Florida Marine Contractor License

Florida Marine contractors can legally engage in contracts which involve working on:

Fixed docks
Floating docks
Boathouses
Mooring devices
Mooring fields
Seawalls
Bulkheads
Piers
Wharfs
Boatlifts
Boat ramps
Revetments
Cofferdams
Wave attenuators
Dune crossovers
Pile driving
Framing, concrete, and masonry on marine and accessory structures
Dredge and fill
Wood shingle, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing on a new marine and accessory structures

How to Get a Marine Contractor's License in Florida

Be 18 years of age.
Pass all parts of the exam(s) (within four years of the first attempt).
If an applicant has a Bachelor's degree in building construction or a related field, as well as a 3.0 GPA or higher, the applicant is only required to take the business exam.
Pay the fee for the Application.
Complete the application form using the Online Services, or the Printable Application.
Be of good moral character.
Obtain worker's compensation and general liability coverage.
Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a Credit Report:
- 660 FICO credit score or higher (applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit if below 660 - FICO derived).
- If FICO score is less than 660, the applicant must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
- If applicable, provide proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and bankruptcy discharge.
Background check with Electronic Fingerprints.
Obtain public liability and property damage insurance.
- Obtain workers' compensation or exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
Satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
- A combination of Experience and Education
  - One year proved experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 yrs. experience), or
  - No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
  - Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
  - One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker, or
  - Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
  - The board expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the Marine trade:
    - Floating Marine Structures
      - Floating
      - Framing
      - Decking
      - Anchor
      - Access Gangway
      - Mooring
    - Fixed Marine Structures
      - Framing
      - Concrete Deck
    - Foundation
      - Concrete Footers
      - Structural Pilings
    - Shoreline Stabilization (additional)
      - Concrete Walls
      - Sheet Piles
      - Wood Bulkhead
    - Anchoring Systems (additional)
      - Concrete Deadmen
      - Timber Pilings
      - Wedge Anchor
    - Other (additional)
      - Dredging
      - Filling
- Military Service
  Note: As part of the application applicant must submit the Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification for licensure
  - One year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and three years of military service.
  - One year of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of military service.
  - Two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and one year of military service.
Pass the Marine and Business & Finance exams.(sign up for the exams)
Submit the complete Marine application form to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Florida Marine Contractor finishing Seawall and Dock Construction Project — Florida Marine Contractor Completing a Seawall and Dock Construction Project

Florida Marine Contractor Exams

Florida Marine Contractors must pass two exams prior to obtaining their license. Do not sign up to take your exams until you obtain your books and begin studying for them!

Florida Marine Contractor License Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing
Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
Number of Questions: 80
Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
Time Allowed: 300 Minutes
Minimum Passing Score: 70%
Subjects Involved:
- Determining Existing Soil Conditions (7%)
  - Review Soil Report
    - Local geology
    - Soil type
    - Testing terminology
  - Analyze Soil Conditions
    - Soil profiling
    - Groundwater conditions
    - Local geology
  - Design Foundation System
  - Material types
  - Foundation systems
  - Installation methods
  - Soil bearing capacity
- Determining Project Parameters (10%)
  - Determine Area Jurisdiction
    - Local, state, and federal personnel
    - Local, state, and federal regulations
    - Property ownership
    - Proprietary jurisdiction
    - Environmental concerns
    - Best management practices
  - Prepare Construction Documents
    - Framing spans
    - Dead and live loads
    - Wind loads
    - Site conditions
    - Structural systems
    - Local, state, and federal codes and regulations
    - Foundation capacities
    - Trade terminology
    - Trade specialists
    - Trade products
  - Secure Project Permits
    - Local, state, and federal codes and regulations
    - Permitting procedures
    - Local committee meetings or hearings
  - Determine Project Timeline
    - Scheduling types
    - Local conditions
    - Crew capabilities
    - Equipment capabilities
    - Trade products
    - Local, state, and federal permitting response times
  - Implement Safety Program
    - Job safety hazards
    - Safety rules & regulations
    - MSDS (material safety data sheet
- Administering Project (16%)
  - Investigate Site Conditions
    - Sunshine one locates
    - Equipment dimensions
    - Soil conditions
    - Neighboring property issues
    - Local committees
    - Home Owners Association regulations
    - Local security
  - Order Project Materials
    - Construction methods
    - Freight characteristics
    - Marine materials
    - MSDS (material safety data sheet)
    - Site conditions and access
  - Order Project Equipment
    - Equipment capabilities and limitations
    - Site access
    - Equipment availability
    - Emergency response plan
  - Mobilize Equipment
    - Equipment capabilities and limitations
    - Project materials
    - Local conditions and access
    - Environmental conditions
    - Insurance requirements
    - Coast guard regulations
  - Assign Project Personnel
    - Personnel capabilities
    - Subcontractor timelines
    - Personnel responsibilities
    - US Longshoreman & Harbor Workers (USL&H) Insurance
    - Jones Act Insurance
    - Company policies
    - Safety procedures
  - Conduct Pre-Construction Meeting
    - Site conditions
    - Project scope
      
