154; s. 14, ch. 2001-63.
489.114 Evidence of workers’ compensation coverage.—Except as provided in s. 489.115(5)(d), any person, business organization, or qualifying agent engaged in the business of contracting in this state and certified or registered under this part shall, as a condition precedent to the issuance or renewal of a certificate or registration of the contractor, provide to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, as provided by board rule, evidence of workers’ compensation coverage pursuant to chapter 440. In the event that the Division of Workers’ Compensation of the Department of Financial Services receives notice of the cancellation of a policy of workers’ compensation insurance insuring a person or entity governed by this section, the Division of Workers’ Compensation shall certify and identify all persons or entities by certification or registration license number to the department after verification is made by the Division of Workers’ Compensation that persons or entities governed by this section are no longer covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Such certification and verification by the Division of Workers’ Compensation may result from records furnished to the Division of Workers’ Compensation by the persons or entities governed by this section or an investigation completed by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The department shall notify the persons or entities governed by this section who have been determined to be in noncompliance with chapter 440, and the persons or entities notified shall provide certification of compliance with chapter 440 to the department and pay an administrative fine in the amount of $500. The failure to maintain workers’ compensation coverage as required by law shall be grounds for the board to revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance or renewal of a certificate or registration of the contractor under the provisions of s. 489.129.
History.—s. 29, ch. 89-289; s. 1, ch. 90-192; s. 47, ch. 90-201; s. 45, ch. 91-1; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 9, ch. 93-166; s. 7, ch. 97-228; s. 30, ch. 2001-91; s. 17, ch. 2002-236; s. 508, ch. 2003-261; s. 28, ch. 2009-195.
489.115 Certification and registration; endorsement; reciprocity; renewals; continuing education.—
(1) No person may engage in the business of contracting in this state without first being certified or registered in the proper classification.
(2)(a) The department shall issue a certificate or registration to each person qualified by the board and upon receipt of the original license fee.
(b) Certification allows the certificateholder to engage in contracting only for the type of work covered by the certificate and only while the certificate is on active status.
(3) The board shall certify as qualified for certification by endorsement any applicant who:
(a) Meets the requirements for certification as set forth in this section; has passed a national, regional, state, or United States territorial licensing examination that is substantially equivalent to the examination required by this part; and has satisfied the requirements set forth in s. 489.111;
(b) Holds a valid license to practice contracting issued by another state or territory of the United States, if the criteria for issuance of such license were substantially equivalent to Florida’s current certification criteria;
(c) Holds a valid, current license to practice contracting issued by another state or territory of the United States, if the state or territory has entered into a reciprocal agreement with the board for the recognition of contractor licenses issued in that state, based on criteria for the issuance of such licenses that are substantially equivalent to the criteria for certification in this state; or
(d) Has held a valid, current license to practice contracting issued by another state or territory of the United States for at least 10 years before the date of application and is applying for the same or similar license in this state, subject to subsections (5)-(9). The board may consider an applicant’s technical competence to ensure the applicant is able to meet the requirements of this state’s codes and standards for wind mitigation and water intrusion. The board may also consider whether such applicant has had a license to practice contracting revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted against by the licensing authority of another state, territory, or country. Such application must be made either when the license in another state or territory is active or within 2 years after such license was last active. Division I contractors and roofing contractors must complete a 2-hour course on the Florida Building Code which includes information on wind mitigation techniques. The required courses may be completed online.
(4)(a) Each certificateholder or registrant who desires to continue as a certificateholder or registrant shall renew the certificate or registration every 2 years. The department shall mail each certificateholder and registrant an application for renewal.
(b)1. Each certificateholder or registrant shall provide proof, in a form established by rule of the board, that the certificateholder or registrant has completed at least 14 classroom hours of at least 50 minutes each of continuing education courses during each biennium since the issuance or renewal of the certificate or registration. The board shall establish by rule that a portion of the required 14 hours must deal with the subject of workers’ compensation, business practices, workplace safety, and, for applicable licensure categories, wind mitigation methodologies, and 1 hour of which must deal with laws and rules. The board shall by rule establish criteria for the approval of continuing education courses and providers, including requirements relating to the content of courses and standards for approval of providers, and may by rule establish criteria for accepting alternative nonclassroom continuing education on an hour-for-hour basis. The board shall prescribe by rule the continuing education, if any, which is required during the first biennium of initial licensure. A person who has been licensed for less than an entire biennium must not be required to complete the full 14 hours of continuing education.
2. In addition, the board may approve specialized continuing education courses on compliance with the wind resistance provisions for one and two family dwellings contained in the Florida Building Code and any alternate methodologies for providing such wind resistance which have been approved for use by the Florida Building Commission. Division I certificateholders or registrants who demonstrate proficiency upon completion of such specialized courses may certify plans and specifications for one and two family dwellings to be in compliance with the code or alternate methodologies, as appropriate, except for dwellings located in floodways or coastal hazard areas as defined in ss. 60.3D and E of the National Flood Insurance Program.
3. The board shall require, by rule adopted pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, a specified number of hours in specialized or advanced module courses, approved by the Florida Building Commission, on any portion of the Florida Building Code, adopted pursuant to part IV of chapter 553, relating to the contractor’s respective discipline.
(c) The certificateholder or registrant shall complete, sign, and forward the renewal application to the department, together with the appropriate fee. Upon receipt of the application and fee, the department shall renew the certificate or registration.
(5)(a) As a prerequisite to the initial issuance or the renewal of a certificate or registration, the applicant shall submit an affidavit on a form provided by the board attesting to the fact that the applicant has obtained workers’ compensation insurance as required by chapter 440, public liability insurance, and property damage insurance for the safety and welfare of the public, in amounts determined by rule of the board. The board shall by rule establish a procedure to verify the accuracy of such affidavits based upon a random sample method.
(b) In addition to the affidavit of insurance, as a prerequisite to the initial issuance of a certificate, the applicant shall furnish a credit report from a nationally recognized credit agency that reflects the financial responsibility of the applicant and evidence of financial responsibility, credit, and business reputation of either himself or herself or the business organization he or she desires to qualify. The board shall adopt rules defining financial responsibility based upon the applicant’s credit history, ability to be bonded, and any history of bankruptcy or assignment of receivers. The board may also adopt rules that would allow applicants to demonstrate financial responsibility, as an alternative to the foregoing, by providing minimum credit scores or bonds payable as prescribed for financially responsible officers. Such rules shall specify the financial responsibility grounds on which the board may refuse to qualify an applicant for certification.
(c) If, within 60 days from the date the applicant is notified that he or she has qualified, he or she does not provide the evidence required, he or she shall apply to the department for an extension of time which shall be granted upon a showing of just cause.
(d) An applicant for initial issuance of a certificate or registration shall submit as a prerequisite to qualifying for an exemption from workers’ compensation coverage requirements under s. 440.05 an affidavit attesting to the fact that the applicant will obtain an exemption within 30 days after the date the initial certificate or registration is issued by the board.
(6) An applicant for initial issuance of a certificate or registration shall submit to a statewide criminal history records check through the Department of Law Enforcement. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall submit the requests for the criminal history records check to the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing, and the Department of Law Enforcement shall return the results to the department to determine if the applicant meets certification or registration requirements. If the applicant has been convicted of a felony, the board may deny licensure to the applicant based upon the severity of the crime, the relationship of the crime to contracting, or the potential for public harm. The board shall also, in denying or approving licensure, consider the length of time since the commission of the crime and the rehabilitation of the applicant. The board may not deny licensure to an applicant based solely upon a felony conviction or the applicant’s failure to provide proof of restoration of civil rights.
(7) An initial applicant shall, along with the application, and a certificateholder or registrant shall, upon requesting a change of status, submit to the board a credit report from a nationally recognized credit agency that reflects the financial responsibility of the applicant or certificateholder or registrant. The credit report required for the initial applicant shall be considered the minimum evidence necessary to satisfy the board that he or she is financially responsible to be certified, has the necessary credit and business reputation to engage in contracting in the state, and has the minimum financial stability necessary to avoid the problem of financial mismanagement or misconduct. The board shall, by rule, adopt guidelines for determination of financial stability, which may include minimum requirements for net worth, cash, and bonding for Division I certificateholders of no more than $20,000 and for Division II certificateholders of no more than $10,000. Fifty percent of the financial requirements may be met by completing a 14-hour financial responsibility course approved by the board.
(8) If a certificateholder or registrant holds a license under both this part and part II and is required to have continuing education courses under s. 489.517(3), the certificateholder or registrant may apply those course hours for workers’ compensation, workplace safety, and business practices obtained under part II to the requirements under this part.
(9) An initial applicant shall submit, along with the application, a complete set of fingerprints to the department. The fingerprints shall be submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing, and the Department of Law Enforcement shall forward them to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national processing for the purpose of determining if the applicant has a criminal history record. The department shall and the board may review the background results to determine if an applicant meets licensure requirements. The cost for the fingerprint processing shall be borne by the person subject to the background screening. These fees are to be collected by the authorized agencies or vendors. The authorized agencies or vendors are responsible for paying the processing costs to the Department of Law Enforcement.
History.—ss. 7, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 85, ch. 83-329; ss. 8, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 2, ch. 89-5; s. 33, ch. 89-374; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 60, ch. 92-149; s. 10, ch. 93-166; s. 75, ch. 93-415; s. 259, ch. 94-119; s. 6, ch. 94-284; s. 482, ch. 97-103; s. 8, ch. 97-228; s. 3, ch. 98-116; ss. 20, 21, ch. 98-287; s. 29, ch. 98-419; ss. 41, 42, ch. 2000-141; s. 31, ch. 2001-91; s. 35, ch. 2001-186; s. 4, ch. 2001-372; s. 3, ch. 2007-86; s. 2, ch. 2007-126; s. 6, ch. 2007-227; s. 130, ch. 2008-4; s. 29, ch. 2009-195; s. 44, ch. 2010-114; s. 66, ch. 2020-160.
489.116 Inactive and delinquent status; renewal and cancellation notices.—
(1) A certificateholder or registrant may not engage in contracting unless the certificateholder or registrant has an active status certificate or registration. A certificateholder or registrant who engages in contracting without an active status certificate or registration is subject to disciplinary action as provided in ss. 455.227 and 489.129.
(2) The board shall permit a certificateholder or registrant to elect, at the time of licensure renewal, an active or inactive status.
(3) An inactive status certificateholder or registrant may change to active status at any time, if the certificateholder or registrant meets all requirements for active status, pays any additional licensure fees necessary to equal those imposed on an active status certificateholder or registrant, pays any applicable late fees, and meets all continuing education requirements prescribed by the board.
(4) A certificateholder or registrant shall apply with a completed application, as determined by board rule, to renew an active or inactive status certificate or registration before the certificate or registration expires. Failure of a certificateholder or registrant to so apply shall cause the certificate or registration to become a delinquent certificate or registration. Further, any delinquent certificateholder or registrant who fails to apply to renew licensure on either active or inactive status before expiration of the current licensure cycle must reapply in the same manner as an applicant for initial certification or registration.
(5) A delinquent status certificateholder or registrant must apply with a completed application, as determined by board rule, for active or inactive status during the current licensure cycle. Failure by a delinquent status certificateholder or registrant to become active or inactive before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the certificate or registration void, and any subsequent licensure shall be subject to all procedures and requirements imposed on an applicant for initial licensure.
(6) The board may not require an inactive certificateholder or registrant to complete more than one renewal cycle of continuing education for reactivating a certificate or registration.
(7) The status or any change in status of a certificateholder or registrant shall not alter in any way the board’s right to impose discipline or to enforce discipline previously imposed on a certificateholder or registrant for acts or omissions committed by the certificateholder or registrant while holding a certificate or registration.
(8) At least 60 days prior to the end of a licensure cycle, the department shall forward:
(a) A licensure renewal notification to an active or inactive certificateholder or registrant at the certificateholder’s or registrant’s address of record.
(b) A notice of pending cancellation of licensure to a delinquent status certificateholder or registrant at the certificateholder’s or registrant’s address of record.
History.—s. 11, ch. 93-166; ss. 10, 261, ch. 94-119; s. 31, ch. 2012-61.
489.117 Registration; specialty contractors.—
(1)(a) Any person engaged in the business of a contractor as defined in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(o) must be registered before engaging in business as a contractor in this state, unless he or she is certified. To be initially registered, the applicant shall submit the required fee and file evidence of successful compliance with the local examination and licensing requirements, if any, in the area for which registration is desired. An examination is not required for registration.
(b) Registration allows the registrant to engage in contracting only in the counties, municipalities, or development districts where he or she has complied with all local licensing requirements and only for the type of work covered by the registration.
(c) Each registrant shall report to the board each local jurisdiction and each category of registration in which the registrant holds a certificate of competency or license, or where the registrant has been granted a certificate of competency or license by reciprocal agreement, for which registration is required by this part, within 30 days after obtaining such certificate or license.
(2) No new registration may be issued by the board after July 1, 1993, based on any certificate of competency or license for a category of contractor defined in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(o) which is issued by a municipal or county government that does not exercise disciplinary control and oversight over such locally licensed contractors, including forwarding a recommended order in each action to the board as provided in s. 489.131(7). For purposes of this subsection and s. 489.131(10), the board shall determine the adequacy of such disciplinary control by reviewing the local government’s ability to process and investigate complaints and to take disciplinary action against locally licensed contractors.
(3)(a) Upon findings of fact supporting the need therefor, the board may grant a limited nonrenewable registration to a contractor not domiciled in the state, for one project. During the period of such registration the board may require compliance with this and any other statute of the state.
(b) The application for a temporary registration shall constitute appointment of the Department of State as an agent of the applicant for service of process in any action or proceeding against the applicant arising out of any transaction or operation connected with or incidental to the practice of contracting for which the temporary license was issued.
(4)(a) A person holding a local license whose job scope does not substantially correspond to either the job scope of one of the contractor categories defined in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(o), or the job scope of one of the certified specialty contractor categories established by board rule, is not required to register with the board to perform contracting activities within the scope of such specialty license.
(b) The local jurisdictions are responsible for providing the following information to the board within 30 days after licensure of, or any disciplinary action against, a locally licensed contractor who is registered under this part:
1. Licensure information.
2. Code violation information pursuant to s. 553.781.
3. Disciplinary information.
The board shall maintain such licensure and disciplinary information as it is provided to the board and shall make the information available through the automated information system provided pursuant to s. 455.2286.
(c) Providing discipline to such locally licensed contractors is the responsibility of the local jurisdiction.
(d) Any person who is not required to obtain registration or certification pursuant to s. 489.105(3)(d)-(o) may perform contracting services for the construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of single-family residences, including a townhouse as defined in the Florida Building Code, without obtaining a local license if such person is under the supervision of a certified or registered general, building, or residential contractor. As used in this paragraph, supervision shall not be deemed to require the existence of a direct contract between the certified or registered general, building, or residential contractor and the person performing specialty contracting services.
History.—ss. 8, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 9, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 2, ch. 92-55; s. 61, ch. 92-149; s. 3, ch. 93-154; s. 12, ch. 93-166; s. 262, ch. 94-119; s. 483, ch. 97-103; s. 22, ch. 98-287; s. 1, ch. 99-254; s. 5, ch. 2003-257; s. 30, ch. 2009-195.
489.118 Certification of registered contractors; grandfathering provisions.—The board shall, upon receipt of a completed application and appropriate fee, issue a certificate in the appropriate category to any contractor registered under this part who makes application to the board and can show that he or she meets each of the following requirements:
(1) Currently holds a valid registered local license in one of the contractor categories defined in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(p).
(2) Has, for that category, passed a written examination that the board finds to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor under this part. For purposes of this subsection, a written, proctored examination such as that produced by the National Assessment Institute, Block and Associates, NAI/Block, Experior Assessments, Professional Testing, Inc., or Assessment Systems, Inc., shall be considered to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor. The board may not impose or make any requirements regarding the nature or content of these cited examinations.
(3) Has at least 5 years of experience as a contractor in that contracting category, or as an inspector or building administrator with oversight over that category, at the time of application. For contractors, only time periods in which the contractor license is active and the contractor is not on probation shall count toward the 5 years required by this subsection.
(4) Has not had his or her contractor’s license revoked at any time, had his or her contractor’s license suspended within the last 5 years, or been assessed a fine in excess of $500 within the last 5 years.
(5) Is in compliance with the insurance and financial responsibility requirements in s. 489.115(5).
Applicants wishing to obtain a certificate pursuant to this section must make application by 1November 1, 2015.
History.—s. 3, ch. 99-254; s. 34, ch. 2000-372; s. 48, ch. 2002-402; s. 15, ch. 2004-6; s. 2, ch. 2005-227; s. 18, ch. 2012-72; s. 6, ch. 2012-211; s. 87, ch. 2013-15.
1Note.—As reenacted and amended by s. 6, ch. 2012-211. Section 18, ch. 2012-72, also reenacted and amended s. 489.118, and that version used the date “November 1, 2014,” instead of the date “November 1, 2015.”
489.119 Business organizations; qualifying agents.—
(1) If an individual proposes to engage in contracting in the individual’s own name, or a fictitious name where the individual is doing business as a sole proprietorship, registration or certification may be issued only to that individual.
(2) If the applicant proposes to engage in contracting as a business organization, including any partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity, or in any name other than the applicant’s legal name or a fictitious name where the applicant is doing business as a sole proprietorship, the applicant must apply for registration or certification as the qualifying agent of the business organization.
(a) An application for registration or certification to qualify a business organization must state the name of the partnership and of its partners; the name of the corporation and of its officers and directors and the name of each of its stockholders who is also an officer or director; the name of the business trust and its trustees; or the name of such other legal entity and its members; and must state the fictitious name, if any, under which the business organization is doing business.
(b)1. An application for registration or certification to qualify a business organization must include an affidavit on a form provided by the board attesting that the applicant has final approval authority for all construction work performed by the business organization and that the applicant has final approval authority on all business matters, including contracts, specifications, checks, drafts, or payments, regardless of the form of payment, made by the business organization, except where a financially responsible officer is approved.
2. The application for financially responsible officer must include an affidavit on a form provided by the board attesting that the applicant’s approval is required for all checks, drafts, or payments, regardless of the form of payment, made by the business organization and that the applicant has authority to act for the business organization in all financial matters.
3. The application for secondary qualifying agent must include an affidavit on a form provided by the board attesting that the applicant has authority to supervise all construction work performed by the business organization as provided in s. 489.1195(2).
(c) The board may deny an application for registration or certification to qualify a business organization if the applicant, or any person listed in paragraph (a), has been involved in past disciplinary actions or on any grounds for which an individual registration or certification may be denied.
(d) The applicant must furnish evidence of statutory compliance if a fictitious name is used, the provisions of s. 865.09(7) notwithstanding.
(e) A joint venture, including a joint venture composed of qualified business organizations, is itself a separate and distinct organization that must be qualified in accordance with board rules.
(3)(a) A qualifying agent must be certified or registered under this part in order for the business organization to operate in the category of contracting in which the qualifying agent is certified or registered. If any qualifying agent ceases to be affiliated with a business organization, he or she shall inform the department. In addition, if the qualifying agent is the only certified or registered contractor affiliated with the business organization, the business organization shall notify the department of the termination of the qualifying agent and shall have 60 days from the termination of the qualifying agent’s affiliation with the business organization in which to employ another qualifying agent. The business organization may not engage in contracting until a qualifying agent is employed, unless the executive director or chair of the board has granted a temporary nonrenewable certificate or registration to the financially responsible officer, the president, a partner, or, in the case of a limited partnership, the general partner, who assumes all responsibilities of a primary qualifying agent for the business organization. This temporary certificate or registration shall only allow the business organization to proceed with incomplete contracts. For the purposes of this paragraph, an incomplete contract is one which has been awarded to, or entered into by, the business organization prior to the cessation of affiliation of the qualifying agent with the business organization or one on which the business organization was the low bidder and the contract is subsequently awarded, regardless of whether any actual work has commenced under the contract prior to the qualifying agent ceasing to be affiliated with the business organization.
(b) The qualifying agent shall inform the department in writing when he or she proposes to engage in contracting in his or her own name or in affiliation with another business organization, and he or she or such new business organization shall supply the same information to the department as required of applicants under this part.
(4) When a certified qualifying agent, on behalf of a business organization, makes application for a business tax receipt in any municipality or county of this state, the application shall be made with the tax collector in the name of the business organization and the qualifying agent; and the license, when issued, shall be issued to the business organization, upon payment of the appropriate licensing fee and exhibition to the tax collector of a valid certificate for the qualifying agent issued by the department, and the state license numbers shall be noted thereon.
(5)(a) Each registered or certified contractor shall affix the number of his or her registration or certification to each application for a building permit and on each building permit issued and recorded. Each city or county building department shall require, as a precondition for the issuance of the building permit, that the contractor taking out the permit must provide verification giving his or her Construction Industry Licensing Board registration or certification number.
(b) The registration or certification number of each contractor shall appear in each offer of services, business proposal, bid, contract, or advertisement, regardless of medium, as defined by board rule, used by that contractor or business organization in the practice of contracting.
(c) If a vehicle bears the name of a contractor or business organization, or any text or artwork which would lead a reasonable person to believe that the vehicle is used for contracting, the registration or certification number of the contractor must be conspicuously and legibly displayed with the name, text, or artwork. Local governments may also require that locally licensed contractors must also display their certificate of competency or license numbers. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to create a mandatory vehicle signage requirement.
(d) For the purposes of this part, the term “advertisement” does not include business stationery or any promotional novelties such as balloons, pencils, trinkets, or articles of clothing.
(e) The board shall issue a notice of noncompliance for the first offense, and may assess a fine or issue a citation for failure to correct the offense within 30 days or for any subsequent offense, to any contractor or business organization that fails to include the certification or registration number as required by this part when submitting an advertisement for publication, broadcast, or printing or fails to display the certification or registration number as required by this part.
(f) In addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, a local government may impose a civil fine pursuant to s. 489.127(5) against a person who is not certified or registered under this part if the person:
1. Claims to be licensed in any offer of services, business proposal, bid, contract, or advertisement, but does not possess a valid competency-based license issued by a local government in this state to perform the specified construction services; or
2. Claims to be insured in any offer of services, business proposal, bid, contract, or advertisement, but whose performance of the subject work is not covered by a general liability or workers’ compensation insurance policy.
(6) Each qualifying agent shall pay the department an amount equal to the original fee for registration or certification to qualify a new business organization. If the qualifying agent for a business organization desires to qualify additional business organizations, the board shall require the qualifying agent to present evidence of his or her ability to supervise the construction activities of each such organization. Approval of each business organization is discretionary with the board.
(7)(a) A business organization proposing to engage in contracting is not required to apply for or obtain authorization under this part to engage in contracting if:
1. The business organization employs one or more registered or certified contractors licensed in accordance with this part who are responsible for obtaining permits and supervising all of the business organization’s contracting activities;
2. The business organization engages only in contracting on property owned by the business organization or by its parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entities; and
3. The business organization, or its parent entity if the business organization is a wholly owned subsidiary, maintains a minimum net worth of $20 million.
(b) Any business organization engaging in contracting under this subsection shall provide the board with the name and license number of each registered or certified contractor employed by the business organization to supervise its contracting activities. The business organization is not required to post a bond or otherwise evidence any financial or credit information except as necessary to demonstrate compliance with paragraph (a).
(c) A registered or certified contractor employed by a business organization to supervise its contracting activities under this subsection shall not be required to post a bond or otherwise evidence any personal financial or credit information so long as the individual performs contracting activities exclusively on behalf of a business organization meeting all of the requirements of paragraph (a).
History.—ss. 9, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 29, 49, ch. 82-179; s. 6, ch. 83-160; s. 86, ch. 83-329; s. 2, ch. 84-322; ss. 10, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 23, ch. 90-109; s. 37, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 3, ch. 92-55; s. 67, ch. 92-149; s. 13, ch. 93-166; s. 1, ch. 93-239; s. 263, ch. 94-119; s. 5, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 1127, ch. 97-103; s. 9, ch. 97-228; s. 30, ch. 98-419; s. 6, ch. 2003-257; s. 31, ch. 2009-195; s. 108, ch. 2010-5.
489.1195 Responsibilities.—
(1) A qualifying agent is a primary qualifying agent unless he or she is a secondary qualifying agent under this section.
(a) All primary qualifying agents for a business organization are jointly and equally responsible for supervision of all operations of the business organization; for all field work at all sites; and for financial matters, both for the organization in general and for each specific job.
(b) Upon approval by the board, a business entity may designate a financially responsible officer for purposes of certification or registration. A financially responsible officer shall be responsible for all financial aspects of the business organization and may not be designated as the primary qualifying agent. The designated financially responsible officer shall furnish evidence of the financial responsibility, credit, and business reputation of either himself or herself, or the business organization he or she desires to qualify, as determined appropriate by the board.
(c) Where a business organization has a certified or registered financially responsible officer, the primary qualifying agent shall be responsible for all construction activities of the business organization, both in general and for each specific job.
(d) The board shall adopt rules prescribing the qualifications for financially responsible officers, including net worth, cash, and bonding requirements. These qualifications must be at least as extensive as the requirements for the financial responsibility of qualifying agents.
(2)(a) One of the qualifying agents for a business organization that has more than one qualifying agent may be designated as the sole primary qualifying agent for the business organization by a joint agreement that is executed, on a form provided by the board, by all qualifying agents for the business organization.
(b) The joint agreement must be submitted to the board for approval. If the board determines that the joint agreement is in good order, it shall approve the designation and immediately notify the qualifying agents of such approval. The designation made by the joint agreement is effective upon receipt of the notice by the qualifying agents.
