Construction Industry Licensing Board

Important Information (Hot Topics)

DBPR Secretary Extends Aug. 31 Renewal Deadline for Construction Licensees Due to Tropical Storm Fay

August 27, 2008

TALLAHASSEE—Today, Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Charles W. Drago extended the license renewal deadline for all Certified Construction and Electrical and Alarm Contractor licensees by one month, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 30, due to Tropical Storm Fay’s recent sweep across Florida.

“I understand that some of our licensees may have spent the past several weeks preparing for Tropical Storm Fay, evacuating their homes, and making storm-related repairs. By extending this renewal deadline, we are ensuring that our licensees have every opportunity to remain in compliance with state regulation,” stated Secretary Drago.

Certified Construction and Electrical and Alarm Contractor licensees who have not yet renewed will have until Sept. 30. The extension of the renewal deadline will not affect the expiration date on the license, which will remain Aug. 31, 2010. Licensees who have already renewed do not need to do anything.

Licensees must complete all required continuing education in order to renew their licenses. Any continuing education completed prior to renewal, regardless of whether the licensee renews on Aug. 31 or Sept. 30, will apply to the 2006-2008 license cycle. As long as the licensee completes all continuing education requirements for 2006-2008, any continuing education taken after renewal but prior to Sept. 30 will apply to the 2008-2010 cycle.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

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 first examination administration for Marine Specialty Contractors will be held on August 12 – 13, 2008.  Applications for licensure will be accepted after that date.  For more information or to apply for a license, please refer to Rule 61G4-15.033, Florida Administrative Code, or visit the board’s website, at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > Direct to Our Divisions > Professions and Professional Boards > Construction Industry.

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.

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 Pearson VUE (formerly Promissor). The fingerprint fee is $57.25. You may contact Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.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.