      scheduling
- Constructing Foundation Systems (9%)
  - Demolish Existing Structure
    - Heavy equipment
    - Disposal sites
    - HazMat requirements
    - Soil conditions
    - Existing structure
    - Diving
    - Environmental regulations
  - Layout Structure Location
    - Property survey
    - Riparian law
    - Survey methods
    - Survey equipment
    - Project parameters
    - Environmental regulations
    - Local, state, and federal codes and regulations
  - Install Concrete Footers
    - Concrete mixtures
    - Reinforcement requirements
    - Concrete finishing
    - Concrete conveying systems
    - Volume estimations
    - Formwork carpentry
  - Install Structure Piling
    - Hammer capacities
    - Jet pumps
    - Jet pumps
    - Piling capacities
    - Rigging
    - Construction layout
    - Equipment operations
- Constructing Shoreline Stabilization (13%)
  - Install Soil Stabilization Systems
    - Survey and layout
    - Hydrology
    - Tidal conditions
    - Erosion control
    - Product installation
  - Install Cast-In-Place Concrete Wall
    - Concrete finishing
      
      Mixed design
    - Formwork carpentry
    - Reinforcement requirements
    - Concrete conveying systems
    - Volume estimations
    - Concrete placement
  - Install Pre-Cast Concrete Wall
    - Concrete finishing
      
      Mix
      
      Conveying systems
      
      Placement
    - Formwork carpentry
    - Reinforcing requirements
    - Volume estimations
  - Install Sheet Piling
    - Hydrostatic pressure
    - Concrete formwork
      
      Mixed design
    - Survey controls
    - Sheet piling
    - Vibratory hammers
    - Cranes
    - Impact hammers
    - Water pumps
    - Installation methods
    - Rigging
    - Soil conditions
  - Install Timber Bulkhead
    - Timber construction
    - Environmental regulations
    - Timber preservation treatment
    - Rough carpentry
    - Anchoring systems
    - Backfill material and methods
- Constructing Anchoring Systems (10%)
  - Install Concrete Deadmen
    - Soil conditions
    - Concrete mix
    - Reinforcing bars
    - Tie-back system capabilities
    - Heavy equipment
  - Install Timber Pilings
    - Soil conditions
    - Pile drivers
    - Pile capabilities
    - Tie-back system capabilities
    - Heavy equipment
  - Install Helical Anchors
    - Soil conditions
    - Product applications
    - Equipment operation
  - Install Wedge Anchors
    - Soil conditions
    - Anchor operations
    - Equipment operations
- Performing Dredge and Fill Operations (6%)
  - Obtain Dredge and Fill Permit
    - Volumetric calculations
    - Surveying
    - Local, state, and federal codes and regulations
    - Environmental concerns
  - Excavate Spoil
    - Types of dredging
    - Dewatering procedures
    - Equipment operations
    - Turbidity testing
    - Environmental regulations
    - Surveying
    - Equipment maintenance
  - Relocate Spoil
    - Types of dredging
    - Transportation equipment
    - Heavy equipment
    - Florida Department of Transportation regulations
    - Environmental regulations
    - Equipment maintenance
- Building Floating Marine Structures (9%)
  - Installation of Flotation Systems
    - Flotation products and systems
    - Wave attenuators
  - Construct Frame Structure
    - Marine accessory types
    - Fire suppression systems
    - Marine utilities
    - Mooring systems
    - Metallurgical reactions
  - Install Anchoring Systems
    - Concrete piles
    - Wood piles
    - Helical anchors
    - Counter-weight anchors
    - Cable systems
    - Wedge anchors
    - Pile guides
    - Soil conditions
    - Rigging
    - Pile driving
    - Heavy equipment
    - Water elevations
  - Install Access Gangway
    - Aluminum gangways
    - ADA requirements
    - Fastening systems
    - Water elevation fluctuations
    - Geometry
  - Install Specialty Equipment
    - Mooring of vessels
    - Local, state, and federal codes and regulations
    - Vessels
    - Mooring products and installation
    - Recreational accessory products installation
- Building Fixed Marine Structures (14%)
  - Install Framing Structure
    - Carpentry
    - Surveying
    - Fastening hardware
    - Wood properties
    - Metallurgical properties
    - Welding
    - Aluminum frame structures
    - Wood frame structures
    - Steel frame structures
    - Plastic frame structures
    - Concrete frame structures
  - Construct Deck
    - Wood decking
    - Aluminum decking
    - Composite decking
    - Vinyl decking
    - Concrete decking
    - Steel decking
    - Fiberglass decking
    - Fasteners
    - Carpentry
    - Environmental regulations
    - Metallurgical reactions
  - Install Roof System
    - Wood shingles
    - Wood shakes
    - Asphalt shingles
    - Fiberglass shingles
    - Carpentry
    - Fastening systems
  - Install Boat Lifts
    - Friction Mean Effective Pressure (FMEP)
    - Mooring of vessels
    - Local, state, and federal codes and regulations
    - Boat lift product specifications
    - Vessels
    - Pile bearing capacity
    - Boat lift accessories
    - Bunking systems
    - Davits
    - Piling installation
    - Metallurgical properties
  - Construct Boat Ramps
    - Local, state, and federal codes and regulations
    - Soil conditions
    - Concrete
    - Heavy equipment
    - Cofferdams
    - Water elevations
    - Sump pumps
    - Reinforcing steel
    - Surveying
    - Environmental protection measures
    - Boat ramp usage
    - Navigational aids
- Executing Close-Out Procedures (6%)
  - Clean-Up Job Site
    - Disposal methods
    - Scope of work
    - Heavy equipment
    - Navigational aids
    - Water elevations
    - Vessel operations
    - Vehicle operations
    - Rigging
  - Perform Final Inspections
    - Surveying
    - Scope of work
    - Permitting specifications
    - Contract management practices
    - Close-out documentation
Official list of subjects for the Marine contractor exam