(c) The qualifying agent designated for a business organization by a joint agreement is the sole primary qualifying agent for the business organization, and all other qualifying agents for the business organization are secondary qualifying agents.
(d) A designated sole primary qualifying agent has all the responsibilities and duties of a primary qualifying agent, notwithstanding that there are secondary qualifying agents for specified jobs. The designated sole primary qualifying agent is jointly and equally responsible with secondary qualifying agents for field work supervision.
(e) A secondary qualifying agent is responsible only for:
1. The supervision of field work at sites where his or her license was used to obtain the building permit; and
2. Any other work for which he or she accepts responsibility.
A secondary qualifying agent is not responsible for supervision of financial matters.
(3)(a) A qualifying agent who has been designated by a joint agreement as the sole primary qualifying agent for a business organization may terminate this status as such by giving actual notice to the business organization, to the board, and to all secondary qualifying agents of his or her intention to terminate this status. The notice to the board must include proof satisfactory to the board that he or she has given the notice required in this paragraph.
(b) The status of the qualifying agent shall cease upon the designation of a new primary qualifying agent or 60 days after satisfactory notice of termination has been provided to the board, whichever first occurs.
(c) If no new primary qualifying agent has been designated within 60 days, all secondary qualifying agents for the business organization shall become primary qualifying agents unless the joint agreement specifies that one or more of them shall become sole qualifying agents under such circumstances, in which case only they shall become sole qualifying agents.
(d) Any change in the status of a qualifying agent is prospective only. A qualifying agent is not responsible for his or her predecessor’s actions but is responsible, even after a change in status, for matters for which he or she was responsible while in a particular status.
History.—ss. 11, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 14, ch. 93-166; s. 484, ch. 97-103; s. 11, ch. 97-228; s. 4, ch. 98-116; s. 27, ch. 99-7.
489.121 Emergency registration upon death of contractor.—If an incomplete contract exists at the time of death of a contractor, the contract may be completed by any person even though not certified or registered. Such person shall notify the board, within 30 days after the death of the contractor, of his or her name and address, knowledge of the contract, and ability to complete it. If the board approves, he or she may proceed with the contract. For purposes of this section, an incomplete contract is one which has been awarded to, or entered into by, the contractor before his or her death, or on which he or she was the low bidder and the contract is subsequently awarded to him or her, regardless of whether any actual work has commenced under the contract before the contractor’s death.
History.—ss. 10, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 12, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 485, ch. 97-103.
489.124 Business records requirements; address of record; service.—
(1) All contractors who are registered or certified pursuant to this chapter shall maintain complete financial and business records for the immediately preceding 3 years. The business and financial records to be maintained shall include minutes of corporate meetings, business contacts, telephone records, insurance policies, letters of complaint, notices received from government entities, bank statements, canceled checks, records of accounts receivable and payable, financial statements, loan documents, tax returns, and all other business and financial records the contractor maintains in the regular course of business.
(2) Each certificateholder or registrant of the department shall be solely responsible for notifying the department in writing of the certificateholder’s or registrant’s current mailing address and phone number. If the mailing address is not the certificateholder’s or registrant’s physical address, the certificateholder or registrant shall also supply the physical address.
(a) A certificateholder’s or registrant’s failure to notify the department of a change of address or phone number shall constitute a violation of this section.
(b) The certificateholder or registrant shall be responsible for retaining proof that the certificateholder or registrant has notified the department of the certificateholder’s or registrant’s current address of record.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, service by regular mail to a certificateholder’s or registrant’s address of record shall constitute adequate and sufficient notice to the certificateholder or registrant for any official communication to the certificateholder or registrant by the board or the department, except when other service is required pursuant to the provisions of s. 455.224 or s. 455.225.
History.—s. 62, ch. 92-149; s. 15, ch. 93-166.
489.125 Prequalification of certificateholders.—Any person holding a certificate shall be prequalified to bid by a district school board pursuant to uniform prequalification of contractors criteria adopted by rule of the State Board of Education. This section does not supersede any small, woman-owned or minority-owned business enterprise preference program adopted by a district school board. A district school board may not modify or supplement the uniform prequalification criteria adopted by rule. A person holding a certificate must apply to each board for prequalification consideration.
History.—ss. 10, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 21, ch. 94-292; s. 2, ch. 98-35; s. 18, ch. 2004-41.
489.126 Moneys received by contractors.—
(1) For purposes of this section, the term “contractor” includes all definitions as set forth in s. 489.105(3), and any person performing or contracting or promising to perform work described therein, without regard to the licensure of the person.
(2)(a) A contractor who receives, as initial payment, money totaling more than 10 percent of the contract price for repair, restoration, improvement, or construction to residential real property must:
1. Apply for permits necessary to do work within 30 days after the date payment is made, except where the work does not require a permit under the applicable codes and ordinances, and
2. Start the work within 90 days after the date all necessary permits for work, if any, are issued,
unless the contractor has just cause for failing to apply for the necessary permits, starting the work, or refunding the payment, or unless the person who made the payment agreed, in writing, to a longer period to apply for the necessary permits or start the work or to longer periods for both.
(b)1. If a contractor fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (a), the contractee must make written demand to the contractor in the form of a letter that includes a demand to apply for the necessary permits, to start the work, or to refund the payment sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, mailed to the address listed in the contracting agreement. If there is no address for the contractor listed in the contracting agreement, or no written agreement exists, the contractee must mail the written demand letter to the address listed for licensing purposes with the department or the local construction industry licensing board, if applicable.
2. It may be inferred that a contractor does not have just cause if the contractor fails to apply for the necessary permits, start the work, or refund payments within 30 days of receiving written demand to apply for the necessary permits, start the work, or refund the payment from the person who made the payment.
(3)(a) A contractor who receives money for repair, restoration, addition, improvement, or construction of residential real property in excess of the value of the work performed may not fail or refuse to perform any work for any 90-day period or for any period that is mutually agreed upon and specified in the contract.
(b) It is prima facie evidence that a contractor received money for the repair, restoration, addition, improvement, or construction of residential real property and that the amount received exceeds the value of the work performed by the contractor when:
1. The contractor failed to perform any of the work for which he or she contracted during any 90-day period or any period that is mutually agreed upon and specified in the contract;
2. The failure to perform any such work during the 90-day period or such period that is mutually agreed upon and specified in the contract was not related to the owner’s termination of the contract or a material breach of the contract by the owner; and
3. The contractor failed to perform for the 90-day period or such period that is mutually agreed upon and specified in the contract without just cause or terminated the contract without proper notification to the owner.
a. Proper notification of termination for purposes of this subparagraph must be made by the contractor in the form of a letter that includes the reason for termination of the contract or the reason for failure to perform sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, mailed to the address of the owner listed in the contracting agreement. If no written agreement exists, the letter must be mailed to the address where the work was to be performed or the address listed on the permit, if applicable.
b. If a contractor fails to comply with paragraph (a), written demand must be made to the contractor in the form of a letter that includes a demand to perform work, or refund the money received in excess of the value of the work performed, sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, mailed to the address listed in the contracting agreement. If there is no address for the contractor listed in the contracting agreement, or no agreement exists, the letter must be mailed to the address listed with the department for licensing purposes or the local construction industry licensing board, if applicable.
c. It may be inferred that a contractor does not have just cause if the contractor fails to perform work, or refund the money received in excess of the value of the work performed, within 30 days after receiving a written demand to perform the work, or refund the money received in excess of the value of the work performed, from the person who made the payment.
(4) Any violation of subsection (2) or subsection (3) must be prosecuted in accordance with the thresholds established in this section and the following:
(a) The required intent to prove a criminal violation may be shown to exist at the time that the contractor appropriated the money to his or her own use and is not required to be proven to exist at the time of the taking of the money from the owner or at the time the owner makes a payment to the contractor.
(b) It may be inferred that a contractor intended to deprive the owner of the right to the money owed, or deprive the owner of the benefit from it, and inferred that the contractor appropriated the money for his or her own use, or to a person not entitled to the use of the money, if the contractor fails to refund any portion of the money owed within 30 days after receiving a written demand for such money from the owner.
(c) In a prosecution for a violation of this section, the fact that the person so charged intended to return the money owed is not a defense.
(5) A person who violates subsection (2) commits:
(a) A misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, if the total money received is less than $1,000.
(b) A felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the total money received is $1,000 or more, but less than $20,000.
(c) A felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the total money received is $20,000 or more, but less than $200,000.
(d) A felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the total money received is $200,000 or more.
(6) A person who violates subsection (3) commits:
(a) A misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, if the total money received exceeding the value of the work performed is less than $1,000.
(b) A felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the total money received exceeding the value of the work performed is $1,000 or more, but less than $20,000.
(c) A felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the total money received exceeding the value of the work performed is $20,000 or more, but less than $200,000.
(d) A felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the total money received exceeding the value of the work performed is $200,000 or more.
History.—s. 1, ch. 94-110; s. 840, ch. 95-148; s. 2, ch. 95-240; s. 7, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 19, ch. 2019-167.
Note.—Former s. 252.361.
489.127 Prohibitions; penalties.—
(1) No person shall:
(a) Falsely hold himself or herself or a business organization out as a licensee, certificateholder, or registrant;
(b) Falsely impersonate a certificateholder or registrant;
(c) Present as his or her own the certificate or registration of another;
(d) Knowingly give false or forged evidence to the board or a member thereof;
(e) Use or attempt to use a certificate or registration that has been suspended or revoked;
(f) Engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor or advertise himself or herself or a business organization as available to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor without being duly registered or certified;
(g) Operate a business organization engaged in contracting after 60 days following the termination of its only qualifying agent without designating another primary qualifying agent, except as provided in ss. 489.119 and 489.1195;
(h) Commence or perform work for which a building permit is required pursuant to part IV of chapter 553 without such building permit being in effect; or
(i) Willfully or deliberately disregard or violate any municipal or county ordinance relating to uncertified or unregistered contractors.
For purposes of this subsection, a person or business organization operating on an inactive or suspended certificate or registration is not duly certified or registered and is considered unlicensed. A business tax receipt issued under the authority of chapter 205 is not a license for purposes of this part.
(2)(a) Any unlicensed person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (1) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) Any unlicensed person who commits a violation of subsection (1) after having been previously found guilty of such violation commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(c) Any unlicensed person who commits a violation of subsection (1) during the existence of a state of emergency declared by executive order of the Governor commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(d) Any person who operates as a pollutant storage systems contractor, precision tank tester, or internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator in violation of subsection (1) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
The remedies set forth in this subsection are not exclusive and may be imposed in addition to the remedies set forth in s. 489.129(2).
(3) The department may issue a stop-work order for all unlicensed work on a project upon finding probable cause to believe that construction work which requires certification or registration is being performed without a current, valid certificate or registration. Stop-work orders may be enforced using any cease and desist or other related action by the department as set forth in s. 455.228.
(4)(a) A certified or registered contractor, or contractor authorized by a local construction regulation board to do contracting, may not enter into an agreement, oral or written, whereby his or her certification number or registration number is used, or to be used, by a person who is not certified or registered as provided for in this chapter, or used, or to be used, by a business organization that is not duly qualified as provided for in this chapter to engage in the business, or act in the capacity, of a contractor.
(b) A certified or registered contractor, or contractor authorized by a local construction regulation board to do contracting, may not knowingly allow his or her certification number or registration number to be used by a person who is not certified or registered as provided for in this chapter, or used by a business organization that is not qualified as provided for in this chapter to engage in the business, or act in the capacity of, a contractor.
(c) A certified or registered contractor, or contractor authorized by a local construction regulation board to do contracting, may not apply for or obtain a building permit for construction work unless the certified or registered contractor, or contractor authorized by a local construction regulation board to do contracting, or business organization duly qualified by said contractor, has entered into a contract to make improvements to, or perform the contracting at, the real property specified in the application or permit. This paragraph does not prohibit a contractor from applying for or obtaining a building permit to allow the contractor to perform work for another person without compensation or to perform work on property that is owned by the contractor.
(d)1. A person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
2. A person who violates this subsection after having been previously found guilty of such violation commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(5) Each county or municipality may, at its option, designate one or more of its code enforcement officers, as defined in chapter 162, to enforce, as set out in this subsection, the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 489.132(1) against persons who engage in activity for which a county or municipal certificate of competency or license or state certification or registration is required.
(a) A code enforcement officer designated pursuant to this subsection may issue a citation for any violation of subsection (1) or s. 489.132(1) whenever, based upon personal investigation, the code enforcement officer has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that such a violation has occurred.
(b) A citation issued by a code enforcement officer shall be in a form prescribed by the local governing body of the county or municipality and shall state:
1. The time and date of issuance.
2. The name and address of the person to whom the citation is issued.
3. The time and date of the violation.
4. A brief description of the violation and the facts constituting reasonable cause.
5. The name of the code enforcement officer.
6. The procedure for the person to follow in order to pay the civil penalty or to contest the citation.
7. The applicable civil penalty if the person elects not to contest the citation.
(c) The local governing body of the county or municipality may enforce codes and ordinances against unlicensed contractors under the provisions of this subsection and may enact an ordinance establishing procedures for implementing this subsection, including a schedule of penalties to be assessed by the code enforcement officer. The maximum civil penalty which may be levied may not exceed $2,000. Moneys collected pursuant to this subsection shall be retained locally, as provided for by local ordinance, and may be set aside in a specific fund to support future enforcement activities against unlicensed contractors.
(d) The act for which the citation is issued shall be ceased upon receipt of the citation; and the person charged with the violation shall elect either to correct the violation and pay the civil penalty in the manner indicated on the citation or, within 10 days of receipt of the citation, exclusive of weekends and legal holidays, request an administrative hearing before the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate to appeal the issuance of the citation by the code enforcement officer.
1. Hearings shall be held before an enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate as established by s. 162.03(2), and such hearings shall be conducted pursuant to the requirements of ss. 162.07 and 162.08.
2. Failure of a violator to appeal the decision of the code enforcement officer within the time period set forth in this paragraph shall constitute a waiver of the violator’s right to an administrative hearing. A waiver of the right to an administrative hearing shall be deemed an admission of the violation, and penalties may be imposed accordingly.
3. If the person issued the citation, or his or her designated representative, shows that the citation is invalid or that the violation has been corrected prior to appearing before the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate, the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate may dismiss the citation unless the violation is irreparable or irreversible.
4. Each day a willful, knowing violation continues shall constitute a separate offense under the provisions of this subsection.
(e) A person cited for a violation pursuant to this subsection is deemed to be charged with a noncriminal infraction.
(f) If the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate finds that a violation exists, the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate may order the violator to pay a civil penalty of not less than the amount set forth on the citation but not more than $2,500 per day for each violation. In determining the amount of the penalty, the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate shall consider the following factors:
1. The gravity of the violation.
2. Any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation.
3. Any previous violations committed by the violator.
(g) Upon written notification by the code enforcement officer that a violator had not contested the citation or paid the civil penalty within the timeframe allowed on the citation, or if a violation has not been corrected within the timeframe set forth on the notice of violation, the enforcement or licensing board or the designated special magistrate shall enter an order ordering the violator to pay the civil penalty set forth on the citation or notice of violation, and a hearing shall not be necessary for the issuance of such order.
(h) A certified copy of an order imposing a civil penalty against an uncertified contractor may be recorded in the public records and thereafter shall constitute a lien against any real or personal property owned by the violator. Upon petition to the circuit court, such order may be enforced in the same manner as a court judgment by the sheriffs of this state, including a levy against personal property; however, such order shall not be deemed to be a court judgment except for enforcement purposes. A civil penalty imposed pursuant to this part shall continue to accrue until the violator comes into compliance or until judgment is rendered in a suit to foreclose on a lien filed pursuant to this subsection, whichever occurs first. After 3 months from the filing of any such lien which remains unpaid, the enforcement board or licensing board or designated special magistrate may authorize the local governing body’s attorney to foreclose on the lien. No lien created pursuant to the provisions of this part may be foreclosed on real property which is a homestead under s. 4, Art. X of the State Constitution.
(i) This subsection does not authorize or permit a code enforcement officer to perform any function or duty of a law enforcement officer other than a function or duty that is authorized in this subsection.
(j) An aggrieved party, including the local governing body, may appeal a final administrative order of an enforcement board or licensing board or designated special magistrate to the circuit court. Such an appeal shall not be a hearing de novo but shall be limited to appellate review of the record created before the enforcement board or licensing board or designated special magistrate. An appeal shall be filed within 30 days of the execution of the order to be appealed.
(k) All notices required by this subsection shall be provided to the alleged violator by certified mail, return receipt requested; by hand delivery by the sheriff or other law enforcement officer or code enforcement officer; by leaving the notice at the violator’s usual place of residence with some person of his or her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents of the notice; or by including a hearing date within the citation.
(l) For those counties which enact ordinances to implement this subsection and which have local construction licensing boards or local government code enforcement boards, the local construction licensing board or local government code enforcement board shall be responsible for the administration of such citation program and training of code enforcement officers. The local governing body of the county shall enter into interlocal agreements with any municipalities in the county so that such municipalities may, by ordinance, resolution, policy, or administrative order, authorize individuals to enforce the provisions of this subsection. Such individuals shall be subject to the requirements of training as specified by the local construction licensing board.
(m) Any person who willfully refuses to sign and accept a citation issued by a code enforcement officer commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(n) Nothing contained in this subsection shall prohibit a county or municipality from enforcing its codes or ordinances by any other means.
(o) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize local jurisdictions to exercise disciplinary authority or procedures established in this subsection against an individual holding a proper valid certificate issued pursuant to this part.
(6) Local building departments may collect outstanding fines against registered or certified contractors issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board and may retain 75 percent of the fines they are able to collect, provided that they transmit 25 percent of the fines they are able to collect to the department according to a procedure to be determined by the department.
History.—ss. 13, 17, ch. 79-200; ss. 13, 15, 25, 30, 34, 58, 62, ch. 80-406; s. 370, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 30, 31, ch. 86-159; s. 11, ch. 87-310; ss. 13, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 3, ch. 89-343; s. 39, ch. 90-228; s. 38, ch. 91-137; s. 255, ch. 91-224; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 5, ch. 92-55; s. 69, ch. 92-149; s. 16, ch. 93-166; s. 264, ch. 94-119; s. 3, ch. 95-240; s. 8, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 1128, ch. 97-103; s. 10, ch. 97-228; s. 23, ch. 98-287; s. 86, ch. 2004-11; s. 117, ch. 2007-5; s. 131, ch. 2008-4; s. 32, ch. 2009-195; s. 9, ch. 2013-193.
Note.—Subsection (4) former s. 489.1265.
489.128 Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable.—
(1) As a matter of public policy, contracts entered into on or after October 1, 1990, by an unlicensed contractor shall be unenforceable in law or in equity by the unlicensed contractor.
(a) For purposes of this section, an individual is unlicensed if the individual does not have a license required by this part concerning the scope of the work to be performed under the contract. A business organization is unlicensed if the business organization does not have a primary or secondary qualifying agent in accordance with this part concerning the scope of the work to be performed under the contract. For purposes of this section, if a state license is not required for the scope of work to be performed under the contract, the individual performing that work is not considered unlicensed.
(b) For purposes of this section, an individual or business organization may not be considered unlicensed for failing to have a business tax receipt issued under the authority of chapter 205.
(c) For purposes of this section, a contractor shall be considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on the effective date of the original contract for the work, if stated therein, or, if not stated, the date the last party to the contract executed it, if stated therein. If the contract does not establish such a date, the contractor shall be considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on the first date upon which the contractor provided labor, services, or materials under the contract.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if a contract is rendered unenforceable under this section, no lien or bond claim shall exist in favor of the unlicensed contractor for any labor, services, or materials provided under the contract or any amendment thereto.
(3) This section shall not affect the rights of parties other than the unlicensed contractor to enforce contract, lien, or bond remedies. This section shall not affect the obligations of a surety that has provided a bond on behalf of an unlicensed contractor. It shall not be a defense to any claim on a bond or indemnity agreement that the principal or indemnitor is unlicensed for purposes of this section.
History.—s. 30, ch. 90-228; s. 11, ch. 91-201; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 17, ch. 93-166; s. 486, ch. 97-103; s. 35, ch. 2000-372; s. 1, ch. 2003-257; s. 2, ch. 2006-154; s. 118, ch. 2007-5; ss. 33, 34, ch. 2009-195.
489.129 Disciplinary proceedings.—
(1) The board may take any of the following actions against any certificateholder or registrant: place on probation or reprimand the licensee, revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance or renewal of the certificate or registration, require financial restitution to a consumer for financial harm directly related to a violation of a provision of this part, impose an administrative fine not to exceed $10,000 per violation, require continuing education, or assess costs associated with investigation and prosecution, if the contractor, financially responsible officer, or business organization for which the contractor is a primary qualifying agent, a financially responsible officer, or a secondary qualifying agent responsible under s. 489.1195 is found guilty of any of the following acts:
(a) Obtaining a certificate or registration by fraud or misrepresentation.
(b) Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of contracting or the ability to practice contracting.
(c) Violating any provision of chapter 455.
(d) Performing any act which assists a person or entity in engaging in the prohibited uncertified and unregistered practice of contracting, if the certificateholder or registrant knows or has reasonable grounds to know that the person or entity was uncertified and unregistered.
(e) Knowingly combining or conspiring with an uncertified or unregistered person by allowing his or her certificate or registration to be used by the uncertified or unregistered person with intent to evade the provisions of this part. When a certificateholder or registrant allows his or her certificate or registration to be used by one or more business organizations without having any active participation in the operations, management, or control of such business organizations, such act constitutes prima facie evidence of an intent to evade the provisions of this part.
(f) Acting in the capacity of a contractor under any certificate or registration issued hereunder except in the name of the certificateholder or registrant as set forth on the issued certificate or registration, or in accordance with the personnel of the certificateholder or registrant as set forth in the application for the certificate or registration, or as later changed as provided in this part.
(g) Committing mismanagement or misconduct in the practice of contracting that causes financial harm to a customer. Financial mismanagement or misconduct occurs when:
1. Valid liens have been recorded against the property of a contractor’s customer for supplies or services ordered by the contractor for the customer’s job; the contractor has received funds from the customer to pay for the supplies or services; and the contractor has not had the liens removed from the property, by payment or by bond, within 75 days after the date of such liens;
2. The contractor has abandoned a customer’s job and the percentage of completion is less than the percentage of the total contract price paid to the contractor as of the time of abandonment, unless the contractor is entitled to retain such funds under the terms of the contract or refunds the excess funds within 30 days after the date the job is abandoned; or
3. The contractor’s job has been completed, and it is shown that the customer has had to pay more for the contracted job than the original contract price, as adjusted for subsequent change orders, unless such increase in cost was the result of circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, was the result of circumstances caused by the customer, or was otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract between the contractor and the customer.
(h) Being disciplined by any municipality or county for an act or violation of this part.
(i) Failing in any material respect to comply with the provisions of this part or violating a rule or lawful order of the board.
(j) Abandoning a construction project in which the contractor is engaged or under contract as a contractor. A project may be presumed abandoned after 90 days if the contractor terminates the project without just cause or without proper notification to the owner, including the reason for termination, or fails to perform work without just cause for 90 consecutive days.
(k) Signing a statement with respect to a project or contract falsely indicating that the work is bonded; falsely indicating that payment has been made for all subcontracted work, labor, and materials which results in a financial loss to the owner, purchaser, or contractor; or falsely indicating that workers’ compensation and public liability insurance are provided.
(l) Committing fraud or deceit in the practice of contracting.
(m) Committing incompetency or misconduct in the practice of contracting.
(n) Committing gross negligence, repeated negligence, or negligence resulting in a significant danger to life or property.
(o) Proceeding on any job without obtaining applicable local building department permits and inspections.
(p) Intimidating, threatening, coercing, or otherwise discouraging the service of a notice to owner under part I of chapter 713 or a notice to contractor under chapter 255 or part I of chapter 713.
(q) Failing to satisfy within a reasonable time, the terms of a civil judgment obtained against the licensee, or the business organization qualified by the licensee, relating to the practice of the licensee’s profession.
For the purposes of this subsection, construction is considered to be commenced when the contract is executed and the contractor has accepted funds from the customer or lender. A contractor does not commit a violation of this subsection when the contractor relies on a building code interpretation rendered by a building official or person authorized by s. 553.80 to enforce the building code, absent a finding of fraud or deceit in the practice of contracting, or gross negligence, repeated negligence, or negligence resulting in a significant danger to life or property on the part of the building official, in a proceeding under chapter 120.
(2) If a registrant or certificateholder disciplined under subsection (1) is a qualifying agent or financially responsible officer for a business organization and the violation was performed in connection with a construction project undertaken by that business organization, the board may impose an additional administrative fine not to exceed $5,000 per violation against the business organization or against any partner, officer, director, trustee, or member if such person participated in the violation or knew or should have known of the violation and failed to take reasonable corrective action.
(3) The board may specify by rule the acts or omissions which constitute violations of this section.
(4) In recommending penalties in any proposed recommended final order, the department shall follow the penalty guidelines established by the board by rule. The department shall advise the administrative law judge of the appropriate penalty, including mitigating and aggravating circumstances, and the specific rule citation.
(5) The board may not reinstate the certification or registration of, or cause a certificate or registration to be issued to, a person who or business organization which the board has determined is unqualified or whose certificate or registration the board has suspended until it is satisfied that such person or business organization has complied with all the terms and conditions set forth in the final order and is capable of competently engaging in the business of contracting.
(6)(a) The board may assess interest or penalties on all fines imposed under this chapter against any person or business organization which has not paid the imposed fine by the due date established by rule or final order. The provisions of chapter 120 do not apply to such assessment. Interest rates to be imposed shall be established by rule and shall not be usurious.
