Construction Industry Licensing Board

Important Information (Hot Topics)

New Marine Specialty Contractor Licensure Category

On December 25, 2007, the Construction Industry Licensing Board developed a new certified licensure category for Marine Specialty Contractors. The department is currently developing an examination for this licensure category and will provide additional information as soon as it becomes available. For additional information, please refer to Rule 61G4-15.033, Florida Administrative Code.

MARCH CILB BOARD MEETING CANCELLED

The March, 2008 meeting of the Construction Industry Licensing Board has been cancelled.  The Application Review committee, Additional Business Entities committee and CE/Exams/Public Awareness committee have been rescheduled to conference calls on March 26 – 27, 2008.  All other board business originally scheduled for the March board meeting will be deferred until the regularly-scheduled April board meeting on April 9 – 11, 2008.  Individuals who have been asked to attend the March meeting will receive additional information by mail.

Deadline for Swimming Pool Specialty Contractor Practical Examination Extended Until 2009

The Construction Industry Licensing Board has amended Rule 61G4-15.032, Florida Administrative Code, to allow those individuals interested in obtaining a swimming pool specialty contractor license to do so by completing three hours of board-approved continuing education along with passing a practical examination administered by a board-approved practical examiner, until January 1, 2009.
Licensing information and application forms are available online, at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > Direct to Our Divisions > Construction Industry > Forms.

Green Building Workgroup

The Florida Building Commission is hosting a Green Building Workgroup to develop a model residential energy efficiency ordinance for the Florida Legislature by March 1, 2008. The Green Building Workgroup is also charged with developing a public awareness campaign to promote energy efficiency and building green. You may access more information on the Green Building workgroup at http://consensus.fsu.edu/FBC/GBW.html.

NEW FINGERPRINTING REQUIREMENT

Beginning November 1, 2007 all applications for initial licensure as construction contractors will be required to have a criminal background check performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This requirement applies to applications for initial licensure, change of status, additional business, and endorsement. Each applicant will be required to submit electronic fingerprints through the department’s vendor Promissor. Starting October 1, 2007 the fingerprint fee for Promissor will be $56.25. You may contact Promissor at www.promissor.com or call at 1-877 238-8232. For additional information regarding this requirement please visit www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/faq.html.

New Continuing Education Requirements for Certified and Registered Contractors

Laws and Rules Continuing Education

House Bill 7163 (2007 Legislative Session) revised the continuing education requirements for certified and registered contractors licensed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. All certified and registered contractors must now complete one hour of laws and rules-related continuing education as part of the 14 hours that is currently required during each licensure cycle.

Wind Mitigation Methodologies Continuing Education

Senate Bill 1864 further revised the continuing education requirements for certain contractors licensed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. Based on this statutory change, the Board filed a notice of proposed rule development which would affect Rule 61G4-18.001, Florida Administrative Code. The proposed rule language is currently set for adoption and will become effective on November 15, 2007.

The new rule requires all general, building, residential, roofing, specialty structure and glass and glazing contractors to complete one hour of continuing education related to wind mitigation methodologies as part of the 14 hours that is currently required. Wind mitigation methodology courses are defined as those topics listed in Section 553.844(2)(b)1.-5., Florida Statutes.

Enforcement of these new one hour requirements will begin with the expiration of certified licenses on August 31, 2008, and the expiration of registered licenses on August 31, 2009. Those licensees not in compliance with all continuing education requirements by the expiration date of their licenses may face non-renewal or disciplinary action.

Continuing Education Providers

Continuing education providers that desire to obtain approval to offer laws and rules-related courses must apply to the department. All new courses, and existing courses, must be evaluated by the Board and approved as laws and rules-related courses before credit will be offered. Applications for wind mitigation methodology continuing education courses will be accepted beginning on November 15, 2007. Application information for course providers is available on the Board’s website, at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > Direct to Our Divisions > Professions and Professional Boards > Construction Industry.

Financially Responsible Officer Bond Reduction

The Construction Industry Licensing Board has decided to lower the bond requirement for Financially Responsible Officers from $500,000 to $100,000. The new bond form is currently available as part of the Financially Responsible Officer Application Package.