Florida Marine Business and Finance Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing
Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
Number of Questions: 120
Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
Time Allowed: 390 Minutes
Minimum Passing Score: 70%
Subjects Involved:
- Establishing the Contracting Business (11%)
  - Determining the Business Organizational Structure
    - Business structure laws and regulations
    - Fiduciary responsibilities of officers and directors
    - Open vs. closed corporations
    - Organizational charts and chain of responsibilities
    - State and local licensure requirements
    - Tax advantages and/or liabilities for various business structures
  - Develop the Business Plan
    - Accounting practices
    - Local marketplace
    - Scope of contractor license
  - Establish Relationships with Other Professionals
    - Accountant specialization
    - Attorney specialization
    - Insurance types and limitations
    - Underwriting requirements for bonding
  - Acquire Fixed Assets
    - Advantages/disadvantages of business location
    - Advantages/disadvantages of lease vs. purchase
  - Obtain Insurance
    - knowledge of accounting practices
    - Advantages/disadvantages of various types of insurance
    - Coverages and limitations of insurance
- Managing Administrative Duties (26%)
  - Develop the Business
    - Availability of staffing for business operation
    - Income sources
    - Markets and market share.
  - Determine Outsourced Services
  - Determine Business Overhead
    - FICA
    - Advertising costs (business cards, dues, printing, etc.)
    - Communication costs (cell phones, land lines, etc.)
    - Cost of sales (travel expenses)
    - Federal unemployment (FUTA)
    - General liability rates
    - Lease expenses
    - Loan financing expenses (interest, etc.)
    - Medicare rates
    - Rent costs
    - State unemployment (SUTA)
    - Utility costs
    - Worker’s compensation
  - Preparing Bids/Proposals
    - Accounting principles
    - AIA documents
    - Business projections/goals current status
    - Company overhead
    - Contract documents
    - Contract law
    - Cost of financing projects
    - Costs associated with growth
    - General conditions costs of projects
    - How to review contracts
    - How to write offer
    - Insurances associated with labor rates
    - Labor productivity
    - Statute of frauds
    - Taxes associated with labor rates
    - Components of valid contract
  - Purchase Materials/Supplies
    - Depreciative costs
    - Fundamentals of Uniform Commercial Code
    - Inventory system operation (FIFO, etc.)
    - Invoice approval systems
    - Negotiating skills
    - Purchasing systems
    - Receiving systems
    - State sales tax laws
    - Statute of frauds
    - Vendors in area
  - Prepare Invoices/Draw Requests
    - Basic math skills
    - Calculation of percentage of work completed
    - Contract/subcontract documents
    - How to prepare invoices/draw requests
    - Lien laws
  - Develop a Safety Program
    - Drug testing regulations
    - MSDS sheets
    - OSHA regulations
  - Maintain Insurance
    - General terms and definitions used in policies
    - Insurance policies
    - Limits of insurance
    - Various types of insurance
    - Various types of risk
  - Managing Contracts
    - Contract law
    - Contract scope
    - Job completion schedules
    - Lien laws
    - Mediation and arbitration processes
    - Local building code requirements
    - Tort law
    - Risk management
- Managing Trade Operations (10%)
  - Schedule Trade Operations
    - Critical path method (CPM)
    - Delivery times
    - Manufacturing times
    - Requests for information (RFI)
    - Sequencing trades
    - Submittals/approval/fabrication process
  - Maintain OSHA/Safety Records
    - Document/record retainage requirements
    - Penalties for non-compliance with OSHA
  - Purchase/Order Materials & Supplies
    - Accounting skills
    - Basic math skills