(b) Venue for all actions to enforce any fine levied by the board shall be in Duval County. The board is authorized to enter into contracts with private businesses or attorneys to collect such fines with payment for such collections made on a contingent fee basis. All such contracts shall be publicly advertised and competitively awarded based upon responses submitted to a request for proposals developed by the board.
(7) The board shall not issue or renew a certificate or registration to any person or business organization that has been assessed a fine, interest, or costs associated with investigation and prosecution, or has been ordered to pay restitution, until such fine, interest, or costs associated with investigation and prosecution or restitution are paid in full or until all terms and conditions of the final order have been satisfied.
(8) If the board finds any certified or registered contractor guilty of a violation, the board may, as part of its disciplinary action, require such contractor to obtain continuing education in the areas of contracting affected by such violation.
(9) Any person certified or registered pursuant to this part who has had his or her license revoked shall not be eligible to be a partner, officer, director, or trustee of a business organization defined by this section or be employed in a managerial or supervisory capacity for a 5-year period. Such person shall also be ineligible to reapply for certification or registration under this part for a period of 5 years after the effective date of the revocation.
(10) If a business organization or any of its partners, officers, directors, trustees, or members is or has previously been fined for violating subsection (2) or s. 489.132, the board may, on that basis alone, revoke, suspend, place on probation, or deny issuance of a certificate or registration to a qualifying agent or financially responsible officer of that business organization.
(11)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapters 120 and 455, upon receipt of a legally sufficient consumer complaint alleging a violation of this part, the department may provide by rule for binding arbitration between the complainant and the certificateholder or registrant, provided the following conditions exist:
1. There is evidence that the complainant has suffered or is likely to suffer monetary damages resulting from the violation of this part;
2. The certificateholder or registrant does not have a history of repeated or similar violations;
3. Reasonable grounds exist to believe that the public interest will be better served by arbitration than by disciplinary action; and
4. The complainant and certificateholder or registrant have not previously entered into private arbitration, and no civil court action based on the same transaction has been filed.
(b) The certificateholder or registrant and the complainant may consent in writing to binding arbitration within 15 days following notification of this process by the department. The department may suspend all action in the matter for 45 days when notice of consent to binding arbitration is received by the department. If the arbitration process is successfully concluded within the 60-day period, the department may close the case file with a notation of the disposition and the licensee’s record shall reflect only that a complaint was filed and resolved through arbitration.
(c) Where a complaint meets the criteria for arbitration set forth in paragraph (a) and the damages at issue are less than $2,500, the department shall refer the complaint for mandatory arbitration.
(d) The arbitrator’s order shall become a final order of the board if not challenged by the complainant or the certificateholder or registrant within 30 days after filing. The board’s review of the arbitrator’s order shall operate in the manner of the review of recommended orders pursuant to s. 120.57(1) and shall not be a de novo review.
(12) When an investigation of a contractor is undertaken, the department shall promptly furnish to the contractor or the contractor’s attorney a copy of the complaint or document that resulted in the initiation of the investigation. The department shall make the complaint and supporting documents available to the contractor. The complaint or supporting documents shall contain information regarding the specific facts that serve as the basis for the complaint. The contractor may submit a written response to the information contained in such complaint or document within 20 days after service to the contractor of the complaint or document. The contractor’s written response shall be considered by the probable cause panel. The right to respond does not prohibit the issuance of a summary emergency order if necessary to protect the public. However, if the secretary, or the secretary’s designee, and the chair of the board or the chair of the probable cause panel agree in writing that such notification would be detrimental to the investigation, the department may withhold notification. The department may conduct an investigation without notification to a contractor if the act under investigation is a criminal offense.
History.—ss. 12, 17, ch. 79-200; s. 371, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 7, ch. 83-160; ss. 87, 119, ch. 83-329; s. 9, ch. 87-74; ss. 14, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 13, ch. 89-162; s. 34, ch. 89-374; s. 24, ch. 90-109; s. 40, ch. 90-228; s. 39, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 63, ch. 92-149; s. 18, ch. 93-166; s. 9, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 226, ch. 96-410; s. 1129, ch. 97-103; s. 12, ch. 97-228; s. 146, ch. 98-166; s. 67, ch. 98-287; s. 9, ch. 98-419; s. 27, ch. 99-254; s. 205, ch. 2000-160; s. 3, ch. 2005-227; s. 35, ch. 2009-195.
489.13 Unlicensed contracting; notice of noncompliance; fine; authority to issue or receive a building permit; web page.—
(1) Any person performing an activity requiring licensure under this part as a construction contractor is guilty of unlicensed contracting if he or she does not hold a valid active certificate or registration authorizing him or her to perform such activity, regardless of whether he or she holds a local construction contractor license or local certificate of competency. Persons working outside the geographical scope of their registration are guilty of unlicensed activity for purposes of this part.
(2) For a first offense, any person who holds a state or local construction license and is found guilty of unlicensed contracting under this section shall be issued a notice of noncompliance pursuant to s. 489.131(7).
(3) Notwithstanding s. 455.228, the department may impose an administrative fine of up to $10,000 on any unlicensed person guilty of unlicensed contracting. In addition, the department may assess reasonable investigative and legal costs for prosecution of the violation against the unlicensed contractor. The department may waive up to one-half of any fine imposed if the unlicensed contractor complies with certification or registration within 1 year after imposition of the fine under this subsection.
(4)(a) Any fines collected under this section shall be first used to cover the investigative and legal costs of prosecution.
(b) Any local governing body that forwards information relating to any person who is an unlicensed contractor shall collect 30 percent of the fine collected, after deduction of the investigative and legal costs of prosecution.
(c) The balance of any fines collected under this section shall be used to maintain the department’s unlicensed contractor website page, as specified in subsection (6), and to fund the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to permit recovery from the Construction Industries Recovery Fund if the contractor is unlicensed.
(5) A local building department shall not issue a building permit to any contractor, or to any person representing himself or herself as a contractor, who does not hold a valid active certificate or registration in the appropriate category. Possession of a local certificate of competency or local construction license is not sufficient to lawfully obtain a building permit as a construction contractor if the activity in question requires licensure under this part. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a local building department from issuing a building permit to a locally licensed or certified contractor for an activity that does not require licensure under this part.
(6) The department shall create a web page, accessible through its Internet website, dedicated solely to listing any known information concerning unlicensed contractors. The information shall be provided in such a way that any person with computer online capabilities can access information concerning unlicensed contractors by name or by county. The department shall recognize that persons found guilty of unlicensed contracting do not have the same rights and privileges as licensees, and the department shall not restrict the quality or quantity of information on the web page required by this subsection, unless otherwise required by law.
(7) The remedies set forth in this section are not exclusive and may be imposed in addition to the remedies set forth in s. 489.127(2). In addition, nothing in this section is intended to prohibit the department or any local governing body from filing a civil action or seeking criminal penalties against an unlicensed contractor.
History.—s. 22, ch. 99-254; s. 1, ch. 2001-211; s. 9, ch. 2004-84.
489.131 Applicability.—
(1) This part applies to all contractors, including, but not limited to, those performing work for the state or any county or municipality. Officers of the state or any county or municipality shall determine compliance with this part before awarding any contract for construction, improvement, remodeling, or repair.
(2) The state or any county or municipality shall require that bids submitted for construction, improvement, remodeling, or repair on public projects be accompanied by evidence that the bidder holds an appropriate certificate or registration, unless the work to be performed is exempt under s. 489.103.
(3) Nothing in this part limits the power of a municipality or county:
(a) To regulate the quality and character of work performed by contractors through a system of permits, fees, and inspections which is designed to secure compliance with and aid in the implementation of state and local building laws.
(b) To enforce other laws for the protection of the public health and safety.
(c) To collect business taxes, subject to s. 205.065, and inspection fees for engaging in contracting or examination fees from persons who are registered with the board pursuant to local examination requirements and issue business tax receipts. However, nothing in this part shall be construed to require general contractors, building contractors, or residential contractors to obtain additional business tax receipts for specialty work when such specialty work is performed by employees of such contractors on projects for which they have substantially full responsibility and such contractors do not hold themselves out to the public as being specialty contractors.
(d) To adopt any system of permits requiring submission to and approval by the municipality or county of plans and specifications for work to be performed by contractors before commencement of the work.
(e) To require one bond for each contractor in an amount not to exceed $5,000, which bond shall be conditioned only upon compliance with the Florida Building Code adopted pursuant to s. 553.73. Any such bond must be equally available to all contractors without regard to the period of time a contractor has been certified or registered and without regard to any financial responsibility requirements. Any such bonds shall be payable to the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund and filed in each county or municipality in which a building permit is requested. Bond reciprocity shall be granted statewide. All such bonds shall be included in meeting any financial responsibility requirements imposed by any statute or rule. Any contractor who provides a third party insured warranty policy in connection with a new building or structure for the benefit of the purchaser or owner shall be exempt from the bond requirements under this subsection with respect to such building or structure.
(f) To refuse to issue permits or issue permits with specific conditions to a contractor who has committed multiple violations, when he or she has been disciplined for each of them by the board and when each disciplinary action has involved revocation or suspension of a license, imposition of an administrative fine of at least $1,000, or probation; or to issue permits with specific conditions to a contractor who, within the previous 12 months, has had disciplinary action other than a citation or letter of guidance taken against him or her by the department or by a local board or agency which licenses contractors and has reported the action pursuant to paragraph (6)(c), for engaging in the business or acting in the capacity of a contractor without a license. However, this subsection does not supersede the provisions of s. 489.113(4), and no county or municipality may require any certificateholder to obtain a local professional license or pay a local professional license fee as a condition of performing any services within the scope of the certificateholder’s statewide license as established under this part.
(4) Nothing in this part shall be construed to waive any requirement of any ordinance or resolution existing on October 1, 1979, of a board of county commissioners regulating the type of work required to be performed by a specialty contractor.
(5) Any official authorized to issue building or other related permits shall, before issuing a permit, ascertain that the applicant contractor is certified or is registered in the area where the construction is to take place.
(6)(a) No municipality or county may require the holder of a certificate issued pursuant to this part to sit for examination to operate within the scope of such certificate.
(b) To engage in contracting in the territorial area, an applicant shall also be registered with the board, as required by s. 489.117.
(c) Each local board or agency that licenses contractors must transmit quarterly to the board a report of any disciplinary action taken against contractors and of any administrative or disciplinary action taken against unlicensed persons for engaging in the business or acting in the capacity of a contractor including any cease and desist orders issued pursuant to s. 489.113(2)(b) and any fine issued pursuant to s. 489.127(5).
(7)(a) It is the policy of the state that the purpose of regulation is to protect the public by attaining compliance with the policies established in law. Fines and other penalties are provided in order to ensure compliance with state laws and local jurisdiction ordinances.
(b) The local governing body of a county or municipality, or its local enforcement body, is authorized to enforce the provisions of this part as well as its local ordinances against locally licensed or registered contractors, as appropriate. The local jurisdiction enforcement body may conduct disciplinary proceedings against a locally licensed or registered contractor and may require restitution, impose a suspension or revocation of his or her local license, or a fine not to exceed $5,000, or a combination thereof, against the locally licensed or registered contractor, according to ordinances which a local jurisdiction may enact. In addition, the local jurisdiction may assess reasonable investigative and legal costs for the prosecution of the violation against the violator, according to such ordinances as the local jurisdiction may enact.
(c) In addition to any action the local jurisdiction enforcement body may take against the individual’s local license, and any fine the local jurisdiction may impose, the local jurisdiction enforcement body shall issue a recommended penalty for board action. This recommended penalty may include a recommendation for no further action, or a recommendation for suspension, revocation, or restriction of the registration, or a fine to be levied by the board, or a combination thereof. The local jurisdiction enforcement body shall inform the disciplined contractor and the complainant of the local license penalty imposed, the board penalty recommended, his or her rights to appeal, and the consequences should he or she decide not to appeal. The local jurisdiction enforcement body shall, upon having reached adjudication or having accepted a plea of nolo contendere, immediately inform the board of its action and the recommended board penalty.
(d) The department, the disciplined contractor, or the complainant may challenge the local jurisdiction enforcement body’s recommended penalty for board action to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. A challenge shall be filed within 60 days after the issuance of the recommended penalty to the board. If challenged, there is a presumptive finding of probable cause and the case may proceed without the need for a probable cause hearing.
(e) Failure of the department, the disciplined contractor, or the complainant to challenge the local jurisdiction’s recommended penalty within the time period set forth in this subsection shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing before the board. A waiver of the right to a hearing before the board shall be deemed an admission of the violation, and the penalty recommended shall become a final order according to procedures developed by board rule without further board action. The disciplined contractor may appeal this board action to the district court.
(f)1. The department may investigate any complaint which is made with the department. However, the department may not initiate or pursue any complaint against a registered contractor who is not also a certified contractor where a local jurisdiction enforcement body has jurisdiction over the complaint, unless summary procedures are initiated by the secretary pursuant to s. 455.225(8), or unless the local jurisdiction enforcement body has failed to investigate and prosecute a complaint, or make a finding of no violation, within 6 months of receiving the complaint. The department shall refer the complaint to the local jurisdiction enforcement body for investigation, and if appropriate, prosecution. However, the department may investigate such complaints to the extent necessary to determine whether summary procedures should be initiated.
2. Upon a recommendation by the department, the board may make conditional, suspend, or rescind its determination of the adequacy of the local government enforcement body’s disciplinary procedures granted under s. 489.117(2).
(g) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to allow local jurisdictions to exercise disciplinary authority over certified contractors.
(8) A local enforcement board may petition the secretary of the department for issuance of a summary order against a certificateholder or registrant for any violation of this part.
(9) The right to create local boards in the future by any municipality or county is preserved.
(10) No municipal or county government may issue any certificate of competency or license for any contractor defined in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(o) after July 1, 1993, unless such local government exercises disciplinary control and oversight over such locally licensed contractors, including forwarding a recommended order in each action to the board as provided in subsection (7). Each local board that licenses and disciplines contractors must have at least two consumer representatives on that board. If the board has seven or more members, at least three of those members must be consumer representatives. The consumer representative may be any resident of the local jurisdiction who is not, and has never been, a member or practitioner of a profession regulated by the board or a member of any closely related profession.
(11) Any municipal or county government which enters or has in place a reciprocal agreement which accepts a certificate of competency or license issued by another municipal or county government in lieu of its own certificate of competency or license allowing contractors defined in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(o), shall file a certified copy of such agreement with the board not later than 60 days after July 1, 1993, or 30 days after the effective date of such agreement.
(12) Unless specifically provided, the provisions of this part shall not be construed to create a civil cause of action.
History.—ss. 10, 17, ch. 79-200; s. 372, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 1, ch. 87-152; ss. 15, 20, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 30, ch. 89-289; s. 35, ch. 89-374; s. 40, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 6, ch. 92-55; ss. 64, 70, ch. 92-149; s. 19, ch. 93-166; s. 265, ch. 94-119; s. 4, ch. 95-240; s. 10, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 51, ch. 97-98; s. 1130, ch. 97-103; s. 13, ch. 97-228; s. 24, ch. 98-287; s. 10, ch. 98-419; s. 125, ch. 2000-141; s. 36, ch. 2000-154; s. 35, ch. 2001-186; s. 4, ch. 2001-372; s. 10, ch. 2004-84; s. 119, ch. 2007-5; s. 10, ch. 2013-193.
489.132 Prohibited acts by unlicensed principals; investigation; hearing; penalties.—
(1) No uncertified or unregistered person associated with a contracting firm qualified by the licensee under this chapter shall:
(a) Conceal or cause to be concealed, or assist in concealing, from the primary qualifying agent, any material activities or information about the contracting firm;
(b) Exclude or facilitate the exclusion of any aspect of the contracting firm’s financial or other business activities from the primary qualifying agent;
(c) Knowingly cause any part of the contracting firm’s activities, financial or otherwise, to be conducted without the primary qualifying agent’s supervision; or
(d) Assist or participate with any certificateholder or registrant in the violation of any provision of this chapter.
(2) The department shall cause an investigation of any incident where it appears that any uncertified or unregistered person associated with a contracting firm is in violation of this section. When, after investigation, the department finds there is probable cause to believe this section has been violated, the department shall prepare and file an administrative complaint which shall be served on the uncertified or unregistered person. The department shall prosecute the complaint pursuant to chapter 120.
(3) Upon a finding of a violation of this section, the department is authorized to impose a fine of not more than $5,000 and assess reasonable investigative and legal costs for the prosecution of the violation against the violator. Any such fine and assessments shall be paid within 30 days of the filing of the final order with the department. In the event of an appeal, the time for payment of any fine and assessments shall be stayed until a final order is rendered upholding the department decision.
(4) In the event any fine and assessments imposed by the department are not paid within the time provided for payment, the department may bring action as provided in s. 489.129(6)(b) in the appropriate circuit court of the state for enforcement of the final order, and the circuit court shall not rehear the merit of those matters included in the final order of the department.
(5) The department may suspend, revoke, or deny issuance or renewal of a certificate or registration for any individual or business organization that associates a person as an officer, director, or partner, or in a managerial or supervisory capacity, after such person has been found under a final order to have violated this section or was an officer, director, partner, trustee, or manager of a business organization disciplined by the board by revocation, suspension, or fine in excess of $2,500, upon finding reasonable cause that such person knew or reasonably should have known of the conduct leading to the discipline.
History.—ss. 36, 41, ch. 89-374; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 20, ch. 93-166; s. 14, ch. 97-228; s. 36, ch. 2009-195.
489.133 Pollutant storage systems specialty contractors; definitions; certification; restrictions.—
(1) As used in this part:
(a) “Registered internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator” means any person who has registered with the department pursuant to subsection (3). This registration is exempt from the provisions of prior municipality, county, or development district registration, as required under s. 489.117, and is on a statewide basis.
(b) “Registered precision tank tester” means any person who has registered with the department pursuant to subsection (2).
(2) The board shall adopt rules providing standards for registration of precision tank testers who precision test a pollutant storage tank. The Department of Environmental Protection shall approve the methodology, procedures, and equipment used and shall approve the applicant as being eligible for registration as a registered precision tank tester. A registered precision tank tester is subject to the provisions of ss. 489.129 and 489.132 and is considered a contractor operating as a primary qualifying agent for the business entity employing him or her, which is considered a contracting firm for the purposes of ss. 489.129 and 489.132. A person who registers under this subsection is exempt from municipal, county, or development district registration under s. 489.117 and may operate as a precision tank tester statewide.
(3) The board shall adopt rules providing standards for registration of internal pollutant storage tank lining applicators who internally line pollutant storage tanks as a method of upgrading or repairing pollutant storage tanks to prevent discharge of pollutants. The Department of Environmental Protection shall approve the methodology, procedures, and equipment used and shall approve the applicant as being eligible for registration as a registered internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator. A registered internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator is subject to the provisions of ss. 489.129 and 489.132, and shall be considered a contractor operating as a primary qualifying agent for the business entity employing him or her, which entity shall be considered a contracting firm for the purposes of ss. 489.129 and 489.132.
(4) The board shall adopt rules providing standards for certification of pollutant storage systems specialty contractors, including persons who remove such systems. The board shall provide the proposed rules to the Department of Environmental Protection for review and comment prior to adoption. The rules shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Standards for operating as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor.
(b) Requirements for certification as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor.
(c) Requirements for certification without examination of pollutant storage systems specialty contractors for any person who has passed a local licensure examination, a licensure examination in another state, or a licensure examination of a national organization, which is at least as stringent as the examination adopted by the board.
(5)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, no person shall engage in contracting as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor unless such person is certified as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor pursuant to this part, nor shall any official authorized to issue building or other related permits issue a permit or permits for the installation or removal of a pollutant storage tank unless such official ascertains that the applicant for such permit or permits is certified as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor.
(b) Any person installing a pollutant storage tank shall perform such installation in accordance with the standards adopted pursuant to s. 376.303.
(6) Any person who operates as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor, precision tank tester, or internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator in violation of this section or any person who violates subsection (5) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—ss. 16, 21, ch. 88-156; s. 37, ch. 89-374; s. 41, ch. 91-137; s. 43, ch. 91-305; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 30, ch. 93-166; s. 457, ch. 94-356; s. 487, ch. 97-103; s. 37, ch. 2000-154.
489.134 Authority of licensed job scope.—A licensee under this part need not have a license under part II to perform work within the scope of his or her license under this part.
History.—s. 35, ch. 90-228; s. 11, ch. 91-201; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 488, ch. 97-103.
489.140 Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund.—There is created the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund as a separate account in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund. The recovery fund shall be funded pursuant to s. 468.631.
History.—s. 21, ch. 93-166; s. 31, ch. 98-419; s. 38, ch. 2000-154; s. 1, ch. 2004-84; s. 1, ch. 2013-187.
489.1401 Legislative intent.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature that actions taken by the Construction Industry Licensing Board with respect to contractor sanctions and pursuant to this chapter are an exercise of the department’s regulatory power for the protection of public safety and welfare.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that the sole purpose of the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund is to compensate an aggrieved claimant who contracted for the construction or improvement of the homeowner’s residence located within this state and who has obtained a final judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction, was awarded restitution by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, or received an award in arbitration against a licensee on grounds of financial mismanagement or misconduct, abandoning a construction project, or making a false statement with respect to a project. Such grievance must arise directly out of a transaction conducted when the judgment debtor was licensed and must involve an act enumerated in s. 489.129(1)(g), (j), or (k).
(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that Division I and Division II contractors set apart funds for the specific objective of participating in the fund.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2004-84; s. 4, ch. 2016-129.
489.1402 Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund; definitions.—
(1) The following definitions apply to ss. 489.140-489.144:
(a) “Arbitration” means alternative dispute resolution entered into between a claimant and a contractor either pursuant to a construction contract that contains a mandatory arbitration clause or through any binding arbitration under chapter 682, the Revised Florida Arbitration Code.
(b) “Board” means the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
(c) “Claimant” means a homeowner.
(d) “Contractor” means a Division I or Division II contractor performing his or her respective services described in s. 489.105(3).
(e) “Court of competent jurisdiction” means a civil or criminal court in the State of Florida, or a bankruptcy court.
(f) “Homeowner” means the owner of an owner-occupied residence, including a trustee based upon a trust instrument granting a person a beneficial interest for life in the residence.
(g) “Licensee” means a contractor, financially responsible officer, or business organization licensed under this part at the time the violation was committed.
(h) “Notice” means service as described in s. 455.275.
(i) “Residence” means a single-family residence, an individual residential condominium or cooperative unit, or a residential building containing not more than two residential units in which the owner contracting for the improvement is residing or will reside 6 months or more each calendar year upon completion of the improvement.
(j) “Recovery fund” means the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund.
(k) “Same transaction” means a contract, or a series of contracts, between a claimant and a contractor or qualified business, when such contract or contracts involve the same property or contiguous properties and are entered into at one time or serially.
(l) “Valid and current license,” for the purpose of s. 489.141(2)(d), means a license issued pursuant to this part to a licensee, including a license in an active, inactive, delinquent, or suspended status.
(2) The following definitions apply to claims made prior to July 1, 2007, when the contract was executed and the violation occurred on or before January 1, 2005.
(a) “Claimant” means a natural person.
(b) “Licensee” means a contractor, financially responsible officer, or business organization licensed under this part at the time the violation was committed.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2004-84; s. 39, ch. 2013-232; s. 5, ch. 2016-129.
489.141 Conditions for recovery; eligibility.—
(1) A claimant is eligible to seek recovery from the recovery fund after making a claim and exhausting the limits of any available bond, cash bond, surety, guarantee, warranty, letter of credit, or policy of insurance if each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) The claimant has received a final judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction in this state or has received an award in arbitration or the Construction Industry Licensing Board has issued a final order directing the licensee to pay restitution to the claimant. The board may waive this requirement if:
1. The claimant is unable to secure a final judgment against the licensee due to the death of the licensee; or
2. The claimant has sought to have assets involving the transaction that gave rise to the claim removed from the bankruptcy proceedings so that the matter might be heard in a court of competent jurisdiction in this state and, after due diligence, the claimant is precluded by action of the bankruptcy court from securing a final judgment against the licensee.
(b) The judgment, award, or restitution is based upon a violation of s. 489.129(1)(g), (j), or (k) or s. 713.35.
(c) The violation was committed by a licensee.
(d) The judgment, award, or restitution order specifies the actual damages suffered as a consequence of such violation.
(e) The contract was executed and the violation occurred on or after July 1, 1993, and provided that:
1. The claimant has caused to be issued a writ of execution upon such judgment, and the officer executing the writ has made a return showing that no personal or real property of the judgment debtor or licensee liable to be levied upon in satisfaction of the judgment can be found or that the amount realized on the sale of the judgment debtor’s or licensee’s property pursuant to such execution was insufficient to satisfy the judgment;
2. If the claimant is unable to comply with subparagraph 1. for a valid reason to be determined by the board, the claimant has made all reasonable searches and inquiries to ascertain whether the judgment debtor or licensee is possessed of real or personal property or other assets subject to being sold or applied in satisfaction of the judgment and by his or her search has discovered no property or assets or has discovered property and assets and has taken all necessary action and proceedings for the application thereof to the judgment but the amount thereby realized was insufficient to satisfy the judgment; and
3. The claimant has made a diligent attempt, as defined by board rule, to collect the restitution awarded by the board.
(f) A claim for recovery is made within 1 year after the conclusion of any civil, criminal, or administrative action or award in arbitration based on the act. This paragraph applies to any claim filed with the board after October 1, 1998.
(g) Any amounts recovered by the claimant from the judgment debtor or licensee, or from any other source, have been applied to the damages awarded by the court or the amount of restitution ordered by the board.
(h) The claimant is not a person who is precluded by this act from making a claim for recovery.