    - Job schedules
    - Negotiation skills
    - Organizational skills
    - Plan reading skills
    - Quality control
    - Quantity take-offs
    - Terms and abbreviations on invoices
    - Types of building materials
  - Leasing/Purchasing Equipment
    - Cost of operation of equipment
    - Depreciation
    - Equipment operation
    - Forecasted use of purchased equipment
    - Interest costs for financing
    - Maintenance
    - Salvage resale values
    - Support equipment required for equipment
    - Tax credits associated with purchases
    - Training needs for equipment
    - Transportation costs for equipment
  - Manage Material/Tool/Equipment Inventory
    - Equipment maintenance procedures
    - Inventory methods
- Conducting Accounting Functions (32%)
  - Manage Accounts Receivable
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math skills
    - Computer skills
    - Lien laws
  - Manage Accounts Payable
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math skills
    - Computer skills
    - How to calculate discounts
    - Lien laws
  - Manage Cash Flow
    - Accounting
    - Banking
    - Basic math skills
    - Financial ratios
  - File Tax Forms & Returns
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math
    - Federal tax laws
    - Property tax laws
    - Record keeping requirements
    - Sales tax laws
    - State tax laws
  - Track Job Costs
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math
  - Calculate Employee Payroll
    - Accounting
    - State & federal tax laws
    - Basic math
    - Employment laws
    - Employment/labor laws
    - Hierarchy of garnishments
- Managing Human Resources (6%)
  - Hire New Employees
    - Employment laws
    - Discrimination laws
    - Interviewing skills
    - Required forms for new hires
    - Background checks
  - Develop Human Resource Policies & Procedures
    - Employment/labor laws
    - OSHA
    - Chain of custody (drug tests)
    - Insurance regulations
  - Evaluate Employees
    - Employment/labor laws
- Complying with Government Regulation (15%)
  - Comply with Federal Laws & Regulations
    - FEMA (immigration components)
    - OSHA
    - Tax laws
    - National Pollution Discharge
    - Elimination System (NPDES)
    - Environmental laws
  - Comply with State Laws& Regulations
    - Chapter 455 F.S.(Business & Professional Regulation)
    - Chapter 713 F.S. (Liens)
    - 61G4 F.A.C.
    - Worker’s Compensation
    - Laws/DOR Sales/Use Tax
    - Chapter 489, Part 1 F.S (Construction Contracting)
    - Required continuing education
    - CEU credit records
    - License holder responsibilities
Official list of subjects for the Business and Finance exam

Florida Marine Contractor Classes

You can sign up for your classes at any time and receive access to lecture videos, practice questions, tabbing and highlighting instructions, as well as to step-by-step explanations on how to solve typical Marine Contractor Exam Problems. The Marine Contractor Classes prepare you for the trade and business exams. Florida Marine Contractor Testing Schedule. You must pass all exams before applying for the Marine Contractor’s License in Florida. To sign up for the Florida Marine Contractor Classes, simply click on the "enroll" button below and checkout; this will allow you to receive immediate access to the online Florida Marine Contractor Classes. All students have access for an unlimited amount of time (until passing all the Florida Marine Contractor Exams needed to get the Marine license!). You can also attend live online classes as needed. All live refresher online classes are on Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (ET). For a list of upcoming classes for the Florida Marine Contractor Exams click on the link within the course description below.

Florida Marine Contractor Books

The set of books includes all required references for both the Marine and Business and Finance exams. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.