(2) A claimant is not qualified to make a claim for recovery from the recovery fund if:
(a) The claimant is the spouse of the judgment debtor or licensee or a personal representative of such spouse;
(b) The claimant is a licensee who acted as the contractor in the transaction that is the subject of the claim;
(c) The claim is based upon a construction contract in which the licensee was acting with respect to the property owned or controlled by the licensee;
(d) The claim is based upon a construction contract in which the contractor did not hold a valid and current license at the time of the construction contract;
(e) The claimant was associated in a business relationship with the licensee other than the contract at issue; or
(f) The claimant had entered into a contract with a licensee to perform a scope of work described in s. 489.105(3)(d)-(q) before July 1, 2016.
(3) The board may determine by rule documentation that is required to complete a claim.
History.—s. 21, ch. 93-166; s. 266, ch. 94-119; s. 489, ch. 97-103; s. 32, ch. 98-419; s. 39, ch. 2000-154; s. 4, ch. 2004-84; s. 16, ch. 2011-222; s. 17, ch. 2012-72; s. 6, ch. 2016-129.
489.142 Board powers relating to recovery; conduct of hearings and service.—
(1) With respect to actions for recovery from the recovery fund, the board may intervene, enter an appearance, file an answer, defend the action, or take any action it deems appropriate and may take recourse through any appropriate method of review on behalf of the State of Florida. The board may delegate to the department by rule the authority to close any case when a claimant is not qualified to make a claim for recovery from the recovery fund under s. 489.141(2); when after notice the claimant has failed to provide documentation in support of the claim as required by the board; or when the licensee has reached the aggregate limit.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board shall cause a notice of hearing to be served 14 days in advance of the hearing on the claimant and on the licensee whose license is subject to suspension by s. 489.143. Each notice shall inform the recipient of any administrative hearing or judicial review that is available under s. 120.569, s. 120.57, or s. 120.68; shall indicate the procedure that must be followed to obtain the hearing or judicial review; and shall state the time limits that apply. Service of the notice on the licensee shall be made in accordance with s. 455.275. Service of the notice on the claimant shall be by regular United States mail at the address provided on the claim. The service of notice in accordance with this section is complete upon expiration of 14 days after deposit in the United States mail. Proof of service of a notice shall be made by entry in the records of the department that the notice was given. The entry shall be admissible in judicial and administrative proceedings of this state and shall constitute sufficient proof that notice was given.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, board hearings on claims shall be conducted in accordance with ss. 120.569 and 120.57(2). All claim hearings shall be conducted at the board’s regular meeting at the place, date, and time published. Orders of the board denying or awarding funds to a claimant constitute final orders that may be appealed in accordance with s. 120.68. Orders awarding or denying claims shall be served in the same manner as notices of hearing in this section.
History.—s. 21, ch. 93-166; s. 33, ch. 98-419; s. 5, ch. 2004-84.
489.1425 Duty of contractor to notify residential property owner of recovery fund.—
(1) Each agreement or contract for repair, restoration, improvement, or construction to residential real property must contain a written statement explaining the consumer’s rights under the recovery fund, except where the value of all labor and materials does not exceed $2,500. The written statement must be substantially in the following form:
FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS’ CONSTRUCTION
RECOVERY FUND
PAYMENT, UP TO A LIMITED AMOUNT, MAY BE AVAILABLE FROM THE FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS’ CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY FUND IF YOU LOSE MONEY ON A PROJECT PERFORMED UNDER CONTRACT, WHERE THE LOSS RESULTS FROM SPECIFIED VIOLATIONS OF FLORIDA LAW BY A LICENSED CONTRACTOR. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND AND FILING A CLAIM, CONTACT THE FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS:
The statement must shall be immediately followed by the board’s address and telephone number as established by board rule.
(2)(a) Upon finding a first violation of subsection (1), the board may fine the contractor up to $500, and the moneys must be deposited into the recovery fund.
(b) Upon finding a second or subsequent violation of subsection (1), the board shall fine the contractor $1,000 per violation, and the moneys must be deposited into the recovery fund.
History.—s. 5, ch. 95-240; s. 11, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 6, ch. 2004-84; s. 7, ch. 2016-129.
489.143 Payment from the fund.—
(1) The fund shall be disbursed as provided in s. 489.141 on a final order of the board.
(2) A claimant who meets all of the conditions prescribed in s. 489.141 may apply to the board to cause payment to be made to a claimant from the recovery fund in an amount equal to the judgment, award, or restitution order or $25,000, whichever is less, or an amount equal to the unsatisfied portion of such person’s judgment, award, or restitution order, but only to the extent and amount of actual damages suffered by the claimant, and only up to the maximum payment allowed for each respective Division I and Division II claim. Payment from the fund for other costs related to or pursuant to civil proceedings such as postjudgment interest, attorney fees, court costs, medical damages, and punitive damages is prohibited. The recovery fund is not obligated to pay a judgment, an award, or a restitution order, or any portion thereof, which is not expressly based on one of the grounds for recovery set forth in s. 489.141.
(3) Beginning January 1, 2005, for each Division I contract entered into after July 1, 2004, payment from the recovery fund is subject to a $50,000 maximum payment for each Division I claim. Beginning January 1, 2017, for each Division II contract entered into on or after July 1, 2016, payment from the recovery fund is subject to a $15,000 maximum payment for each Division II claim.
(4) Upon receipt by a claimant under subsection (2) of payment from the recovery fund, the claimant shall assign his or her additional right, title, and interest in the judgment, award, or restitution order, to the extent of such payment, to the board, and thereupon the board shall be subrogated to the right, title, and interest of the claimant; and any amount subsequently recovered on the judgment, award, or restitution order, to the extent of the right, title, and interest of the board therein, shall be for the purpose of reimbursing the recovery fund.
(5) Payments for claims arising out of the same transaction shall be limited, in the aggregate, to the lesser of the judgment, award, or restitution order or the maximum payment allowed for a Division I or Division II claim, regardless of the number of claimants involved in the transaction.
(6) For contracts entered into before July 1, 2004, payments for claims against any one licensee may not exceed, in the aggregate, $100,000 annually, up to a total aggregate of $250,000. For any claim approved by the board which is in excess of the annual cap, the amount in excess of $100,000 up to the total aggregate cap of $250,000 is eligible for payment in the next and succeeding fiscal years, but only after all claims for the then-current calendar year have been paid. Payments may not exceed the aggregate annual or per claimant limits under law. Beginning January 1, 2005, for each Division I contract entered into after July 1, 2004, payment from the recovery fund is subject only to a total aggregate cap of $500,000 for each Division I licensee. Beginning January 1, 2017, for each Division II contract entered into on or after July 1, 2016, payment from the recovery fund is subject only to a total aggregate cap of $150,000 for each Division II licensee.
(7) Claims shall be paid in the order filed, up to the aggregate limits for each transaction and licensee and to the limits of the amount appropriated to pay claims against the fund. Payments may not exceed the total aggregate cap per license or per claimant limits under this section.
(8) If the annual appropriation is exhausted with claims pending, such claims shall be carried forward to the next fiscal year. Any moneys in excess of pending claims remaining in the recovery fund at the end of the fiscal year shall be paid as provided in s. 468.631.
(9) Upon the payment of any amount from the recovery fund in settlement of a claim in satisfaction of a judgment, award, or restitution order against a licensee as described in s. 489.141, the license of such licensee shall be automatically suspended, without further administrative action, upon the date of payment from the fund. The license of such licensee may not be reinstated until he or she has repaid in full, plus interest, the amount paid from the fund. A discharge of bankruptcy does not relieve a person from the penalties and disabilities provided in this section.
(10) A firm, a corporation, a partnership, or an association, or a person acting in his or her individual capacity, who aids, abets, solicits, or conspires with another person to knowingly present or cause to be presented a false or fraudulent claim for the payment of a loss under this act commits a third-degree felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.084 and by a fine of up to $30,000, unless the value of the fraud exceeds that amount, in which event the fine may not exceed double the value of the fraud.
(11) Each payment and disbursement from the recovery fund shall be made by the Chief Financial Officer upon a voucher signed by the secretary of the department or the secretary’s designee.
History.—s. 21, ch. 93-166; s. 267, ch. 94-119; s. 12, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 1131, ch. 97-103; s. 1, ch. 98-162; s. 34, ch. 98-419; s. 7, ch. 2004-84; s. 8, ch. 2016-129.
489.144 Investment of the fund.—The funds in the recovery fund may be invested by the Chief Financial Officer under the same limitations as apply to the investment of other state funds, and the interest earned thereon shall be deposited to the credit of the recovery fund and shall be available for the same purposes as other moneys deposited in the recovery fund.
History.—s. 21, ch. 93-166; s. 509, ch. 2003-261; s. 8, ch. 2004-84.
489.145 Guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contracting.—
(1) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the “Guaranteed Energy, Water, and Wastewater Performance Savings Contracting Act.”
(2) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.—The Legislature finds that investment in energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures in agency facilities can reduce the amount of energy and water consumed and wastewater produced and produce immediate and long-term savings. It is the policy of this state to encourage each agency to invest in energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures to minimize energy and water consumption and wastewater production and maximize energy, water, and wastewater savings. It is further the policy of this state to encourage agencies to reinvest any savings resulting from energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures in additional energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures.
(3) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Agency” means the state, a municipality, a political subdivision, a county school district, or an institution of higher education, including all state universities, colleges, and technical colleges.
(b) “Energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measure” means a training program incidental to the contract, facility alteration, or equipment purchase to be used in a building retrofit, addition, or renovation or in new construction which reduces energy or water consumption, wastewater production, or energy-related operating costs and includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
1. Installing or modifying any of the following:
a. Insulation of the facility structure and systems within the facility.
b. Window and door systems that reduce energy consumption or operating costs, such as storm windows and doors, caulking or weatherstripping, multiglazed windows and doors, heat-absorbing or heat-reflective glazed and coated window and door systems, additional glazing, and reductions in glass area.
c. Automatic energy control systems.
d. Energy recovery systems.
e. Cogeneration systems that produce steam or forms of energy such as heat, as well as electricity, for use primarily within a facility or complex of facilities.
f. Renewable energy systems.
g. Devices that reduce water consumption or sewer charges.
h. Energy storage systems, such as fuel cells and thermal storage.
i. Energy-generating technologies.
j. Automated, electronic, or remotely controlled technologies, systems, or measures that reduce utility or operating costs.
k. Software-based systems that reduce facility management or other facility operating costs.
l. Energy information and control systems that monitor consumption, redirect systems to optimal energy sources, and manage energy-using equipment.
2. Installing, replacing, or modifying any of the following:
a. Heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems.
b. Lighting fixtures.
3. Implementing a program to reduce energy costs through rate adjustments, load shifting to reduce peak demand, demand response programs, changes to more favorable rate schedules, or auditing utility billing and metering.
4. An improvement that reduces solid waste and associated removal costs.
5. Meter replacement, installation, or modification; installation of an automated meter reading system; or other construction, modification, installation, or remodeling of water, electric, gas, fuel, communication, or other supplied utility system.
6. Any other energy conservation measure that reduces British thermal units (Btu), kilowatts (kW), or kilowatt hours (kWh); that reduces fuel or water consumption in the building or waste water production; or that reduces operating costs or provides long-term cost reductions.
7. Any other repair, replacement, or upgrade of existing equipment that produces measurable savings, or any other construction, modification, installation, or remodeling that is approved by an agency and that is within the legislative authority granted the agency, such as an energy conservation measure.
8. Any other measure not otherwise defined in this chapter which is designed to reduce utility consumption, reduce wastewater costs, enhance revenue, avoid capital costs, or achieve similar efficiency gains at an agency or other governmental unit.
(c) “Energy, water, or wastewater cost savings” means a measured reduction in the cost of fuel, energy or water consumption, or wastewater production; stipulated operation and maintenance savings; improvements in supplied utility systems, including, without limitation, revenue enhancements or reduction in net operating costs resulting from increased meter accuracy or performance; and identified capital savings, created from the implementation of one or more energy, water, or wastewater efficiency or conservation measures when compared with an established baseline for the previous cost of fuel, energy or water consumption, wastewater production, stipulated operation and maintenance, meter accuracy or performance, and identified capital costs.
(d) “Guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract” means a contract for the evaluation, recommendation, and implementation of energy, water, or wastewater efficiency or conservation measures, which, at a minimum, shall include:
1. The design and installation of equipment to implement one or more of such measures and, if applicable, operation and maintenance of such measures.
2. The amount of any actual annual savings that meet or exceed total annual contract payments made by the agency for the contract and may include allowable cost avoidance if determined appropriate by the Chief Financial Officer.
3. The finance charges incurred by the agency over the life of the contract.
(e) “Guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor” means a person or business that is licensed under chapter 471, chapter 481, or this chapter and is experienced in the analysis, design, implementation, or installation of energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures through energy performance contracts.
(f) “Investment grade energy audit” means a detailed energy, water, and wastewater audit, along with an accompanying analysis of proposed energy, water, and wastewater conservation measures, and their costs, savings, and benefits prior to entry into an energy savings contract.
(4) PROCEDURES.—
(a) An agency may enter into a guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract with a guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor to reduce energy or water consumption, wastewater production, or energy-related operating costs of an agency facility through one or more energy, water, or wastewater efficiency or conservation measures.
(b) Before design and installation of energy, water, or wastewater efficiency and conservation measures, the agency must obtain from a guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor a report that summarizes the costs associated with the energy, water, or wastewater efficiency and conservation measures or energy-related operational cost-saving measures and provides an estimate of the amount of the cost savings. The agency and the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor may enter into a separate agreement to pay for costs associated with the preparation and delivery of the report; however, payment to the contractor shall be contingent upon the report’s projection of energy, water, and wastewater cost savings being equal to or greater than the total projected costs of the design and installation of the report’s energy conservation measures.
(c) An agency may enter into a guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract with a guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor if the agency finds that the amount the agency would spend on the energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures is unlikely to exceed the amount of the cost savings for up to 20 years after the date of installation, based on the life cycle cost calculations provided in s. 255.255, if the recommendations in the report were followed and if the qualified provider or providers give a written guarantee that the cost savings will meet or exceed the costs of the system. However, actual computed cost savings must meet or exceed the estimated cost savings provided in each agency’s program approval. Baseline adjustments used in calculations must be specified in the contract. The contract may provide for repayment to the lender of the installation construction loan through installment payments for a period not to exceed 20 years.
(d) A guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor must be selected in compliance with s. 287.055; except that if fewer than three firms are qualified to perform the required services, the requirement for agency selection of three firms, as provided in s. 287.055(4)(b), and the bid requirements of s. 287.057 do not apply.
(e) Before entering into a guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract, an agency must provide published notice of the meeting in which it proposes to award the contract, the names of the parties to the proposed contract, and the contract’s purpose.
(f) A guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract may provide for financing, including tax-exempt financing, by a third party. The contract for third-party financing may be separate from the energy, water, and wastewater performance contract. A separate contract for third-party financing under this paragraph must include a provision that the third-party financier must not be granted rights or privileges that exceed the rights and privileges available to the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor.
(g) Financing for guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contracts may be provided under the authority of s. 287.064.
(h) The Office of the Chief Financial Officer shall review proposals from state agencies to ensure that the most effective financing is being used.
(i) Annually, the agency that has entered into the contract shall provide the Department of Management Services and the Chief Financial Officer the measurement and verification report required by the contract to validate that savings have occurred.
(j) In determining the amount the agency will finance to acquire the energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures, the agency may reduce such amount by the application of grant moneys, rebates, or capital funding available to the agency for the purpose of buying down the cost of the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract. However, in calculating the life cycle cost as required in paragraph (c), the agency shall not apply any grants, rebates, or capital funding.
(5) CONTRACT PROVISIONS.—
(a) A guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract must include a written guarantee that may include, but is not limited to the form of, a letter of credit, insurance policy, or corporate guarantee by the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor that annual cost savings will meet or exceed the amortized cost of energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures.
(b) The guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract or the loan agreement related thereto must provide that all repayments to the lender of the installation construction loan, except obligations on termination of the contract before its expiration, may be made over time, but may not exceed 20 years from the date of complete installation and acceptance by the agency, and that the annual cost savings are guaranteed to the extent necessary to make annual payments to satisfy the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract.
(c) The guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract must require that the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor to whom the contract is awarded provide a 100-percent public construction bond to the agency for its faithful performance, as required by s. 255.05.
(d) The guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract may contain a provision allocating to the parties to the contract annual cost savings that exceed the amount of the cost savings guaranteed in the contract.
(e) The guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract must require the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor to provide to the agency an annual reconciliation of the guaranteed energy or associated cost savings. If the reconciliation reveals a shortfall in annual energy or associated cost savings, the guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contractor is liable for such shortfall. If the reconciliation reveals an excess in annual cost savings, the excess savings may be allocated under paragraph (d) but may not be used to cover potential energy or associated cost savings shortages in subsequent contract years.
(f) The guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract or the loan agreement related thereto must provide for repayment to the lender of the installation construction loan of not less than one-twentieth of the price to be paid within 2 years from the date of the complete installation and acceptance by the agency using straight-line amortization for the term of the loan, and the remaining costs to be paid at least quarterly, not to exceed a 20-year term, based on life cycle cost calculations.
(g) The guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract may extend beyond the fiscal year in which it becomes effective; however, the term of a contract expires at the end of each fiscal year and may be automatically renewed annually for up to 20 years, subject to the agency making sufficient annual appropriations based upon continued realized energy, water, and wastewater savings.
(h) The guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract must stipulate that it does not constitute a debt, liability, or obligation of the state.
(i) A facility alteration that includes expenditures that are required to properly implement other energy conservation measures may be included as part of a performance contract. In such case, notwithstanding any provision of law, the installation of these additional measures may be supervised by the performance savings contractor.
(6) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND CONTRACT REVIEW.—The Department of Management Services, with the assistance of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, shall, within available resources, provide technical content assistance to state agencies contracting for energy, water, and wastewater efficiency and conservation measures and engage in other activities considered appropriate by the department for promoting and facilitating guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance contracting by state agencies. The Department of Management Services shall review the investment-grade audit for each proposed project and certify that the cost savings are appropriate and sufficient for the term of the contract. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of the Department of Management Services, shall, within available resources, develop model contractual and related documents for use by state agencies. Before entering into a guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contract, a contract or lease for third-party financing, or any combination of such contracts, a state agency shall submit such proposed contract or lease to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer for review and approval. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer shall complete its review and approval within 10 business days after receiving the proposed contract or lease. A proposed contract or lease with a state agency must include the following:
(a) Supporting information required by s. 216.023(4)(a)9. in ss. 287.063(5) and 287.064(11). For contracts approved under this section, the criteria may, at a minimum, include the specification of a benchmark cost of capital and minimum real rate of return on energy, water, or wastewater savings against which proposals shall be evaluated.
(b) Documentation supporting recurring funds requirements in ss. 287.063(5) and 287.064(11).
(c) Approval by the head of the agency or his or her designee.
(d) An agency measurement and verification plan to monitor cost savings.
(e) An investment-grade audit, certified by the Department of Management Services, which states that the cost savings are appropriate and sufficient for the term of the contract.
(7) FUNDING SUPPORT.—For purposes of consolidated financing of deferred payment commodity contracts under this section by a state agency, any such contract must be supported from available funds appropriated to the state agency in an appropriation category, as defined in chapter 216, that the Chief Financial Officer has determined is appropriate or that the Legislature has designated for payment of the obligation incurred under this section.
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer shall not approve any contract submitted under this section from a state agency that does not meet the requirements of this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 94-112; s. 1, ch. 2001-81; s. 510, ch. 2003-261; s. 99, ch. 2008-227; s. 59, ch. 2009-21; s. 1, ch. 2013-135.
489.1455 Journeyman; reciprocity; standards.—
(1) An individual who holds a valid, active journeyman license in the plumbing/pipe fitting, mechanical, or HVAC trades issued by any county or municipality in this state may work as a journeyman in the trade in which he or she is licensed in any county or municipality of this state without taking an additional examination or paying an additional license fee, if he or she:
(a) Has scored at least 70 percent, or after October 1, 1997, at least 75 percent, on a proctored journeyman Block and Associates examination or other proctored examination approved by the board for the trade in which he or she is licensed;
(b) Has completed an apprenticeship program registered with a registration agency defined in 29 C.F.R. s. 29.2 and demonstrates 4 years’ verifiable practical experience in the trade for which he or she is licensed, or demonstrates 6 years’ verifiable practical experience in the trade for which he or she is licensed;
(c) Has satisfactorily completed specialized and advanced module coursework approved by the Florida Building Commission, as part of the building code training program established in s. 553.841, specific to the discipline or, pursuant to authorization by the certifying authority, provides proof of completion of such coursework within 6 months after such certification; and
(d) Has not had a license suspended or revoked within the last 5 years.
(2) A local government may charge a registration fee for reciprocity, not to exceed $25.
History.—s. 15, ch. 97-228; s. 25, ch. 98-287; s. 37, ch. 2009-195; s. 29, ch. 2011-213.
489.146 Privatization of services.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this part relating to the review of licensure applications, issuance of licenses and renewals, collection of revenues, fees, and fines, service of documents, publications, and printing, and other ministerial functions of the department relating to the regulation of contractors, the department shall make all reasonable efforts to contract with one or more private entities for provision of such services, when such services can be provided in a more efficient manner by private entities. The department or the board shall retain final authority for licensure decisions and rulemaking, including all appeals or other legal action resulting from such licensure decisions or rulemaking.
History.—s. 16, ch. 97-228; s. 85, ch. 2005-2; s. 74, ch. 2013-18.
PART II
ELECTRICAL AND ALARM SYSTEMCONTRACTING
489.501 Purpose.
489.503 Exemptions.
489.505 Definitions.
489.507 Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board.
489.509 Fees.
489.510 Evidence of workers’ compensation coverage.
489.511 Certification; application; examinations; endorsement.
489.513 Registration; application; requirements.
489.514 Certification for registered contractors; grandfathering provisions.
489.515 Issuance of certificates; registrations.
489.516 Qualifications to practice; restrictions; prerequisites.
489.5161 Credit for relevant military training and education.
489.517 Renewal of certificate or registration; continuing education.
489.518 Alarm system agents.
489.5185 Fire alarm system agents.
489.519 Inactive status.
489.520 Automated licensure status information system.
489.521 Business organizations; qualifying agents.
489.522 Qualifying agents; responsibilities.
489.523 Emergency registration upon death of contractor.
489.525 Report to local building officials.
489.529 Alarm confirmation required.
489.530 Audible alarms.
489.531 Prohibitions; penalties.
489.5315 Proprietary electrical or alarm contractors.
489.532 Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable.
489.533 Disciplinary proceedings.
489.5335 Journeyman; reciprocity; standards.
489.537 Application of this part.
489.538 Authority of licensed job scope.
489.501 Purpose.—The Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare to regulate the electrical and alarm system contractors in this state. This regulation seeks to enable qualified persons to obtain licensure, while ensuring that applicants have sufficient technical experience in the applicable trade prior to licensure, are tested on technical and business matters, and upon licensure are made subject to disciplinary procedures and effective policing of the profession.
History.—ss. 1, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 1, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 269, ch. 94-119; s. 21, ch. 2000-332.
489.503 Exemptions.—This part does not apply to:
(1) Any employee of a certificateholder, registrant, or business organization authorized to engage in contracting who is acting within the scope of the license held by that certificateholder or registrant and with the knowledge and permission of the licenseholder. However:
(a) If the employer is not a certificateholder or registrant in that type of contracting, and the employee performs any of the following, the employee is not exempt:
1. Holds himself or herself or his or her employer out to be licensed or qualified by a licensee;
2. Leads the consumer to believe that the employee has an ownership or management interest in the company; or
3. Performs any of the acts which constitute contracting.
(b) The legislative intent of this subsection is to place equal responsibility on the unlicensed business and its employees for the protection of the consumers in contracting transactions.
For the purpose of this part, “employee” is defined as a person who receives compensation from, and is under the supervision and control of, an employer who regularly deducts the F.I.C.A. and withholding tax and provides workers’ compensation, all as prescribed by law.
(2) An authorized employee of the United States, this state, or any municipality, county, irrigation district, reclamation district, or any other municipal or political subdivision of this state, except school boards, state university boards of trustees, and community college boards of trustees, unless for the purpose of performing routine maintenance or repair or construction not exceeding $200,000 to existing installations, as long as the employee does not hold himself or herself out for hire or otherwise engage in contracting except in accordance with his or her employment. If the construction, remodeling, or improvement exceeds $200,000, school boards, state university boards of trustees, and community college boards of trustees shall not divide the project into separate components for the purpose of evading this section.
(3) An officer appointed by a court when he or she is acting within the scope of his or her office as defined by law or court order.
(4) Public utilities, on construction, maintenance, and development work performed by their forces and incidental to their business.
(5) The sale or installation of any finished products, materials, or articles of merchandise which are not actually fabricated into, and do not become a permanent fixed part of, the structure. This subsection shall not be construed to limit the exemptions provided in subsection (6).
(6)(a) An owner of property making application for permit, supervising, and doing the work in connection with the construction, maintenance, repair, and alteration of and addition to a single-family or duplex residence for his or her own use and occupancy and not intended for sale or an owner of property when acting as his or her own electrical contractor and providing all material supervision himself or herself, when building or improving a farm outbuilding or a single-family or duplex residence on such property for the occupancy or use of such owner and not offered for sale or lease, or building or improving a commercial building with aggregate construction costs of under $75,000 on such property for the occupancy or use of such owner and not offered for sale or lease. In an action brought under this subsection, proof of the sale or lease, or offering for sale or lease, of more than one such structure by the owner-builder within 1 year after completion of same is prima facie evidence that the construction was undertaken for purposes of sale or lease.
(b) An owner of property completing the requirements of a building permit, where the contractor listed on the permit substantially completed the project as determined by the local permitting agency, for a one-family or two family residence, townhome, accessory structure of a one-family or two-family residence or townhome or individual residential condominium unit or cooperative unit. Prior to the owner qualifying for the exemption, the owner must receive approval from the local permitting agency, and the local permitting agency must determine that the contractor substantially completed the project. An owner who qualifies for the exemption under this paragraph is not required to occupy the dwelling or unit for at least 1 year after the completion of the project.
(c) This subsection does not exempt any person who is employed by such owner and who acts in the capacity of a contractor. For the purpose of this subsection, the term “owner of property” includes the owner of a mobile home situated on a leased lot. To qualify for exemption under this subsection, an owner shall personally appear and sign the building permit application and must satisfy local permitting agency requirements, if any, proving that the owner has a complete understanding of the owner’s obligations under the law as specified in the disclosure statement in this section. If any person violates the requirements of this subsection, the local permitting agency shall withhold final approval, revoke the permit, or pursue any action or remedy for unlicensed activity against the owner and any person performing work that requires licensure under the permit issued. The local permitting agency shall provide the owner with a disclosure statement in substantially the following form:
Disclosure Statement
State law requires electrical contracting to be done by licensed electrical contractors. You have applied for a permit under an exemption to that law. The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own electrical contractor even though you do not have a license. You may install electrical wiring for a farm outbuilding or a single-family or duplex residence. You may install electrical wiring in a commercial building the aggregate construction costs of which are under $75,000. The home or building must be for your own use and occupancy. It may not be built for sale or lease, unless you are completing the requirements of a building permit where the contractor listed on the permit substantially completed the project. If you sell or lease more than one building you have wired yourself within 1 year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built it for sale or lease, which is a violation of this exemption. You may not hire an unlicensed person as your electrical contractor. Your construction shall be done according to building codes and zoning regulations. It is your responsibility to make sure that people employed by you have licenses required by state law and by county or municipal licensing ordinances.
(7) Any construction, alteration, improvement, or repair carried on within the limits of any site the title to which is in the United States or any construction, alteration, improvement, or repair on any project when federal law supersedes this part.
(8) Any construction or operation incidental to the construction or repair of irrigation and drainage ditches; regularly constituted irrigation districts; reclamation districts; or clearing or other work on the land in rural districts for fire prevention purposes or otherwise, except when performed by a certificateholder under this part.
(9) A registered architect or engineer acting within the scope of his or her practice, or any person exempted by the law regulating architects or engineers, including persons doing design work as specified in s. 481.229(1)(b).
(10) Any person who only furnishes materials or supplies without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of, the work of the contractor.
(11) The installation of alarm systems on motor vehicles and boats.
(12) Any person as defined and licensed under chapter 527 while engaged in work regulated under that chapter.
(13) Any person defined and licensed as a fire protection system contractor under chapter 633, while engaged in work as a fire protection system contractor.
(14) The sale of, installation of, repair of, alteration of, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, computers, customer premises equipment, customer premises wiring, and conduit, or any part thereof, by an employee, contractor, subcontractor, or affiliate of a company operating under a certificate issued under chapter 364 or chapter 610, or under a local franchise or right-of-way agreement, if those items are for the purpose of transmitting data, voice, video, or other communications, or commands as part of a cable television, community antenna television, radio distribution, communications, or telecommunications system. An employee, subcontractor, contractor, or affiliate of a company that operates under a certificate issued under chapter 364 or chapter 610, or under a local franchise or right-of-way agreement, is not subject to any local ordinance that requires a permit for work related to low-voltage electrical work, including related technical codes, regulations, and licensure. The scope of this exemption is limited to electrical circuits and equipment governed by the applicable provisions of Articles 725 (Classes 2 and 3 circuits only), 770, 800, 810, and 820 of the National Electrical Code, current edition, or 47 C.F.R. part 68, and employees, contractors, and subcontractors of companies, and affiliates thereof, operating under a certificate issued under chapter 364 or chapter 610 or under a local franchise or right-of-way agreement. This subsection does not relieve any person from licensure as an alarm system contractor.
(15) The provision, installation, testing, routine maintenance, factory-servicing, or monitoring of a personal emergency response system, as defined in s. 489.505, by an authorized person who:
(a) Is an employee of, or a volunteer supervised by an employee of, a health care facility licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration;
(b) Performs services for the Department of Elderly Affairs;
(c) Performs services for the Department of Children and Families under chapter 410; or
(d) Is an employee of or an authorized representative or distributor for the producer of the personal emergency response system being monitored.
(16) The monitoring of a personal emergency response system, as defined in s. 489.505, by a charitable, not-for-profit corporation acting in accordance with a contractual agreement with the Agency for Health Care Administration or one of its licensed health care facilities, the Department of Elderly Affairs, or the Department of Children and Families, providing that the organization does not perform any other service requiring certification or registration under this part. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide any of the agencies mentioned in this subsection the authority to develop rules, criteria, or policy pursuant to this subsection.
(17) The monitoring of an alarm system without fee by a direct employee of a law enforcement agency or of a county, municipal, or special district fire department or by a law enforcement officer or fire official acting in an official capacity.
(18) The monitoring of an alarm system by a direct employee of any state or federally chartered financial institution, as defined in s. 655.005, or any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary thereof, so long as:
(a) The institution is subject to, and in compliance with, s. 3 of the Federal Bank Protection Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. s. 1882;
(b) The alarm system is in compliance with all applicable firesafety standards as set forth in chapter 633; and
(c) The monitoring is limited to an alarm system associated with:
1. The commercial property where banking operations are housed or other operations are conducted by a state or federally chartered financial institution or any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary thereof; or
2. The private property occupied by the institution’s executive officers, as defined in s. 655.005,
and does not otherwise extend to the monitoring of residential systems.
(19) The monitoring of an alarm system of a business by the direct employees of that business, so long as:
(a) The alarm system is the exclusive property of, or is leased by, the business;
(b) The alarm system complies with all applicable firesafety standards as set forth in chapter 633; and
(c) The alarm system is designed to protect only the commercial premises leased by the business endeavor or commercial premises owned by the business endeavor and not leased to another.
This exemption is intended to allow businesses to monitor their own alarm systems and is not limited to monitoring a single location of that business. However, it is not intended to enable the owner of any apartment complex, aggregate housing, or commercial property to monitor alarm systems on property leased or rented to the residents, clients, or customers thereof.
(20) Contracting for repair, maintenance, remodeling, or improvement by any person licensed under part I of chapter 475 while acting as the owner’s agent pursuant to that license, where all work requiring a contractor is performed by a contractor who has a current, valid certificate or registration issued under this part to perform such work, and where the aggregate contract for labor, materials, and all other items is less than $5,000; however, this exemption does not apply:
(a) If the maintenance, repair, remodeling, or improvement is a part of a larger or major operation, whether undertaken by the same or a different contractor, or in which a division of the operation is made in contracts of amounts less than $5,000 for the purpose of evading this part or otherwise.
(b) To a person who advertises that he or she is qualified to engage in contracting.
(21) Alarm system inspections, audits, or quality assurance services performed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized as meeting the requirements of 29 C.F.R. s. 1910.7.
(22) Any person who installs or repairs lightning rods or related systems.
(23) An employee or sales representative of an alarm system contractor if he or she:
(a) Does not alter, install, maintain, move, or repair alarm systems on end-user premises; and
(b) Is not granted access to passwords or codes that can be used to arm or disarm alarm systems installed on specific end-user premises, or, if working at an out-of-state location, has received a satisfactory fingerprint and background check from a state or federal agency.
This subsection shall not be construed to limit the exemptions provided in subsection (6) or relieve a person of his or her obligation to comply with the applicable background check provisions of ss. 489.518 and 489.5185 for any onsite alarm sales.
(24) A person who installs low-voltage landscape lighting that contains a factory-installed electrical cord with plug that does not require installation, wiring, or other modification to the electrical wiring of a structure.
History.—ss. 12, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 2, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 1, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 4, ch. 89-343; s. 36, ch. 90-228; ss. 1, 10, ch. 91-119; s. 42, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 8, ch. 92-55; s. 65, ch. 92-149; s. 270, ch. 94-119; s. 8, ch. 94-284; s. 34, ch. 95-145; s. 1, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 1132, ch. 97-103; s. 40, ch. 98-250; s. 35, ch. 98-419; s. 233, ch. 99-8; s. 23, ch. 99-254; s. 36, ch. 2000-372; s. 3, ch. 2006-154; s. 2, ch. 2006-283; s. 57, ch. 2007-217; s. 37, ch. 2011-194; s. 1, ch. 2013-203; s. 272, ch. 2014-19; s. 9, ch. 2016-129; s. 4, ch. 2019-75.
489.505 Definitions.—As used in this part:
(1) “Alarm system” means any electrical device, signaling device, or combination of electrical devices used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical emergency.
(2) “Alarm system contractor” means a person whose business includes the execution of contracts requiring the ability, experience, science, knowledge, and skill to lay out, fabricate, install, maintain, alter, repair, monitor, inspect, replace, or service alarm systems for compensation, including, but not limited to, all types of alarm systems for all purposes. This term also means any person, firm, or corporation that engages in the business of alarm contracting under an expressed or implied contract; that undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the capacity to undertake, or submits a bid to engage in the business of alarm contracting; or that by itself or by or through others engages in the business of alarm contracting.
(a) “Alarm system contractor I” means an alarm system contractor whose business includes all types of alarm systems for all purposes.
(b) “Alarm system contractor II” means an alarm system contractor whose business includes all types of alarm systems other than fire, for all purposes, except as herein provided.
(3) “Board,” except “local board,” means the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board created by this part.
(4) “Certificate” means a geographically unlimited certificate of competency issued by the department as provided in this part.
(5) “Certificateholder” means a contractor who has obtained a certificate of competency.
(6) “Certification” means the act of obtaining or holding a certificate of competency from the department as provided in this part.
(7) “Certified alarm system contractor” means an alarm system contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department. The scope of certification is limited to alarm circuits originating in the alarm control panel and equipment governed by the applicable provisions of Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, and 810 of the National Electrical Code, Current Edition, and National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, Current Edition. The scope of certification for alarm system contractors also includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, and conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data or proprietary video (satellite systems that are not part of a community antenna television or radio distribution system) or providing central vacuum capability or electric locks; however, this provision governing the scope of certification does not create any mandatory licensure requirement.
(8) “Certified electrical contractor” means an electrical contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department.
(9) “Contracting” means, except where exempted in this part, engaging in business as a contractor or performing electrical or alarm work for compensation and includes, but is not limited to, performance of any of the acts found in subsections (2) and (12), which define the services which a contractor is allowed to perform. The attempted sale of contracting services and the negotiation or bid for a contract on these services also constitutes contracting. If the services offered require licensure or agent qualification, the offering, negotiation for a bid, or attempted sale of these services requires the corresponding licensure.
(10) “Contractor” means a person who is qualified to engage in the business of electrical or alarm system contracting pursuant to a certificate or registration issued by the department.
(11) “Department” means the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(12) “Electrical contractor” or “unlimited 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 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.
(13) “Local construction regulation board” or “local board” means a board, composed of not fewer than three residents of a county or municipality, which the governing body of that county or municipality may create and appoint to maintain the proper standard of construction of that county or municipality.
(14) “Primary qualifying agent” means a person who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility, to supervise, direct, manage, and control the electrical or alarm system contracting activities of the business organization with which he or she is connected; and whose technical and personal qualifications have been determined by investigation and examination as provided in this part by the department, as attested to by the board; and who has been issued a certificate of competency by the department.
(15) “Secondary qualifying agent” means a person who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control the electrical or alarm system contracting activities on a job for which he or she has obtained a permit; and whose technical and personal qualifications have been determined by investigation and examination as provided in this part by the department, as attested to by the board; and who has been issued a certificate of competency by the department.
(16) “Registered electrical contractor” means an electrical contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. A registered electrical contractor may contract only in the jurisdiction for which his or her registration is issued.
(17) “Registration” means registration with the department as provided in this part.
(18) “Registrant” means a person who has registered with the department pursuant to the requirements of this part.
(19) “Specialty contractor” means a contractor whose scope of practice is limited to a specific segment of electrical or alarm system contracting established in a category adopted by board rule, including, but not limited to, residential electrical contracting, maintenance of electrical fixtures, and fabrication, erection, installation, and maintenance of electrical advertising signs together with the interrelated parts and supports thereof.
(20) “Mediation” means a process whereby a neutral third party acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without prescribing what it should be. It is an informal and nonadversarial process with the objective of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
(21) “Registered alarm system contractor I” means an alarm system contractor whose business includes all types of alarm systems for all purposes and who is registered with the department pursuant to s. 489.513. A registered alarm system contractor I may contract only in the jurisdictions for which his or her registration is issued.
(22) “Registered alarm system contractor II” means an alarm system contractor whose business includes all types of alarm systems, other than fire, for all purposes and who is registered with the department pursuant to s. 489.513. A registered alarm system contractor II may contract only in the jurisdiction for which his or her registration is issued.
(23) “Registered residential alarm system contractor” means an alarm system contractor whose business is limited to burglar alarm systems in single-family residential, quadruplex housing, and mobile homes of a residential occupancy class and who is registered with the department pursuant to s. 489.513. The board shall define “residential occupancy class” by rule. A registered residential alarm system contractor may contract only in the jurisdiction for which his or her registration is issued.
(24) “Licensure” means any type of certification or registration provided for in this part.
(25) “Burglar alarm system agent” means a person:
(a) Who is employed by a licensed alarm system contractor or licensed electrical contractor;
(b) Who is performing duties which are an element of an activity which constitutes alarm system contracting requiring licensure under this part; and
(c) Whose specific duties include any of the following: altering, installing, maintaining, moving, repairing, replacing, servicing, selling, or monitoring an intrusion or burglar alarm system for compensation.
(26) “Personal emergency response system” means any device which is simply plugged into a telephone jack or electrical receptacle and which is designed to initiate a telephone call to a person who responds to, or has a responsibility to determine the proper response to, personal emergencies, but does not include hard-wired or wireless alarm systems designed to detect intrusion or fire.
(27) “Monitoring” means to receive electrical or electronic signals originating from any structure within the state or outside the state, regardless of whether those signals are relayed through a jurisdiction outside the state, where such signals are produced by any security, medical, fire, or burglar alarm, closed-circuit television camera, access-control system, or related or similar protective system and are intended by design to initiate a response thereto. A person shall not have committed the act of monitoring if:
(a) The person is an occupant of, or an employee working within, protected premises;
(b) The person initiates emergency action in response to hearing or observing an alarm signal;
(c) The person’s action is incidental to his or her primary responsibilities; and
(d) The person is not employed in a proprietary monitoring facility, as defined by the National Fire Protection Association pursuant to rule adopted under chapter 633.
(28) “Fire alarm system agent” means a person:
(a) Who is employed by a licensed fire alarm contractor or certified unlimited electrical contractor;
(b) Who is performing duties which are an element of an activity that constitutes fire alarm system contracting requiring certification under this part; and
(c) Whose specific duties include any of the following: altering, installing, maintaining, moving, repairing, replacing, servicing, selling, or monitoring a fire alarm system for compensation.
(29) “Nationally recognized testing laboratory” means an organization that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has legally recognized to be in compliance with 29 C.F.R. s. 1910.7 and that provides quality assurance, product testing, or certification services.
History.—ss. 2, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 88, ch. 83-329; s. 3, ch. 85-290; ss. 3, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 2, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 1, ch. 89-81; s. 5, ch. 89-343; s. 41, ch. 90-228; s. 2, ch. 91-119; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 271, ch. 94-119; s. 187, ch. 94-218; s. 2, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 1133, ch. 97-103; s. 1, ch. 97-122; s. 9, ch. 98-170; s. 36, ch. 98-419; ss. 37, 46, ch. 2000-372; s. 4, ch. 2006-154; s. 38, ch. 2009-195.
489.507 Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board.—
(1) There is created in the department the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. The board shall consist of 11 members, 7 of whom shall be certified electrical contractors, 2 of whom shall be consumer members who are not, and have never been, electrical contractors or members of any closely related profession or occupation, and 2 of whom shall be certified alarm system contractors I. Members shall be appointed for 4-year terms.
(2) To be eligible to serve, each contractor member must have been certified by the board to operate as a contractor in the category with respect to which the member is appointed, be actively engaged in the construction business, and have been so engaged for a period of not less than 5 consecutive years before the date of appointment. Each appointee must be a citizen and resident of the state.
(3) The board has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this part.
(4) It is the intent of the Legislature that the board promulgate no rules and take no action to require that applicants for certification as alarm system contractors serve any type of apprenticeship before being allowed to sit for the certification examination.
(5) Any proposed board rule which has not been modified to remove proposed committee objections of the Administrative Procedures Committee must receive approval from the department prior to filing the rule with the Department of State for final adoption. The department may repeal any rule enacted by the board which has taken effect without having met proposed committee objections of the Administrative Procedures Committee.
(6) The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and the Construction Industry Licensing Board shall each appoint a committee to meet jointly at least twice a year.
History.—ss. 3, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 4, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 3, 21, 22, ch. 88-149; s. 38, ch. 89-374; s. 43, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 158, ch. 92-149; s. 188, ch. 94-218; s. 161, ch. 98-200; s. 37, ch. 98-419; s. 38, ch. 2000-372.
489.509 Fees.—
(1) The board, by rule, shall establish fees to be paid for applications, examination, reexamination, transfers, licensing and renewal, reinstatement, and recordmaking and recordkeeping. The examination fee shall be in an amount that covers the cost of obtaining and administering the examination and shall be refunded if the applicant is found ineligible to sit for the examination. The application fee is nonrefundable. The fee for initial application and examination for certification of electrical contractors may not exceed $400. The initial application fee for registration may not exceed $150. The biennial renewal fee may not exceed $400 for certificateholders and $200 for registrants. The fee for initial application and examination for certification of alarm system contractors may not exceed $400. The biennial renewal fee for certified alarm system contractors may not exceed $450. The board may establish a fee for a temporary certificate as an alarm system contractor not to exceed $75. The board may also establish by rule a delinquency fee not to exceed $50. The fee to transfer a certificate or registration from one business organization to another may not exceed $200. The fee for reactivation of an inactive license may not exceed $50. The board shall establish fees that are adequate to ensure the continued operation of the board. Fees shall be based on department estimates of the revenue required to implement this part and the provisions of law with respect to the regulation of electrical contractors and alarm system contractors.
(2) A person who is registered or holds a valid certificate may go on inactive status during which time he or she shall not engage in contracting, but may retain the certificate or registration on an inactive basis, on payment of a renewal fee during the inactive period, not to exceed $50 per renewal period.
(3) Four dollars of each fee under subsection (1) paid to the department at the time of application or renewal shall be transferred at the end of each licensing period to the department to fund projects relating to the building construction industry or continuing education programs offered to persons engaged in the building construction industry in Florida. The board shall, at the time the funds are transferred, advise the department on the most needed areas of research or continuing education based on significant changes in the industry’s practices or on the most common types of consumer complaints or on problems costing the state or local governmental entities substantial waste. The board’s advice is not binding on the department. The department shall ensure the distribution of research reports and the availability of continuing education programs to all segments of the building construction industry to which they relate. The department shall report to the board in October of each year, summarizing the allocation of the funds by institution and summarizing the new projects funded and the status of previously funded projects.
History.—ss. 4, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 89, ch. 83-329; ss. 5, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 4, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 63, ch. 89-162; s. 3, ch. 91-119; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 71, ch. 92-149; s. 272, ch. 94-119; s. 490, ch. 97-103; s. 38, ch. 98-419; s. 19, ch. 2001-186; s. 406, ch. 2011-142.
489.510 Evidence of workers’ compensation coverage.—Except as provided in s. 489.515(3)(b), any person, business organization, or qualifying agent engaged in the business of contracting in this state and certified or registered under this part shall, as a condition precedent to the issuance or renewal of a certificate or registration of the contractor, provide to the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board, as provided by board rule, evidence of workers’ compensation coverage pursuant to chapter 440. In the event that the Division of Workers’ Compensation of the Department of Financial Services receives notice of the cancellation of a policy of workers’ compensation insurance insuring a person or entity governed by this section, the Division of Workers’ Compensation shall certify and identify all persons or entities by certification or registration license number to the department after verification is made by the Division of Workers’ Compensation that persons or entities governed by this section are no longer covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Such certification and verification by the Division of Workers’ Compensation may result from records furnished to the Division of Workers’ Compensation by the persons or entities governed by this section or an investigation completed by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The department shall notify the persons or entities governed by this section who have been determined to be in noncompliance with chapter 440, and the persons or entities notified shall provide certification of compliance with chapter 440 to the department and pay an administrative fine in the amount of $500. The failure to maintain workers’ compensation coverage as required by law shall be grounds for the board to revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance or renewal of a certificate or registration of the contractor under the provisions of s. 489.533.
History.—s. 31, ch. 89-289; s. 1, ch. 90-192; s. 48, ch. 90-201; s. 46, ch. 91-1; s. 4, ch. 91-119; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 32, ch. 2001-91; s. 18, ch. 2002-236; s. 59, ch. 2003-1; s. 511, ch. 2003-261.
489.511 Certification; application; examinations; endorsement.—
(1)(a) Any person who is at least 18 years of age may take the certification examination.
(b) Any person desiring to be certified as a contractor shall apply to the department in writing and must meet the following criteria:
1. Be of good moral character;
2. Pass the certification examination, achieving a passing grade as established by board rule; and
3. Meet eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:
a. Has, within the 6 years immediately preceding the filing of the application, at least 3 years of proven management experience in the trade or education equivalent thereto, or a combination thereof, but not more than one-half of such experience may be educational equivalent;
b. Has, within the 8 years immediately preceding the filing of the application, at least 4 years of experience as a supervisor or contractor in the trade for which he or she is making application, or at least 4 years of experience as a supervisor in electrical or alarm system work with the United States Armed Forces;
c. Has, within the 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application, at least 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education, or supervisory experience associated with an electrical or alarm system contracting business, or at least 6 years of technical experience, education, or training in electrical or alarm system work with the United States Armed Forces or a governmental entity;
d. Has, within the 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application, been licensed for 3 years as a professional engineer who is qualified by education, training, or experience to practice electrical engineering; or
e. Has any combination of qualifications under sub-subparagraphs a.-c. totaling 6 years of experience.
(c) For purposes of this subsection, “supervisor” means a person having the experience gained while having the general duty of overseeing the technical duties of the trade, provided that such experience is gained by a person who is able to perform the technical duties of the trade without supervision.
(d) For purposes of this subsection, at least 40 percent of the work experience for an alarm system contractor I must be in the types of fire alarm systems typically used in a commercial setting.
(2) The board may determine by rule the number of times per year the applicant may take the examination and after three unsuccessful attempts may require the applicant to complete additional college-level or technical education courses in the areas of deficiency, as determined by the board, as a condition of future eligibility to take the examination.
(3)(a) “Good moral character” means a personal history of honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights of others and for laws of this state and nation.
(b) The board may determine that an individual applying for certification is ineligible for failure to satisfy the requirement of good moral character only if:
1. There is a substantial connection between the lack of good moral character of the individual and the professional responsibilities of a certified contractor; and
2. The finding by the board of lack of good moral character is supported by clear and convincing evidence.
(c) When an individual is found to be unqualified for certification because of a lack of good moral character, the board shall furnish such individual a statement containing the findings of the board, a complete record of the evidence upon which the determination was based, and a notice of the rights of the individual to a rehearing and appeal.
(4) The board shall, by rule, designate those types of specialty electrical or alarm system contractors who may be certified under this part. The limit of the scope of work and responsibility of a certified specialty contractor shall be established by board rule. A certified specialty contractor category exists as an optional statewide licensing category. Qualification for certification in a specialty category created by rule shall be the same as set forth in paragraph (1)(b). The existence of a specialty category created by rule does not itself create any licensing requirement; however, neither does its optional nature remove any licensure requirement established elsewhere in this part.
(5) The board shall certify as qualified for certification by endorsement any individual applying for certification who:
(a) Meets the requirements for certification as set forth in this section; has passed a national, regional, state, or United States territorial licensing examination that is substantially equivalent to the examination required by this part; and has satisfied the requirements set forth in s. 489.521;
(b) Holds a valid license to practice electrical or alarm system contracting issued by another state or territory of the United States, if the criteria for issuance of such license were substantially equivalent to the certification criteria that existed in this state at the time the certificate was issued; or
(c) Has held a valid, current license to practice electrical or alarm system contracting issued by another state or territory of the United States for at least 10 years before the date of application and is applying for the same or similar license in this state, subject to ss. 489.510 and 489.521(3)(a) and subparagraph (1)(b)1. Such application must be made either when the license in another state or territory is active or within 2 years after such license was last active. Electrical contractors and alarm system contractors must complete a 2-hour course on the Florida Building Code. The required courses may be completed online.
(6) Upon the issuance of a certificate, any previously issued registered licenses for the classification in which the certification is issued are rendered void.
History.—ss. 5, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 4, ch. 85-290; ss. 6, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 5, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 6, ch. 89-343; s. 11, ch. 91-119; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 66, ch. 92-149; s. 22, ch. 93-166; s. 273, ch. 94-119; s. 491, ch. 97-103; s. 39, ch. 98-419; s. 24, ch. 99-254; s. 31, ch. 2008-240; s. 5, ch. 2016-242; s. 67, ch. 2020-160.
489.513 Registration; application; requirements.—
(1) Any person engaged in the business of contracting in the state shall be registered in the proper classification unless he or she is certified. Any person desiring to be a registered contractor shall apply to the department for registration and must:
(a) Be at least 18 years old;
(b) Be of good moral character; and
(c) Meet eligibility requirements according to the following criteria:
1. As used in this subsection, the term “good moral character” means a personal history of honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights of others and for state and federal law.
2. The board may determine that an individual applying for registration is ineligible due to failure to satisfy the requirement of good moral character only if:
a. There is a substantial connection between the lack of good moral character of the individual and the professional responsibilities of a registered contractor; and
b. The finding by the board of lack of good moral character is supported by clear and convincing evidence.
3. When an individual is found to be unqualified because of lack of good moral character, the board must furnish such individual a statement containing the findings of the board, a complete record of evidence upon which the determination was based, and a notice of the rights of the individual to a rehearing and an appeal.
(2) Any contractor may be registered to contract in the area specified in such registration if the contractor is qualified as provided in this section.
(3) To be registered as an electrical contractor, an alarm system contractor I, an alarm system contractor II, or a residential alarm system contractor, the applicant shall file evidence of holding a current certificate of competency issued by any municipality or county of the state for the type of work for which registration is desired, on a form provided by the department, together with evidence of having passed an appropriate local examination, written or oral, designed to test skills and knowledge relevant to the technical performance of the profession, accompanied by the registration fee fixed pursuant to this part. For any person working or wishing to work in any local jurisdiction that does not require an examination for its license, the applicant may apply and shall be considered qualified to be issued a registration in the appropriate electrical or alarm system category, provided that he or she shows that he or she has scored at least 75 percent on an examination which is substantially equivalent to the examination approved by the board for certification in the category and that he or she has had at least 3 years’ technical experience in the trade. The requirement to take and pass an examination in order to obtain a registration shall not apply to persons making application prior to the effective date of this act.
(4) The name or names of the business organization that the registrant is qualifying shall be listed on the registration issued by the department.
(5) Registration permits the registrant to engage in contracting only in the area and for the type of work covered by the registration, unless local licenses are issued for other areas and types of work or unless certification is obtained. When a registrant desires to register in an additional area of the state, he or she shall comply with any local requirements of that area and then file a request with the department, together with evidence of holding a current license issued by the county or municipality for the area or areas in which he or she desires to be registered, whereupon his or her evidence of registration shall be endorsed by the department to reflect valid registration for the new area or areas.
(6) The local jurisdictions are responsible for providing the following information to the board within 30 days after licensure of, or any disciplinary action against, a locally licensed contractor who is registered under this part:
(a) Licensure information.
(b) Code violation information pursuant to s. 553.781.
(c) Disciplinary information.
The board shall maintain such licensure and disciplinary information as it is provided to the board and shall make the information available through the automated information system provided pursuant to s. 455.2286.
History.—ss. 6, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 6, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 5, ch. 91-119; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 274, ch. 94-119; s. 492, ch. 97-103; s. 26, ch. 98-287; s. 40, ch. 98-419; ss. 2, 25, ch. 99-254; s. 5, ch. 2006-154; s. 39, ch. 2009-195.
489.514 Certification for registered contractors; grandfathering provisions.—
(1) The board shall, upon receipt of a completed application, appropriate fee, and proof of compliance with the provisions of this section, issue:
(a) To an applying registered electrical contractor, a certificate as an electrical contractor, as defined in s. 489.505(12);
(b) To an applying registered alarm system contractor, a certificate in the matching alarm system contractor category, as defined in s. 489.505(2)(a) or (b); or
(c) To an applying registered electrical specialty contractor, a certificate in the matching electrical specialty contractor category, as defined in s. 489.505(19).
(2) Any contractor registered under this part who makes application under this section to the board shall meet each of the following requirements for certification:
(a) Currently holds a valid registered local license in the category of electrical contractor, alarm system contractor, or electrical specialty contractor.
(b) Has, for that category, passed a written, proctored examination that the board finds to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor under this part. For purposes of this subsection, a written, proctored examination such as that produced by the National Assessment Institute, Block and Associates, NAI/Block, Experior Assessments, Professional Testing, Inc., or Assessment Systems, Inc., shall be considered to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor. The board may not impose or make any requirements regarding the nature or content of these cited examinations.
(c) Has at least 5 years of experience as a contractor in that contracting category, or as an inspector or building administrator with oversight over that category, at the time of application. For contractors, only time periods in which the contractor license is active and the contractor is not on probation shall count toward the 5 years required under this subsection.
(d) Has not had his or her contractor’s license revoked at any time, had his or her contractor’s license suspended in the last 5 years, or been assessed a fine in excess of $500 in the last 5 years.
(e) Is in compliance with the insurance and financial responsibility requirements in s. 489.515(1)(b).
(3) An applicant must make application by November 1, 2021, to be licensed pursuant to this section.
History.—s. 4, ch. 99-254; s. 39, ch. 2000-372; s. 11, ch. 2013-193; s. 1, ch. 2019-84.
489.515 Issuance of certificates; registrations.—
(1)(a) The department shall issue a certificate to a person who the board certifies is qualified to become a certified contractor.
(b) The board shall certify as qualified for certification any person who satisfies the requirements of s. 489.511 and who submits satisfactory evidence that he or she has obtained both workers’ compensation insurance or an acceptable exemption certificate issued by the department and public liability and property damage insurance for the health, safety, and welfare of the public in amounts determined by rule of the board, and furnishes evidence of financial responsibility, credit, and business reputation of either himself or herself or the business organization he or she desires to qualify.
(c) Upon compliance with the provisions of this section and payment of the certification fee, the department shall issue the person a certificate.
(2) The department shall issue a registration to a person who is in compliance with the provisions of s. 489.513 and who the board certifies is qualified to be registered.
(3)(a) As a prerequisite to the initial issuance or the renewal of a certificate or registration, the applicant shall submit an affidavit on a form provided by the board attesting to the fact that the applicant has obtained both workers’ compensation insurance or an acceptable exemption certificate issued by the department and public liability and property damage insurance for the health, safety, and welfare of the public in amounts determined by rule of the board. The board shall by rule establish a procedure to verify the accuracy of such affidavits based upon a random audit method.
(b) An applicant for initial issuance of a certificate or registration shall submit as a prerequisite to qualifying for an exemption from workers’ compensation coverage requirements under s. 440.05 an affidavit attesting to the fact that the applicant will obtain an exemption within 30 days after the date the initial certificate or registration is issued by the board.
(4) The board may refuse to certify any applicant who has violated any of the provisions of s. 489.533.
(5) A certificate or registration is not transferable.
History.—ss. 7, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 7, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 7, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 6, ch. 91-119; s. 44, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 51, ch. 92-149; s. 275, ch. 94-119; s. 493, ch. 97-103; s. 47, ch. 2000-372; s. 33, ch. 2001-91; s. 32, ch. 2008-240.
489.516 Qualifications to practice; restrictions; prerequisites.—
(1) Any person who desires to engage in electrical or alarm system contracting on a statewide basis shall, as a prerequisite thereto, establish his or her competency and qualifications to be certified pursuant to this part. To establish competency, a person shall pass the appropriate examination administered by the department. Any person who desires to engage in contracting on other than a statewide basis shall, as a prerequisite thereto, be registered pursuant to this part, unless exempted by this part.
(2) No person who is not certified or registered shall engage in the business of contracting in this state. To enforce this subsection:
(a) The department shall issue a cease and desist order to prohibit any person from engaging in the business of contracting who does not hold the required certification or registration for the work being performed under this part. For the purpose of enforcing a cease and desist order, the department may file a proceeding in the name of the state seeking issuance of an injunction or a writ of mandamus against any person who violates any provision of such order.
(b) A county or municipality may issue a cease and desist order to prohibit any person from engaging in the business of contracting who does not hold the required certification or registration for the work being performed under this part.
(3) When a certificateholder desires to engage in contracting in any area of the state, as a prerequisite therefor, he or she shall only be required to exhibit to the local building official, tax collector, or other authorized person in charge of the issuance of licenses and building or electrical permits in the area evidence of holding a current certificate and a current business tax receipt issued by the jurisdiction in which the certificateholder’s principal place of business is located and having paid the fee for the permit required of other persons. However, a local construction regulation board may deny the issuance of an electrical permit to a certified contractor, or issue a permit with specific conditions, if the local construction regulation board has found such contractor, through the public hearing process, to be guilty of fraud or a willful building code violation within the county or municipality that the local construction regulation board represents, or if the local construction regulation board has proof that such contractor, through the public hearing process, has been found guilty, in another county or municipality within the past 12 months, of fraud or a willful building code violation and finds, after providing notice to the contractor, that such fraud or violation would have been fraud or a violation if committed in the county or municipality that the local construction board represents. Notification of and information concerning such permit denial shall be submitted to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation within 15 days after the local construction regulation board decides to deny the permit.
(4) A county or municipality may suspend or deny a locally issued permit when the local building official, tax collector, or other authorized person determines that the contractor has failed to obtain both workers’ compensation insurance or an acceptable exemption certificate issued by the department and public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by rule of the board.
(5) This part does not prevent any certified electrical or alarm system contractor from acting as a prime contractor when the majority of the work to be performed under the contract is within the scope of his or her license or from subcontracting to other licensed contractors any remaining work that is part of the project contracted.
(6) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, a certified electrical contractor, registered alarm system contractor I, registered alarm system contractor II, or alarm system contractor I or alarm system contractor II that is a certified alarm system contractor is exempt from any local law, local ordinance, or local code that requires a contractor to be listed or placarded by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or to be certified by any regionally or nationally recognized certification organization. However, a county, municipality, or special district may require any such electrical contractor or alarm system contractor to provide, at the final inspection of a fire alarm system, the documentation required by NFPA No. 72, “National Fire Alarm Code,” for installation and monitoring. This subsection does not prohibit a county, municipality, or special district from requiring compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code or with NFPA No. 72.
History.—ss. 8, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 7, ch. 91-119; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 276, ch. 94-119; s. 189, ch. 94-218; s. 494, ch. 97-103; s. 1, ch. 2006-154; s. 40, ch. 2009-195; s. 19, ch. 2017-149.
489.5161 Credit for relevant military training and education.—
(1) The department shall provide a method by which honorably discharged veterans may apply for licensure. The method must include a veteran-specific application and provide, to the fullest extent possible, credit toward the requirements for licensure for military experience, training, and education received and completed during service in the United States Armed Forces if the military experience, training, or education is substantially similar to the experience, training, or education required for licensure. The board may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this subsection.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning October 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the department, in conjunction with the board, is directed to prepare and submit a report titled “Construction and Electrical Contracting Veteran Applicant Statistics” to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report shall include statistics and information relating to this section and s. 489.1131 which detail:
(a) The number of applicants who identified themselves as veterans.
(b) The number of veterans whose application for a license was approved.
(c) The number of veterans whose application for a license was denied, including data on the reasons for denial.
(d) Data on the application processing times for veterans.
(e) Recommendations on ways to improve the department’s ability to meet the needs of veterans which would effectively address the challenges that veterans face when separating from military service and seeking a license regulated by the department pursuant to this part.
History.—s. 6, ch. 2016-242.
489.517 Renewal of certificate or registration; continuing education.—
(1) The department shall renew a certificate or registration upon receipt of the renewal application and fee and proof of meeting all continuing education requirements.
(2) The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of certificates and registrations.
(3)(a) Each certificateholder or registrant licensed as a specialty contractor or an alarm system contractor shall provide proof, in a form established by rule of the board, that the certificateholder or registrant has completed at least 7 classroom hours of at least 50 minutes each of continuing education courses during each biennium since the issuance or renewal of the certificate or registration. The board shall by rule establish criteria for the approval of continuing education courses and providers and may by rule establish criteria for accepting alternative nonclassroom continuing education on an hour-for-hour basis.
(b) Each certificateholder or registrant licensed as an electrical contractor shall provide proof, in a form established by rule of the board, that the certificateholder or registrant has completed at least 11 classroom hours of at least 50 minutes each of continuing education courses during each biennium since the issuance or renewal of the certificate or registration. The board shall by rule establish criteria for the approval of continuing education courses and providers and may by rule establish criteria for accepting alternative nonclassroom continuing education on an hour-for-hour basis.
(4)(a) If a certificateholder or registrant holds a license under both this part and part I and is required to have continuing education courses under s. 489.115(4)(b)1., the certificateholder or registrant may apply those course hours for workers’ compensation, workplace safety, and business practices obtained under part I to the requirements under this part.
(b)1. For licensed specialty contractors or alarm system contractors, of the 7 classroom hours of continuing education required, at least 1 hour must be on technical subjects, 1 hour on workers’ compensation, 1 hour on workplace safety, 1 hour on business practices, and 2 hours on false alarm prevention.
2. For licensed electrical contractors, of the minimum 11 classroom hours of continuing education required, at least 7 hours must be on technical subjects, 1 hour on workers’ compensation, 1 hour on workplace safety, and 1 hour on business practices. Electrical contractors engaged in alarm system contracting must also complete 2 hours on false alarm prevention.
(5) By applying for renewal, each certificateholder or registrant certifies that he or she has continually maintained the required amounts of public liability and property damage insurance as specified by board rule. The board shall establish by rule a procedure to verify the public liability and property damage insurance for a specified period, based upon a random sampling method.
(6) The board shall require, by rule adopted pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, a specialized number of hours in specialized or advanced module courses, approved by the Florida Building Commission, on any portion of the Florida Building Code, adopted pursuant to part IV of chapter 553, relating to the contractor’s respective discipline.
History.—ss. 8, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 9, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 277, ch. 94-119; s. 27, ch. 98-287; s. 41, ch. 98-419; s. 1, ch. 2004-76; s. 132, ch. 2008-4; s. 41, ch. 2009-195; s. 68, ch. 2020-160.
489.518 Alarm system agents.—
(1) A licensed electrical or alarm system contractor may not employ a person to perform the duties of a burglar alarm system agent unless the person:
(a) Is at least 18 years of age or has evidence of a court-approved declaration of emancipation.
(b) Has successfully completed a minimum of 14 hours of training within 90 days after employment, to include basic alarm system electronics in addition to related training including CCTV and access control training, with at least 2 hours of training in the prevention of false alarms. Such training shall be from a board-approved provider, and the employee or applicant for employment shall provide proof of successful completion to the licensed employer. The board shall by rule establish criteria for the approval of training courses and providers and may by rule establish criteria for accepting alternative nonclassroom education on an hour-for-hour basis. The board shall approve providers that conduct training in other than the English language. The board shall establish a fee for the approval of training providers or courses, not to exceed $60. Qualified employers may conduct training classes for their employees, with board approval.
(c) Has not been convicted within the last 3 years of a crime that directly relates to the business for which employment is being sought. Although the employee is barred from operating as an alarm system agent for 3 years subsequent to his or her conviction, the employer shall be supplied the information regarding any convictions occurring prior to that time, and the employer may at his or her discretion consider an earlier conviction to be a bar to employment as an alarm system agent. To ensure that this requirement has been met, a licensed electrical or alarm contractor must obtain from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement a completed fingerprint and criminal background check for each applicant for employment as a burglar alarm system agent or for each individual currently employed on the effective date of this act as a burglar alarm system agent.
(d) Has not been committed for controlled substance abuse or been found guilty of a crime under chapter 893 or a similar law relating to controlled substances in any other state within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for employment, or the effective date of this act for an individual employed as a burglar alarm system agent on that date, unless he or she establishes that he or she is not currently abusing any controlled substance and has successfully completed a rehabilitation course.
(2)(a) Persons who perform only monitoring are not required to complete the training required for burglar alarm system agents.
(b) Persons who perform only monitoring at an out-of-state location are not required to comply with background check requirements.
(c) Persons who perform proprietary burglar alarm system agent duties for only a single employer, and who do not offer alarm system contracting services to the public, are not required to comply with background check requirements.
(d) A state-certified electrical contractor, a state-certified alarm system contractor, a state-registered alarm system contractor, a journeyman electrician licensed by any local jurisdiction, or an alarm technician licensed by a local jurisdiction that requires an examination and experience or training as licensure qualifications, is not required to complete the training required for burglar alarm system agents. A state-registered electrical contractor is not required to complete the training required for burglar alarm system agents, so long as he or she is only doing electrical work up to the alarm panel.
(e) A nonsupervising employee working as a helper or apprentice under the direct, onsite, continuous supervision of a state-certified electrical contractor, a state-registered electrical contractor, a state-certified alarm system contractor, a state-registered alarm system contractor, a journeyman electrician licensed by any local jurisdiction, an alarm technician licensed by a local jurisdiction that requires an examination and experience or training as licensure qualifications, or a qualified alarm system agent is not required to complete the training otherwise required and is not required to be 18 years of age or older.
(3) An applicant for employment as an alarm system agent, or an individual employed as a burglar alarm system agent on the effective date of this act, may commence or continue employment pending the completion of the required training and the results of the background check required by this section for a period not to exceed 90 days after the date of application for employment, or 90 days after the effective date of this act for individuals currently employed as burglar alarm system agents. However, the person must work under the direction and control of a sponsoring licensed electrical or burglar alarm system contractor pending the completion of the training and the criminal background check. If an applicant or an individual employed on the effective date of this act does not complete the training or receive a satisfactory criminal background check within the 90-day period, the employment must be terminated immediately.
(4)(a) A licensed electrical or alarm system contractor shall furnish each of its burglar alarm system agents with an identification card.
(b) The identification card shall be designed in a board-approved format. The card must include a picture of the agent, must specify at least the name of the holder of the card and the name and license number of the contractor, and must be signed by the contractor and by the holder of the card. Each identification card is valid for a period of 2 years after the date of issuance. The identification card must be in the possession of each burglar alarm system agent while engaged in burglar alarm system agent duties.
(c) Each person to whom an identification card has been issued shall be responsible for the safekeeping thereof and shall not loan, or allow any other person to use or display, the identification card.
(d) Each identification card must be renewed every 2 years and in a board-approved format to show compliance with the 6 hours of continuing education necessary to maintain certification as a burglar alarm system agent.
(e) Each licensed electrical or alarm system contractor must obtain an updated criminal background check from the Department of Law Enforcement for each burglar alarm system agent who renews certification.
(5) Each burglar alarm system agent must receive 6 hours of continuing education on burglar alarm system installation and repair and false alarm prevention every 2 years from a board-approved sponsor of training and through a board-approved training course.
(6) Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall be a disciplinable offense against the contractor pursuant to s. 489.533.
History.—s. 16, ch. 96-298; s. 2, ch. 97-122; s. 46, ch. 98-419; s. 28, ch. 99-7; s. 22, ch. 2000-332; s. 2, ch. 2004-76; s. 69, ch. 2020-160.
489.5185 Fire alarm system agents.—
(1) A certified unlimited electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm contractor may not employ a person to perform the duties of a fire alarm system agent unless the person:
(a) Is at least 18 years of age or has evidence of a court-approved declaration of emancipation.
(b) Has successfully completed a minimum of 14 hours of initial training, to include basic fire alarm system technology in addition to related training in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards and access control training, with at least 2 hours of training in the prevention of false alarms. Such training must be from a board-approved provider, and the employee or applicant for employment must provide proof of successful completion to the licensed employer. The board, by rule, shall establish criteria for the approval of training courses and providers. The board shall approve qualified providers that conduct training in other than the English language. The board shall establish a fee for the approval of training providers, not to exceed $200, and a fee for the approval of courses at $25 per credit hour, not to exceed $100 per course.
(c) Has not been convicted within the last 3 years of a crime that directly relates to the business for which employment is being sought. Although the employee is barred from operating as a fire alarm system agent for 3 years subsequent to his or her conviction, the employer shall be supplied the information regarding any convictions occurring prior to that time, and the employer may at his or her discretion consider an earlier conviction to be a bar to employment as a fire alarm system agent. To ensure that this requirement has been met, a certified unlimited electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm contractor must obtain from the Department of Law Enforcement a completed fingerprint and criminal background check for each applicant for employment as a fire alarm system agent or for each individual currently employed on the effective date of this act as a fire alarm system agent.
(d) Has not been committed for controlled substance abuse or been found guilty of a crime under chapter 893 or any similar law relating to controlled substances in any other state within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for employment, or immediately preceding the effective date of this act for an individual employed as a fire alarm system agent on that date, unless the person establishes that he or she is not currently abusing any controlled substance and has successfully completed a rehabilitation course.
(2)(a) Any applicant for employment as a fire alarm system agent, or any individual employed as a fire alarm system agent on the effective date of this act, who has completed alarm system agent or burglar alarm system agent training prior to the effective date of this act in a board-certified program is not required to take additional training in order to comply with the initial training requirements of this section.
(b) A state-certified electrical contractor, a state-certified fire alarm system contractor, a state-registered fire alarm system contractor, a journeyman electrician licensed by any local jurisdiction, or an alarm technician licensed by a local jurisdiction that requires an examination and experience or training as licensure qualifications is not required to complete the training required for fire alarm system agents. A state-registered electrical contractor is not required to complete the training required for fire alarm system agents, so long as he or she is only doing electrical work up to the alarm panel.
(c) A nonsupervising employee working as a helper or apprentice under the direct, onsite, continuous supervision of a state-certified electrical contractor, a state-registered electrical contractor, a state-certified fire alarm system contractor, a state-registered fire alarm system contractor, a journeyman electrician licensed by any local jurisdiction, an alarm technician licensed by a local jurisdiction that requires an examination and experience or training as licensure qualifications, or a qualified fire alarm system agent is not required to complete the training otherwise required and is not required to be 18 years of age or older.
(d) A burglar alarm system agent employed by a licensed fire alarm contractor or certified unlimited electrical contractor who has fulfilled all requirements of s. 489.518 prior to the effective date of this act is not required to complete the initial training required by this section for fire alarm system agents.
(e) Persons who perform only monitoring are not required to complete the training required for fire alarm system agents.
(3) An applicant for employment as a fire alarm system agent may commence employment, or an individual employed as a fire alarm system agent on the effective date of this act may continue employment, pending completion of both the training and the fingerprint and criminal background checks required by this section, for a period not to exceed 90 days after the date of application for employment or 90 days after the effective date of this act for individuals employed as fire alarm system agents on that date. However, the person must work under the direction and control of a sponsoring certified unlimited electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm contractor until completion of both the training and the fingerprint and criminal background checks. If an applicant or an individual employed on the effective date of this act does not complete the training or receive satisfactory fingerprint and criminal background checks within the 90-day period, the employment must be terminated immediately.
(4)(a) A certified unlimited electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm contractor must furnish each of his or her fire alarm system agents with an identification card.
(b) The card shall follow a board-approved format, to include a picture of the agent; shall specify at least the name of the holder of the card and the name and license number of the certified unlimited electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm contractor; and shall be signed by both the contractor and the holder of the card. Each identification card shall be valid for a period of 2 years after the date of issuance. The identification card must be in the possession of the fire alarm system agent while engaged in fire alarm system agent duties.
(c) Each person to whom an identification card has been issued is responsible for the safekeeping thereof, and may not loan, or allow any other person to use or display, the identification card.
(d) Each identification card must be renewed every 2 years and in a board-approved format to show compliance with the 6 hours of continuing education necessary to maintain certification as a fire alarm system agent.
(e) Each licensed electrical or alarm system contractor must obtain an updated criminal background check from the Department of Law Enforcement for each fire alarm system agent who renews certification.
(5) Each fire alarm system agent must receive 6 hours of continuing education on fire alarm system installation and repair and false alarm prevention every 2 years from a board-approved sponsor of training and through a board-approved training course.
(6) Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall be grounds for disciplinary action against the contractor pursuant to s. 489.533.
History.—s. 10, ch. 98-170; s. 50, ch. 98-419; s. 40, ch. 2000-372; s. 3, ch. 2004-76.
489.519 Inactive status.—
(1) A certificate or registration that becomes inactive may be reactivated under s. 489.517 upon application to the department. The board may not require a licensee to complete more than one renewal cycle of continuing education to reactivate a certificate or registration.
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of s. 455.271 to the contrary, a certificateholder or registrant may apply to the department for voluntary inactive status at any time during the period of certification or registration.
(3) The board shall impose, by rule, continuing education requirements for inactive certificateholders, when inactive status is sought by certificateholders who are also building code administrators, plans examiners, or inspectors certified pursuant to part XII of chapter 468.
(4) After January 1, 1999, any person who passes the certification examination must submit an application either to qualify a business or to place the person’s license on inactive status.
History.—ss. 9, 17, ch. 79-272; s. 373, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 278, ch. 94-119; s. 42, ch. 98-419; s. 13, ch. 99-254; s. 32, ch. 2012-61.
489.520 Automated licensure status information system.—By January 1, 1995, the department shall implement an automated licensure status information system for electrical and alarm system contracting. The system shall provide instant notification to local building departments and other interested parties, as determined by the board or department, regarding the status of the certification or registration of any contractor certified or registered pursuant to the provisions of this part. The provision of such information shall consist, at a minimum, of an indication of whether the certification or registration of the contractor applying for a permit is active, of any current failure of the contractor to make restitution according to the terms of any final action by the board, of any ongoing disciplinary cases against the contractor that are subject to public disclosure, and whether there are any outstanding fines against the contractor.
History.—s. 279, ch. 94-119.
489.521 Business organizations; qualifying agents.—
(1) If an individual proposes to engage in contracting as a sole proprietorship, certification shall be issued in the name of that individual. If a fictitious name is used, the applicant shall furnish evidence of statutory compliance.
(2)(a)1. If the applicant proposing to engage in contracting is a partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity, other than a sole proprietorship, the application shall state the name of the partnership and its partners; the name of the corporation and its officers and directors and the name of each of its stockholders who is also an officer or director; the name of the business trust and its trustees; or the name of such other legal entity and its members. In addition, the applicant shall furnish evidence of statutory compliance if a fictitious name is used. A joint venture, including a joint venture composed of qualified business organizations, is itself a separate and distinct organization that shall be qualified in accordance with board rules. The registration or certification, when issued upon application of a business organization, shall be in the name of the qualifying agent, and the name of the business organization shall be noted thereon. If there is a change in any information that is required to be stated on the application, the business organization shall, within 45 days after such change occurs, mail the correct information to the department.
2. Any person certified or registered pursuant to this part who has had his or her license revoked shall not be eligible for a 5-year period to be a partner, officer, director, or trustee of a business organization as defined by this section. Such person shall also be ineligible to reapply for certification or registration under this part for a period of 5 years.
(b) The applicant shall also show that the proposed qualifying agent is legally qualified to act for the business organization in all matters connected with its electrical or alarm system contracting business and concerning regulations by the board and that he or she has authority to supervise electrical or alarm system contracting undertaken by the business organization.
(c) The proposed qualifying agent shall demonstrate that he or she possesses the required skill, knowledge, and experience to qualify the business organization in the following manner:
1. Having met the qualifications provided in s. 489.511 and been issued a certificate of competency pursuant to the provisions of s. 489.511; or
2. Having demonstrated that he or she possesses the required experience and education requirements provided in s. 489.511 which would qualify him or her as eligible to take the certification examination.
(3)(a) The applicant shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility, credit, and business reputation of the business organization, as well as the name of the qualifying agent. The board shall adopt rules defining financial responsibility based upon the business organization’s credit history, ability to be bonded, and any history of bankruptcy or assignment of receivers. Such rules shall specify the financial responsibility grounds on which the board may determine that a business organization is not qualified to engage in contracting.
(b) In the event a qualifying agent must take the certification examination, the board shall, within 60 days from the date of the examination, inform the business organization in writing whether or not its qualifying agent has qualified.
(c) If the qualifying agent of a business organization applying to engage in contracting, after having been notified to do so, does not appear for examination within 1 year from the date of filing of the application, the examination fee paid by it shall be credited as an earned fee to the department. A new application to engage in contracting shall be accompanied by another application fee fixed pursuant to this act. Forfeiture of a fee may be waived by the board for good cause.
(d) Once the board has determined that the business organization’s proposed qualifying agent has qualified, the business organization shall be authorized to engage in the contracting business. The certificate, when issued, shall be in the name of the qualifying agent, and the name of the business organization shall be noted thereon.
(4) As a prerequisite to the initial issuance of a certificate, the applicant or the business organization he or she qualifies shall submit evidence that he or she or the business organization has obtained public liability and property damage insurance for the safety and welfare of the public in an amount to be determined by board rule.
(5) At least one officer or supervising employee of the business organization must be qualified under this act in order for the business organization to be qualified to engage in contracting in the category of the business conducted. If any individual so qualified on behalf of the business organization ceases to qualify the business organization, he or she shall notify the board and the department thereof within 30 days after such occurrence. In addition, if the individual is the only individual who qualifies the business organization, the business organization shall notify the board and the department of the individual’s termination, and it shall have a period of 60 days from the termination of the individual to qualify another person under the provision of this act, failing which, the board shall determine that the business organization is no longer qualified to engage in contracting. The individual shall also inform the board in writing when he or she proposes to engage in contracting in his or her own name or in affiliation with another business organization, and the individual, or such new business organization, shall supply the same information to the board as required for applicants under this act. After an investigation of the financial responsibility, credit, and business reputation of the individual or the new business organization and upon a favorable determination, the board shall certify the business organization as qualified, and the department shall issue, without examination, a new certificate in the individual’s name, which shall include the name of the new business organization, as provided in this section.
(6) When a business organization qualified to engage in contracting makes application for a business tax receipt in any municipality or county of this state, the application shall be made with the tax collector in the name of the business organization, and the business tax receipt, when issued, shall be issued to the business organization upon payment of the appropriate licensing fee and exhibition to the tax collector of a valid certificate issued by the department.
(7)(a) Each registered or certified contractor shall affix the number of his or her registration or certification to each application for a building permit and to each building permit issued and recorded. Each city or county building department shall require, as a precondition for the issuance of a building permit, that the contractor applying for the permit provide verification giving the number of his or her registration or certification under this part.
(b) The registration or certification number of a contractor shall be stated in each offer of services, business proposal, or advertisement, regardless of medium, used by that contractor. For the purposes of this part, the term “advertisement” does not include business stationery or any promotional novelties such as balloons, pencils, trinkets, or articles of clothing. The board shall assess a fine of not less than $100 or issue a citation to any contractor who fails to include that contractor’s certification or registration number when submitting an advertisement for publication, broadcast, or printing. In addition, any person who claims in any advertisement to be a certified or registered contractor, but who does not hold a valid state certification or registration, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(8) Each qualifying agent shall pay the department an amount equal to the original fee for certification or registration to qualify any additional business organizations. If the qualifying agent for a business organization desires to qualify additional business organizations, the board shall require him or her to present evidence of supervisory ability and financial responsibility of each such organization. Allowing a licensee to qualify more than one business organization shall be conditioned upon the licensee showing that the licensee has both the capacity and intent to adequately supervise each business organization in accordance with s. 489.522(1). The board shall not limit the number of business organizations which the licensee may qualify except upon the licensee’s failing to provide such information as is required under this subsection or upon a finding that such information or evidence as is supplied is incomplete or unpersuasive in showing the licensee’s capacity and intent to comply with the requirements of this subsection. A qualification for an additional business organization may be revoked or suspended upon a finding by the board that the licensee has failed in the licensee’s responsibility to adequately supervise the operations of that business organization in accordance with s. 489.522(1). Failure of the responsibility to adequately supervise the operations of a business organization in accordance with s. 489.522(1) shall be grounds for denial to qualify additional business organizations.
(9) If a business organization or any of its partners, officers, directors, trustees, or members is disciplined for violating s. 489.533(1), the board may, on that basis alone, deny issuance of a certificate or registration to a qualifying agent on behalf of that business organization.
(10)(a) A business organization proposing to engage in contracting is not required to apply for or obtain authorization under this part to engage in contracting if:
1. The business organization employs one or more registered or certified contractors licensed in accordance with this part who are responsible for obtaining permits and supervising all of the business organization’s contracting activities;
2. The business organization engages only in contracting on property owned by the business organization or by its parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entities; and
3. The business organization, or its parent entity if the business organization is a wholly owned subsidiary, maintains a minimum net worth of $20 million.
(b) Any business organization engaging in contracting under this subsection shall provide the board with the name and license number of each registered or certified contractor employed by the business organization to supervise its contracting activities. The business organization is not required to post a bond or otherwise evidence any financial or credit information except as necessary to demonstrate compliance with paragraph (a).
(c) A registered or certified contractor employed by a business organization to supervise its contracting activities under this subsection shall not be required to post a bond or otherwise evidence any personal financial or credit information so long as the individual performs contracting activities exclusively on behalf of a business organization meeting all of the requirements of paragraph (a).
History.—ss. 10, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 11, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 14, ch. 89-162; s. 39, ch. 89-374; s. 45, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 2, ch. 93-239; s. 280, ch. 94-119; s. 22, ch. 97-98; s. 495, ch. 97-103; s. 43, ch. 98-419; s. 7, ch. 2003-257; s. 42, ch. 2009-195.
489.522 Qualifying agents; responsibilities.—
(1)(a) A qualifying agent is a primary qualifying agent unless he or she is a secondary qualifying agent under this section. All primary qualifying agents for a business organization are jointly and equally responsible for supervision of all operations of the business organization; for all field work at all sites; and for financial matters, both for the organization in general and for each specific job.
(b) When a qualifying agent ceases to qualify a business, the qualifying agent must transfer the license to another business, qualify himself or herself as an individual, or place the license in an inactive status within 60 days after termination of the qualifying status with the business.
(2) One of the qualifying agents for a business organization that has more than one qualifying agent may be designated as the sole primary qualifying agent for the business organization by a joint agreement that is executed, on a form provided by the board, by all qualifying agents for the business organization. The joint agreement shall be submitted to the board for approval. If the board determines that the joint agreement is in good order, it shall approve the designation and immediately notify the qualifying agents of such approval. The designation made by the joint agreement is effective upon receipt of the notice by the qualifying agents. The qualifying agent designated for a business organization by a joint agreement is the sole primary qualifying agent for the business organization, and all other qualifying agents for the business organization are secondary qualifying agents.
(a) A designated sole primary qualifying agent has all the responsibilities and duties of a primary qualifying agent, notwithstanding that there are secondary qualifying agents for specified jobs. The designated sole primary qualifying agent is jointly and equally responsible with secondary qualifying agents for field work supervision.
(b) A secondary qualifying agent is responsible only for:
1. The supervision of field work at sites where his or her license was used to obtain the building permit; and
2. Any other work for which he or she accepts responsibility.
A secondary qualifying agent is not responsible for supervision of financial matters.
(c) A primary qualifying agent shall have approval authority for checks, payments, drafts, and contracts issued by or entered into by the business organization.
(3)(a) A qualifying agent who has been designated by a joint agreement as the sole primary qualifying agent for a business organization may terminate this status as such by giving actual notice to the business organization, to the board, and to all secondary qualifying agents of his or her intention to terminate this status. The notice to the board shall include proof satisfactory to the board that he or she has given the notice required in this paragraph. The status of the qualifying agent shall cease upon the designation of a new primary qualifying agent or 60 days after satisfactory notice of termination has been provided to the board, whichever first occurs. If no new primary qualifying agent has been designated within 60 days, all secondary qualifying agents for the business organization shall become primary qualifying agents, unless the joint agreement specifies that one or more of them shall become sole qualifying agents under such circumstances, in which case only they shall become sole qualifying agents.
(b) Any change in the status of a qualifying agent is prospective only. A qualifying agent is not responsible for his or her predecessor’s actions, but is responsible, even after a change in status, for matters for which he or she was responsible while in a particular status.
History.—ss. 12, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 281, ch. 94-119; s. 496, ch. 97-103; s. 41, ch. 2000-372.
489.523 Emergency registration upon death of contractor.—If an incomplete contract exists at the time of death of a contractor, the contract may be completed by any person even though not certified. The person shall notify the appropriate board, within 30 days after the death of the contractor, of his or her name and address, knowledge of the contract, and ability to complete it. If the board approves, he or she may proceed with the contract. The board shall then issue an emergency registration which shall expire upon the completion of the contract. For purposes of this section, and upon written approval of the board, an incomplete contract may be one which has been awarded to, or entered into by, the contractor before his or her death, or on which he or she was the low bidder and the contract is subsequently awarded to him or her, regardless of whether any actual work has commenced under the contract before the contractor’s death.
History.—ss. 11, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 13, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 497, ch. 97-103.
489.525 Report to local building officials.—The department may report to all building officials the contents of this part and the contents of the rules of the board. Any information that is available through the Internet or other electronic means may be excluded from the report.
History.—ss. 11, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 14, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 44, ch. 98-419.
489.529 Alarm confirmation required.—All residential or commercial intrusion/burglary alarms that have central monitoring are required to have the alarm monitoring company attempt to confirm the alarm signal by call, text message, or other electronic means made to the owner, occupant, or an authorized designee associated with the premises generating the alarm signal before alarm monitor personnel contact a law enforcement agency for alarm dispatch. The alarm monitoring company must attempt to confirm the alarm signal a second time via communication with the owner, occupant, or an authorized designee associated with the premises if the first attempt to confirm is unsuccessful. However, alarm signal confirmation is not required if:
(1) The intrusion/burglary alarm has a properly operating visual or auditory sensor that enables the alarm monitoring personnel to verify the alarm signal; or
(2) The intrusion/burglary alarm is installed on a premises that is used for the storage of firearms or ammunition by a person who holds a valid federal firearms license as a manufacturer, importer, or dealer of firearms or ammunition, provided the customer notifies the alarm monitoring company that he or she holds such license and would like to bypass the two-attempt confirmation protocol. Upon initiation of a new alarm monitoring service contract, the alarm monitoring company shall make reasonable efforts to inform a customer who holds a valid federal firearms license as a manufacturer, importer, or dealer of firearms or ammunition of his or her right to opt out of the two-attempt confirmation protocol.
History.—s. 17, ch. 96-298; s. 3, ch. 97-122; s. 6, ch. 2006-154; s. 2, ch. 2017-52; s. 1, ch. 2018-51; s. 69, ch. 2018-110.
489.530 Audible alarms.—Every audible alarm system installed by a licensed contractor shall have a device to automatically terminate the audible signal within 15 minutes of activation. A fire alarm system, whether installed voluntarily or as a requirement of an adopted code, which employs an audible fire signal is exempt as required by such code.
History.—s. 18, ch. 96-298; s. 7, ch. 2006-154.
489.531 Prohibitions; penalties.—
(1) A person may not:
(a) Practice contracting unless the person is certified or registered;
(b) Use the name or title “electrical contractor” or “alarm system contractor” or words to that effect, or advertise himself or herself or a business organization as available to practice electrical or alarm system contracting, when the person is not then the holder of a valid certification or registration issued pursuant to this part;
(c) Present as his or her own the certificate or registration of another;
(d) Use or attempt to use a certificate or registration that has been suspended, revoked, or placed on inactive or delinquent status;
(e) Employ persons who are not certified or registered to practice contracting;
(f) Knowingly give false or forged evidence to the department, the board, or a member thereof;
(g) Operate a business organization engaged in contracting after 60 days following the termination of its only qualifying agent without designating another primary qualifying agent;
(h) Conceal information relative to violations of this part;
(i) Commence or perform work for which a building permit is required pursuant to part IV of chapter 553 without the building permit being in effect; or
(j) Willfully or deliberately disregard or violate any municipal or county ordinance relating to uncertified or unregistered contractors.
(2) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (1) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3)(a) Any unlicensed person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (1) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) Any unlicensed person who commits a violation of subsection (1) after having been previously found guilty of such violation commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(c) Any unlicensed person who commits a violation of subsection (1) during the existence of a state of emergency declared by executive order of the Governor commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
The remedies set forth in this subsection are not exclusive and may be imposed in addition to the remedies set forth in s. 489.533(2).
(4) Each county or municipality may, at its option, designate one or more of its code enforcement officers, as defined in chapter 162, to enforce, as set out in this subsection, the provisions of subsection (1) against persons who engage in activity for which county or municipal certification is required.
(a) A code enforcement officer designated pursuant to this subsection may issue a citation for any violation of subsection (1) whenever, based upon personal investigation, the code enforcement officer has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that such a violation has occurred.
(b) A citation issued by a code enforcement officer shall be in a form prescribed by the local governing body of the county or municipality and shall state:
1. The time and date of issuance.
2. The name and address of the person to whom the citation is issued.
3. The time and date of the violation.
4. A brief description of the violation and the facts constituting reasonable cause.
5. The name of the code enforcement officer.
6. The procedure for the person to follow in order to pay the civil penalty or to contest the citation.
7. The applicable civil penalty if the person elects not to contest the citation.
(c) The local governing body of the county or municipality may enforce codes and ordinances against unlicensed contractors under the provisions of this section and may enact an ordinance establishing procedures for implementing this section, including a schedule of penalties to be assessed by the code enforcement officers. The maximum civil penalty which may be levied may not exceed $2,000. Moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be retained locally as provided for by local ordinance and may be set aside in a specific fund to support future enforcement activities against unlicensed contractors.
(d) The act for which the citation is issued shall be ceased upon receipt of the citation; and the person charged with the violation shall elect either to correct the violation and pay the civil penalty in the manner indicated on the citation or, within 10 days of receipt of the citation, exclusive of weekends and legal holidays, request an administrative hearing before the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate to appeal the issuance of the citation by the code enforcement officer.
1. Hearings shall be held before an enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate as established by s. 162.03(2), and such hearings shall be conducted pursuant to ss. 162.07 and 162.08.
2. Failure of a violator to appeal the decision of the code enforcement officer within the time period set forth in this paragraph shall constitute a waiver of the violator’s right to an administrative hearing. A waiver of the right to administrative hearing shall be deemed an admission of the violation and, penalties may be imposed accordingly.
3. If the person issued the citation, or his or her designated representative, shows that the citation is invalid or that the violation has been corrected prior to appearing before the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate, the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate shall dismiss the citation unless the violation is irreparable or irreversible.
4. Each day a willful, knowing violation continues shall constitute a separate offense under the provisions of this subsection.
(e) A person cited for a violation pursuant to this subsection is deemed to be charged with a noncriminal infraction.
(f) If the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate finds that a violation exists, the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate may order the violator to pay a civil penalty of not less than the amount set forth on the citation but not more than $2,500 per day for each violation. In determining the amount of the penalty, the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate shall consider the following factors:
1. The gravity of the violation.
2. Any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation.
3. Any previous violations committed by the violator.
(g) Upon written notification by the code enforcement officer that a violator had not contested the citation or paid the civil penalty within the timeframe allowed on the citation, or if a violation has not been corrected within the timeframe set forth on the notice of violation, the enforcement or licensing board or the designated special magistrate shall enter an order ordering the violator to pay the civil penalty set forth on the citation or notice of violation, and a hearing shall not be necessary for the issuance of such order.
(h) A certified copy of an order imposing a civil penalty against an uncertified contractor may be recorded in the public records and thereafter shall constitute a lien against any real or personal property owned by the violator. Upon petition to the circuit court, such order may be enforced in the same manner as a court judgment by the sheriffs of this state, including a levy against personal property; however, such order shall not be deemed to be a court judgment except for enforcement purposes. A civil penalty imposed pursuant to this part shall continue to accrue until the violator comes into compliance or until judgment is rendered in a suit to foreclose on a lien filed pursuant to this section, whichever occurs first. After 3 months from the filing of any such lien which remains unpaid, the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate may authorize the local governing body’s attorney to foreclose on the lien. No lien created pursuant to the provisions of this part may be foreclosed on real property which is a homestead under s. 4, Art. X of the State Constitution.
(i) This subsection does not authorize or permit a code enforcement officer to perform any function or duty of a law enforcement officer other than a function or duty that is authorized in this subsection.
(j) An aggrieved party, including the local governing body, may appeal a final administrative order of an enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate to the circuit court. Such an appeal shall not be a hearing de novo but shall be limited to appellate review of the record created before the enforcement or licensing board or designated special magistrate. An appeal shall be filed within 30 days of the execution of the order to be appealed.
(k) All notices required by this subsection shall be provided to the alleged violator by certified mail, return receipt requested; by hand delivery by the sheriff or other law enforcement officer or code enforcement officer; by leaving the notice at the violator’s usual place of residence with some person of his or her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents of the notice; or by including a hearing date within the citation.
(l) For those counties which enact ordinances to implement this subsection and which have local construction licensing boards or local government code enforcement boards, the local construction licensing board or local government code enforcement board shall be responsible for the administration of such citation program and training of code enforcement officers. The local governing body of the county shall enter into interlocal agreements with any municipalities in the county so that such municipalities may by ordinance, resolution, policy, or administrative order, authorize individuals to enforce the provisions of this section. Such individuals shall be subject to the requirements of training as specified by the local construction licensing board.
(m) Any person who willfully refuses to sign and accept a citation issued by a code enforcement officer commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(n) Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit a county or municipality from enforcing its codes or ordinances by any other means.
(o) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize local jurisdictions to exercise disciplinary authority or procedures established in this subsection against an individual holding a proper valid certificate issued pursuant to this part.
(5) Local building departments may collect outstanding fines against registered or certified contractors issued by the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and may retain 25 percent of the fines they are able to collect, provided that they transmit 75 percent of the fines they are able to collect to the department according to a procedure to be determined by the department.
(6)(a) The local governing body of a county or municipality, or its local enforcement body, is authorized to enforce the provisions of this part as well as its local ordinances against registered contractors, as appropriate. The local jurisdiction enforcement body may conduct disciplinary proceedings against a registered contractor and may require restitution or impose a suspension or revocation of the local license or a fine not to exceed $5,000, or a combination thereof, against the registered contractor, according to ordinances which a local jurisdiction may enact. In addition, the local jurisdiction may assess reasonable investigative and legal costs for the prosecution of the violation against the registered contractor, according to such ordinances as the local jurisdiction may enact.
(b) In addition to any action the local jurisdiction enforcement body may take against the individual’s local license, and any fine the local jurisdiction may impose, the local jurisdiction enforcement body shall issue a recommended penalty for board action. This recommended penalty may include a recommendation for no further action or a recommendation for suspension, revocation, or restriction of the registration or imposition of a fine to be levied by the board, or a combination thereof. The local jurisdiction enforcement body shall inform the disciplined registered contractor and the complainant of the local penalty imposed, the board penalty recommended, the rights to appeal, and the consequences should the registered contractor decide not to appeal. The local jurisdiction enforcement body shall, upon having reached adjudication or having accepted a plea of nolo contendere, immediately inform the board of its action and the recommended board penalty.
(c) The department, the disciplined registered contractor, or the complainant may challenge the local jurisdiction enforcement body’s recommended penalty for board action to the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. A challenge shall be filed within 60 days after the issuance of the recommended penalty to the board. If challenged, there is a presumptive finding of probable cause and the case may proceed without the need for a probable cause hearing.
(d) Failure of the department, the disciplined registered contractor, or the complainant to challenge the local jurisdiction’s recommended penalty within the time period set forth in this subsection shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing before the board. A waiver of the right to a hearing before the board shall be deemed an admission of the violation, and the penalty recommended shall become a final order according to procedures developed by board rule without further board action. The disciplined registered contractor may appeal this board action to the district court.
(e) The department may investigate any complaint which is made with the department. However, if the department determines that the complaint against a registered contractor is for an action which a local jurisdiction enforcement body has investigated and reached adjudication or accepted a plea of nolo contendere, including a recommended penalty to the board, the department shall not initiate prosecution for that action, unless the secretary has initiated summary procedures pursuant to s. 455.225(8).
(f) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to allow local jurisdictions to exercise disciplinary authority over certified contractors.
(7) The right to create local boards in the future by any municipality or county is preserved.
(8) The department may issue a stop-work order for all unlicensed work on a project upon finding probable cause to believe that electrical or alarm system work which requires certification or registration is being performed without a current, valid certificate or registration. Stop-work orders may be enforced using the procedure and remedies set forth in s. 455.228.
History.—ss. 13, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 16, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 7, ch. 89-343; s. 46, ch. 91-137; s. 118, ch. 91-224; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 23, ch. 93-166; s. 282, ch. 94-119; s. 498, ch. 97-103; s. 28, ch. 98-287; s. 40, ch. 2000-154; s. 42, ch. 2000-372; s. 87, ch. 2004-11; s. 86, ch. 2005-2; s. 133, ch. 2008-4; s. 12, ch. 2013-193.
489.5315 Proprietary electrical or alarm contractors.—Businesses that obtain an electrical or burglar alarm system license to work only on their own equipment, and that do not offer electrical or alarm contracting services to the public, are not electrical or burglar alarm system contracting businesses and do not have to obtain a business tax receipt in addition to any they are otherwise required to have.
History.—s. 4, ch. 97-122; s. 43, ch. 2009-195.
489.532 Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable.—
(1) As a matter of public policy, contracts entered into on or after October 1, 1990, by an unlicensed contractor shall be unenforceable in law or in equity by the unlicensed contractor.
(a) For purposes of this section, an individual is unlicensed if the individual does not have a license required by this part concerning the scope of the work to be performed under the contract. A business organization is unlicensed if the business organization does not have a primary or secondary qualifying agent in accordance with this part concerning the scope of the work to be performed under the contract. For purposes of this section, if a state license is not required for the scope of work to be performed under the contract, the individual performing that work is not considered unlicensed.
(b) For purposes of this section, an individual or business organization shall not be considered unlicensed for failing to have a business tax receipt issued under the authority of chapter 205.
(c) For purposes of this section, a contractor shall be considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on the effective date of the original contract for the work, if stated therein, or, if not stated, the date the last party to the contract executed it, if stated therein. If the contract does not establish such a date, the contractor shall be considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on the first date upon which the contractor provided labor, services, or materials under the contract.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if a contract is rendered unenforceable under this section, no lien or bond claim shall exist in favor of the unlicensed contractor for any labor, services, or materials provided under the contract or any amendment thereto.
(3) This section shall not affect the rights of parties other than the unlicensed contractor to enforce contract, lien, or bond remedies. This section shall not affect the obligations of a surety that has provided a bond on behalf of an unlicensed contractor. It shall not be a defense to any claim on a bond or indemnity agreement that the principal or indemnitor is unlicensed for purposes of this section.
History.—s. 31, ch. 90-228; s. 12, ch. 91-201; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 499, ch. 97-103; s. 43, ch. 2000-372; s. 2, ch. 2003-257; s. 8, ch. 2006-154; s. 120, ch. 2007-5; s. 44, ch. 2009-195.
489.533 Disciplinary proceedings.—
(1) The following acts shall constitute grounds for disciplinary actions as provided in subsection (2):
(a) Failure to comply with any provision of chapter 455.
(b) Attempting to procure a certificate or registration to practice electrical or alarm system contracting by bribery or fraudulent or willful misrepresentations.
(c) Having a certificate or registration to practice contracting revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted against, including the denial of licensure, by the licensing authority of another state, territory, or country.
(d) Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of electrical or alarm system contracting or the ability to practice electrical or alarm system contracting.
(e) Making or filing a report or record which the certificateholder or registrant knows to be false, willfully failing to file a report or record required by state or federal law, willfully impeding or obstructing such filing, or inducing another person to impede or obstruct such filing. Such reports or records shall include only those which are signed in the capacity of a certified electrical or alarm system contractor.
(f) Committing fraud or deceit, or negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the practice of electrical or alarm system contracting.
(g) Violating chapter 633 or the rules of the State Fire Marshal.
(h) Practicing on a revoked, suspended, inactive, or delinquent certificate or registration.
(i) Violating the applicable building codes or laws of the state or any municipality or county thereof.
(j) Performing any act which assists a person or entity in engaging in the prohibited uncertified and unregistered practice of contracting, if the certificateholder or registrant knows or has reasonable grounds to know that the person or entity was uncertified and unregistered.
(k) Knowingly combining or conspiring with any person by allowing one’s certificate to be used by any uncertified person with intent to evade the provisions of this part. When a certificateholder allows his or her certificate to be used by one or more companies without having any active participation in the operations or management of said companies, such act constitutes prima facie evidence of an intent to evade the provisions of this part.
(l) Acting in the capacity of a contractor under any certificate or registration issued hereunder except in the name of the certificateholder or registrant as set forth on the issued certificate or registration or in accordance with the personnel of the certificateholder or registrant as set forth in the application for the certificate or registration or as later changed as provided in this part.
(m) Committing financial mismanagement or misconduct in the practice of contracting that causes financial harm to a customer. Financial mismanagement or misconduct occurs if:
1. A valid lien has been recorded against the property of a contractor’s customer for supplies or services ordered by the contractor for the customer’s job, the contractor has received funds from the customer to pay for the supplies or services, and the contractor has not had the lien removed from the property, by payment or by bond, within 75 days after the date of the lien;
2. A contractor has abandoned a customer’s job and the percentage of completion is less than the percentage of the total contract price that had been paid to the contractor as of the time of abandonment, unless the contractor is entitled to retain the excess funds under the terms of the contract or refunds the excess funds within 30 days after the date of abandonment;
3. The contractor’s job has been completed and it is shown that the customer has had to pay more for the contracted job than the original contract price, as adjusted for subsequent change orders, unless such increase in cost was the result of circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, was the result of circumstances caused by the customer, or was otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract between the contractor and the customer; or
4. The contractor fails, within 18 months, to pay or comply with a repayment schedule of a judgment obtained against the contractor or a business qualified by the contractor and relating to the practice of contracting.
(n) Being disciplined by any municipality or county for an act that is a violation of this section.
(o) Failing in any material respect to comply with the provisions of this part and the rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(p) Abandoning a project which the contractor is engaged in or is under contractual obligation to perform. A project is to be considered abandoned after 90 days if the contractor terminates the project without just cause or without proper notification to the prospective owner, including the reason for termination, or fails to perform work without just cause for 90 consecutive days.
(q) Failing to affix a registration or certification number as required by s. 489.521(7).
(r) Proceeding on any job without obtaining applicable local building department permits and inspections.
(s) Practicing beyond the scope of a certification or registration.
For the purposes of this subsection, construction is considered to be commenced when the contract is executed and the contractor has accepted funds from the customer or lender.
(2) When the board finds any applicant, contractor, or business organization for which the contractor is a primary qualifying agent or secondary qualifying agent responsible under s. 489.522 guilty of any of the grounds set forth in subsection (1), it may enter an order imposing one or more of the following penalties:
(a) Denial of an application for certification or registration.
(b) Revocation or suspension of a certificate or registration.
(c) Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $10,000 for each count or separate offense.
(d) Issuance of a reprimand.
(e) Placement of the contractor on probation for a period of time and subject to such conditions as the board may specify, including requiring the contractor to attend continuing education courses or to work under the supervision of another contractor.
(f) Restriction of the authorized scope of practice by the contractor.
(g) Require financial restitution to a consumer.
(3) In recommending penalties in any proposed recommended final order, the department shall follow the penalty guidelines established by the board by rule. The department shall advise the administrative law judge of the appropriate penalty, including mitigating and aggravating circumstances, and the specific rule citation.
(4) The board may not reinstate the certificate or registration of, or cause a certificate or registration to be issued to, a person who the board has determined unqualified until it is satisfied that such person has complied with all the terms and conditions set forth in the final order and is capable of competently engaging in the business of contracting.
(5) When the board imposes administrative fines pursuant to subsection (2) resulting from violation of chapter 633 or violation of the rules of the State Fire Marshal, 50 percent of the fine shall be paid into the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund to help defray the costs of investigating the violations and obtaining the corrective action. The State Fire Marshal may participate at its discretion, but not as a party, in any proceedings before the board relating to violation of chapter 633 or the rules of the State Fire Marshal, in order to make recommendations as to the appropriate penalty in such case. However, the State Fire Marshal shall not have standing to bring disciplinary proceedings regarding certification.
(6) The board may restrain any violation of this part by action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(7)(a) The department may, by rule, provide for a mediation process for the complainant and the licensee. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapters 120 and 455, upon receipt of a legally sufficient consumer complaint alleging a violation of this part, both the licensee and the complainant may consent in writing to mediation within 15 days following notification of this process by the department. The department may suspend all action in the matter for 45 days when notice of consent to mediation is received by the department. If the mediation process is successfully concluded within the 60-day period, the department may close the case file with a notation of the disposition and the licensee’s record shall reflect only that a complaint was filed and resolved through mediation. If mediation is rejected by either the complainant or licensee, or should said parties fail to reach a mediated solution within the 60-day period, the department shall process the complaint in the manner required by chapters 120 and 455. The mediator shall provide a written report to the department of the mediation results within 10 days of the conclusion of the mediation process as provided by rule.
(b) No licensee may avail himself or herself of the mediation process more than three times without the approval of the board. The board may consider the subject and the dates of the earlier complaints in rendering its decision. The board’s decision shall not be considered a final agency action and is not appealable.
(c) The licensee shall bear all costs of mediation.
(d) Mediation shall be conducted according to rules of practice and procedure for circuit court as adopted by the Supreme Court. The mediator shall be a certified circuit court mediator.
(e) The department, in conjunction with the board, shall determine by rule the types of cases which may be included in the mediation process. The department may initiate or continue disciplinary action, pursuant to chapter 455 and this chapter against the licensee as determined by rule.
History.—ss. 14, 17, ch. 79-272; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 90, ch. 83-329; ss. 9, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 17, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 42, ch. 90-228; s. 47, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 283, ch. 94-119; s. 227, ch. 96-410; s. 1134, ch. 97-103; s. 147, ch. 98-166; s. 29, ch. 98-287; s. 45, ch. 98-419; s. 126, ch. 2000-141; s. 206, ch. 2000-160; s. 35, ch. 2001-186; s. 4, ch. 2001-372; s. 512, ch. 2003-261; s. 4, ch. 2005-227.
489.5335 Journeyman; reciprocity; standards.—
(1) An individual who holds a valid, active journeyman license in the electrical trade issued by any county or municipality in this state may work as a journeyman in any other county or municipality of this state without taking an additional examination or paying an additional license fee, if he or she:
(a) Has scored at least 70 percent, or after October 1, 1997, at least 75 percent, on a proctored journeyman Block and Associates examination or other proctored examination approved by the board for the electrical trade;
(b) Has completed an apprenticeship program registered with a registration agency defined in 29 C.F.R. s. 29.2 and demonstrates 4 years’ verifiable practical experience in the electrical trade, or demonstrates 6 years’ verifiable practical experience in the electrical trade;
(c) Has satisfactorily completed specialized and advanced module coursework approved by the Florida Building Commission, as part of the building code training program established in s. 553.841, specific to the discipline, or, pursuant to authorization by the certifying authority, provides proof of completion of such curriculum or coursework within 6 months after such certification; and
(d) Has not had a license suspended or revoked within the last 5 years.
(2) A local government may charge a registration fee for reciprocity, not to exceed $25.
History.—s. 17, ch. 97-228; s. 30, ch. 98-287; s. 27, ch. 2010-176; s. 30, ch. 2011-213.
489.537 Application of this part.—
(1) This part applies to any contractor performing work for the state or any county or municipality.
(2)(a) The scope of electrical contracting shall apply to private and public property and shall include any excavation, paving, and other related work incidental thereto and shall include the work of all specialty electrical contractors. However, such electrical contractor shall subcontract the work of any other craft for which an examination for a certificate of competency or registration or a license is required, unless such contractor is certified or registered or holds a license for the respective trade category as required by the appropriate local authority.
(b) A registered electrical contractor may bid on electrical contracts which include alarm systems contracting as a part of the contract, provided that the individual shall subcontract such alarm systems contracting, except raceway systems, to a properly certified or registered alarm system contractor. Registered electrical contractors may install raceways for alarm systems. However, if the registered electrical contractor is properly certified or registered as an alarm system contractor, the individual is not required to subcontract out the alarm system contracting.
(3) Nothing in this act limits the power of a municipality or county:
(a) To regulate the quality and character of work performed by contractors through a system of permits, fees, and inspections which is designed to secure compliance with, and aid in the implementation of, state and local building laws or to enforce other local laws for the protection of the public health and safety. However, a certified alarm system contractor or certified electrical contractor is not subject to any additional certification or licensure requirements that are not required by this part.
(b) To collect fees for business tax receipts and inspections for engaging in contracting or examination fees from persons who are registered with the local boards pursuant to local examination requirements.
(c) To adopt any system of permits requiring submission to and approval by the municipality or county of plans and specifications for work to be performed by contractors before commencement of the work.
(d) To require one bond for each electrical contractor in an amount not to exceed $5,000, which bond shall be conditioned only upon compliance with the Florida Building Code adopted pursuant to s. 553.73. Any such bond must be equally available to all electrical contractors without regard to the period of time an electrical contractor has been certified or registered and without regard to any financial responsibility requirements. Any such bonds shall be payable to the Governor and filed in each county or municipality in which a building permit is requested. Bond reciprocity shall be granted statewide. All such bonds shall be included in meeting any financial responsibility requirements imposed by any statute or rule.
(e)1. To refuse to issue permits or issue permits with specific conditions to a contractor who has committed multiple violations, when he or she has been disciplined for each of them by the board and when each disciplinary action has involved revocation or suspension of a license, imposition of an administrative fine of at least $1,000, or probation.
2. To issue permits with specific conditions to a contractor who, within the previous 12 months, has had final action taken against him or her, by the department or by a local board or agency which licenses contractors and has reported the action pursuant to paragraph (5)(c), for engaging in the business or acting in the capacity of a contractor without a license.
(f) To require that one electrical journeyman, who is a graduate of the Institute of Applied Technology in Construction Excellence or licensed pursuant to s. 489.5335, be present on an industrial or commercial new construction site with a facility of 50,000 gross square feet or more when electrical work in excess of 77 volts is being performed in order to supervise or perform such work, except as provided in s. 489.503.
(4) Any official authorized to issue building or other related permits shall ascertain that the applicant contractor is certified or registered and duly qualified according to any local requirements in the area where the construction is to take place before issuing the permit. The evidence shall consist only of the exhibition to him or her of current evidence of proper certification or registration and local qualification.
(5)(a) Municipalities or counties may continue to provide examinations for their territorial area, provided that no examination is given the holder of a certificate.
(b) To engage in contracting in the territorial area, an applicant shall also be registered with the board.
(c) Each local board or agency which licenses contractors shall transmit monthly to the board a report of any disciplinary action taken against contractors and any administrative or disciplinary action taken against unlicensed persons for engaging in the business or acting in the capacity of a contractor, including any cease and desist order issued pursuant to s. 489.516(2)(b).
(6) The right to create local boards in the future by any municipality or county is preserved.
(7) The scope of work of a certified unlimited electrical contractor includes the work of a certified alarm system contractor as provided in this part.
(8) Persons licensed under this part are subject to ss. 205.0535(1) and 205.065, as applicable.
(9) A registered electrical contractor, an alarm system contractor II certificateholder, and a registered alarm system contractor II shall be allowed to install residential smoke detectors or residential heat detectors.
History.—ss. 11, 17, ch. 79-272; s. 374, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 2, ch. 87-152; ss. 10, 14, ch. 87-254; ss. 19, 21, 23, ch. 88-149; s. 8, ch. 91-119; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 284, ch. 94-119; s. 500, ch. 97-103; s. 31, ch. 98-287; s. 47, ch. 98-419; s. 26, ch. 99-254; s. 127, ch. 2000-141; s. 23, ch. 2000-332; s. 45, ch. 2000-372; ss. 20, 35, ch. 2001-186; s. 4, ch. 2001-372; s. 6, ch. 2005-147; s. 45, ch. 2009-195.
489.538 Authority of licensed job scope.—A licensee under this part need not have a license under part I to perform work within the scope of his or her license under this part.
History.—s. 37, ch. 90-228; s. 12, ch. 91-201; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 501, ch. 97-103.
PART III
SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTING489.551 Definitions.
489.552 Registration required.
489.553 Administration of part; registration qualifications; examination.
489.554 Registration renewal.
489.555 Certification of partnerships and corporations.
489.556 Suspension or revocation of registration.
489.557 Fees, establishment.
489.558 Penalties and prohibitions.
489.551 Definitions.—As used in this part:
1(1) “Department” means the Department of Health.
(2) “Master septic tank contractor” means a septic tank contractor whose services are unlimited in the septic tank trade who has had at least 3 years’ experience as a Florida-registered septic tank contractor or a plumbing contractor certified under part I of this chapter who has provided septic tank contracting services for at least 3 years and who has the experience, knowledge, and skills to install, maintain, repair, close repairs of, and alter all types of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, to design onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, where not prohibited by law, to perform and submit soil evaluations, when determined to meet site-evaluation expertise established by rule, and to use materials and items used in the installation and maintenance of all types of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.
(3) “Onsite sewage treatment and disposal system” means a system that contains a standard subsurface, filled, or mound drainfield system; an aerobic treatment unit; a graywater system tank; a laundry wastewater system tank; a septic tank; a grease interceptor; a dosing tank; a solids or effluent pump; a waterless, incinerating, or organic waste-composting toilet; or a sanitary pit privy that is installed or proposed to be installed beyond the building sewer on land of the owner or on other land to which the owner has the legal right to install a system. This term does not include package sewage treatment facilities and other treatment works regulated under chapter 403.
(4) “Septic tank contractor” means a contractor who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, perform site evaluations for repairs, when determined to meet site-evaluation expertise established by rule, and use material and items used in the installation and maintenance of all kinds of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.
History.—ss. 1, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 7, ch. 93-151; s. 5, ch. 96-303; s. 4, ch. 98-420; s. 234, ch. 99-8; s. 50, ch. 2020-150.
1Note.—Section 50, ch. 2020-150, amended subsection (1), effective July 1, 2021, to read:
(1) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection.
489.552 Registration required.—A person shall not hold himself or herself out as a septic tank contractor or a master septic tank contractor in this state unless he or she is registered by the department in accordance with the provisions of this part. However, nothing in this part prohibits any person licensed pursuant to s. 489.105(3)(m) in this state from engaging in the profession for which he or she is licensed.
History.—ss. 2, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 6, ch. 96-303.
489.553 Administration of part; registration qualifications; examination.—
(1) Each person desiring to be registered pursuant to this part shall apply to the department in writing upon forms prepared and furnished by the department.
(2) The department shall administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of this part, provide qualifications for applicants, administer the examination for applicants, and be responsible for the granting of certificates of registration to qualified persons.
(3) The department shall adopt reasonable rules, including, but not limited to, rules that establish ethical standards of practice, requirements for registering as a contractor, requirements for obtaining an initial or renewal certificate of registration, disciplinary guidelines, and requirements for the certification of partnerships and corporations. The department may amend or repeal the rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
(4) To be eligible for registration by the department as a septic tank contractor, the applicant must:
(a) Be of good moral character. In considering good moral character, the department may consider any matter that has a substantial connection between the good moral character of the applicant and the professional responsibilities of a registered contractor, including, but not limited to: the applicant being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of contracting or the ability to practice contracting; and previous disciplinary action involving septic tank contracting, where all judicial reviews have been completed.
(b) Pass an examination approved by the department which demonstrates that the applicant has a fundamental knowledge of the state laws relating to the installation and maintenance of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.
(c) Be at least 18 years of age.
(d) Have a total of at least 3 years of active experience serving an apprenticeship as a skilled worker under the supervision and control of a registered septic tank contractor or a plumbing contractor as defined in s. 489.105 who has provided septic tank contracting services. Related work experience or educational experience may be substituted for no more than 2 years of active contracting experience. Each 30 hours of coursework approved by the department will substitute for 6 months of work experience. Out-of-state work experience shall be accepted on a year-for-year basis for any applicant who demonstrates that he or she holds a current license issued by another state for septic tank contracting which was issued upon satisfactory completion of an examination and continuing education courses that are equivalent to the requirements in this state. For purposes of this section, an equivalent examination must include the topics of system location and installation, site evaluation, system size determinations, disposal of septage, construction standards for drainfield systems, and the soil-texture classification system of the United States Department of Agriculture. A person employed by and under the supervision of a licensed contractor shall be granted up to 2 years of related work experience.
(e) Have not had a registration revoked, the effective date of which was less than 5 years before the application.
(5) To be eligible for registration by the department as a master septic tank contractor, the applicant must:
(a) Have been a registered septic tank contractor in Florida for at least 3 years or a plumbing contractor certified under part I of this chapter who has provided septic tank contracting services for at least 3 years. The 3 years must immediately precede the date of application and may not be interrupted by any probation, suspension, or revocation imposed by the licensing agency.
(b) Take and complete, to the satisfaction of the department, a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework.
(c) Pass an examination approved by the department which demonstrates that the applicant has advanced knowledge relating to the installation and maintenance of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, including, but not limited to, the fundamental knowledge required to close residential repair jobs, design systems, and perform soil evaluations, when determined to meet site-evaluation expertise established by rule.
(d) Be reviewed by the department for any major infractions of this chapter or other law relating to onsite sewage treatment and disposal.
(6) The department shall provide each applicant for registration pursuant to this part with a copy of this part and any rules adopted under this part. The department may also prepare and disseminate such other material and questionnaires as it deems necessary to effectuate the registration provisions of this part.
(7) Notwithstanding any other law, a conviction, or any other adjudication, for a crime more than 5 years before the date the application is received by the department or other applicable authority may not be grounds for denial of registration. For purposes of this subsection, the term “conviction” means a determination of guilt that is the result of a plea or trial, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld. This subsection does not limit a board from considering an applicant’s criminal history that includes any crime listed in s. 775.21(4)(a)1. or s. 776.08 at any time, but only if such criminal history has been found to relate to the practice of the applicable profession, or any crime if it has been found to relate to good moral character.
(8)(a) A person may apply to be registered before his or her lawful release from confinement or supervision. The department or other applicable authority may not charge an applicant an additional fee for being confined or under supervision. The department or other applicable authority may not deny an application for registration solely on the basis of the applicant’s current confinement or supervision.
(b) After a registration application is approved, the department or other applicable authority may stay the issuance of registration until the applicant is lawfully released from confinement or supervision and the applicant notifies the board of such release. The department or other applicable authority must verify the applicant’s release with the Department of Corrections before it registers such applicant.
(c) If an applicant is unable to appear in person due to his or her confinement or supervision, the department or other applicable authority must permit the applicant to appear by teleconference or video conference, as appropriate, at any meeting or hearing by the department or other applicable authority concerning his or her application.
(d) If an applicant is confined or under supervision, the Department of Corrections and the department or other applicable authority shall cooperate and coordinate to facilitate the appearance of the applicant at a meeting or hearing in person, by teleconference, or by video conference, as appropriate.
(9) The department or other applicable authority shall compile a list of crimes that, if committed and regardless of adjudication, do not relate to the practice of the profession or the ability to practice the profession and do not constitute grounds for denial of registration. This list must be made available on the department’s website and updated annually. Beginning October 1, 2019, and updated quarterly thereafter, the department or other applicable authority shall add to this list such crimes that although reported by an applicant for registration, were not used as a basis for denial in the past 2 years. The list must identify for each such registration application the crime reported and the date of conviction, plea, adjudication, or sentencing.
(10) The department or other applicable authority shall compile a list of crimes that have been used as a basis for denial of registration in the past 2 years and make the list available on the department’s website. Beginning October 1, 2019, and updated quarterly thereafter, the department shall add to this list each crime used as a basis for denial. For each crime listed, the department must identify the date of conviction, plea, adjudication, or sentencing. Such denials must be made available to the public upon request.
History.—ss. 3, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 8, ch. 93-151; s. 7, ch. 96-303; s. 76, ch. 97-237; s. 27, ch. 98-151; s. 29, ch. 99-7; s. 31, ch. 2000-242; s. 46, ch. 2004-350; s. 20, ch. 2019-167.
489.554 Registration renewal.—
(1) The department shall prescribe by rule the method for approving continuing education courses, for renewing annual registration, for approving inactive status for the late filing of a renewal application, for allowing a contractor to hold a registration in inactive status for a specified period, and for reactivating a registration.
(2) At a minimum, annual renewal shall include continuing education requirements of not less than 12 classroom hours annually for septic tank contractors and not less than 18 classroom hours annually for master septic tank contractors. The 18 classroom hours of continuing education required for master septic tank contractors may include the 12 classroom hours required for septic tank contractors, but at a minimum must include 6 classroom hours of approved master septic tank contractor coursework.
(3) A certificate of registration becomes inactive when a renewal application is not filed in a timely manner. A certificate that has become inactive may be reactivated under this section by application to the department. A licensed contractor may apply to the department for voluntary inactive status at any time during the period of registration.
(4) A master septic tank contractor may elect to revert to the status of a registered septic tank contractor at any time during the period of registration. The department shall prescribe by rule the method for a master septic tank contractor who has reverted to the status of a registered septic tank contractor to apply for status as a master septic tank contractor.
(5) The department shall deny an application for renewal if the applicant has failed to pay any administrative penalty imposed by the department if the penalty is final agency action and all judicial reviews have been exhausted.
History.—ss. 4, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 55, ch. 91-297; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 8, ch. 96-303; s. 5, ch. 98-420; s. 47, ch. 2004-350; s. 7, ch. 2006-252.
489.555 Certification of partnerships and corporations.—
(1) The practice of or the offer to practice septic tank contracting services by registrants through a parent corporation, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, or partnership offering septic tank contracting services to the public through registrants under this chapter as agents, employers, officers, or partners is permitted, provided that one or more of the principal officers of the corporation or one or more partners of the partnership and all personnel of the corporation or partnership who act in its behalf as septic tank contractors or master septic tank contractors in this state are registered as provided by this part, and further provided that the corporation or partnership has been issued a certificate of authorization by the department as provided in this section. A registered contractor may not be the sole qualifying contractor for more than one business that requests a certificate of authorization. A business organization that loses its qualifying contractor has 60 days following the date the qualifier terminates his or her affiliation within which to obtain another qualifying contractor. During this period, the business organization may complete any existing contract or continuing contract, but may not undertake any new contract. This period may be extended once by the department for an additional 60 days upon a showing of good cause. Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a certificate of registration to practice septic tank contracting shall be held by a corporation. No corporation or partnership shall be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this section, nor shall any individual practicing septic tank contracting be relieved of responsibility for professional services performed by reason of his or her employment or relationship with a corporation or partnership.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a certificate of authorization shall be required for a corporation, partnership, association, or person practicing under a fictitious name, offering septic tank contracting services to the public, except that when an individual is practicing septic tank contracting in his or her own given name, he or she shall not be required to register under this section.
(3) Each certification of authorization shall be renewed every 2 years. Each partnership and corporation certified under this section shall notify the department within 1 month of any change in the information contained in the application upon which the certification is based.
(4) Disciplinary action against a corporation or partnership shall be administered in the same manner and on the same grounds as disciplinary action against a registered septic tank contractor or master septic tank contractor.
(5) When a certificate of authorization has been revoked, any person authorized by law to provide septic tank contracting services may not use the name or fictitious name of the entity whose certificate was revoked, or any other identifiers for the entity, including telephone numbers, advertisements, or logos.
History.—ss. 5, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 10, ch. 96-303; s. 52, ch. 97-98; s. 28, ch. 98-151; s. 6, ch. 98-420.
489.556 Suspension or revocation of registration.—A certificate of registration may be suspended or revoked upon a showing that the registrant has:
(1) Violated any provision of this part.
(2) Violated any lawful order or rule rendered or adopted by the department.
(3) Obtained his or her registration or any other order, ruling, or authorization by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts.
(4) Been found guilty of gross misconduct in the pursuit of his or her profession.
History.—ss. 6, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 11, ch. 96-303.
489.557 Fees, establishment.—
(1) The department shall, by rule, establish fees as follows:
(a) For septic tank contractor registration:
1. Application and examination fee: not less than $25 or more than $75.
2. Initial registration fee: not less than $50 or more than $100.
3. Renewal of registration fee: not less than $50 or more than $100.
(b) For master septic tank contractor registration:
1. Application and examination fee: not less than $25 or more than $75.
2. Initial registration fee: not less than $50 or more than $100.
3. Renewal of registration fee: not less than $50 or more than $100.
(c) Certification of partnerships and corporations: not less than $100 or more than $250.
(2) Fees established pursuant to subsection (1) shall be based on the actual costs incurred by the department in carrying out its registration and other related responsibilities under this part.
History.—ss. 7, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 12, ch. 96-303.
489.558 Penalties and prohibitions.—
(1) Any person who violates any provision of this part commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2) The department may deny a registration if it determines that an applicant does not meet all requirements of this part or has violated any provision of this part. Any applicant aggrieved by such denial shall be entitled to a hearing, after reasonable notice thereof, upon filing a written request for such hearing in accordance with chapter 120.
History.—ss. 8, 10, ch. 87-310; s. 119, ch. 91-224; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 13, ch. 96-303.