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Local Contractor Licenses Affected by Florida House Bill 735

Local licenses are those issued by county governments. House Bill 735 prohibits Florida counties from issuing their own contractor licenses for trades which are not regulated at the state level. Local governments can continue to regulate and issue their current licenses until 2023.

The trades currently regulated by the state can still be regulated by local governments as well as journeyman and master categories for electrical, plumbing and mechanical trades. The trades currently regulated by the state are:

Examples of some of the trades that will not be regulated by some local governments after the 2023 deadline are the following:

  • Cabinetry
  • Canvas awning
  • Caulking
  • Decorative stone
  • Driveway installation
  • Flooring
  • Granite
  • Handyman services
  • Interior remodeling
  • Marble
  • Ornamental iron installation
  • Painting
  • Plastering
  • Stuccoing
  • Tennis court installation
  • Terrazzo
  • Tile

In the meantime, from now until July of 2023, different counties are responding to this law in different ways. Some counties have stopped requiring and issuing licenses while some are continuing to regulate their contractors as usual.

In the following pages you can see how your county is dealing with this new licensing law:

Details
Written by Gil M.

Comments   

# Dale murphy 2022-04-19 10:15
So for Putnam County do you need a license as of now or after 2023 for garage doors
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-04-19 13:22
Hello Dale,
We recommend that you obtain a state license before the bill passes.
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# Scott Mansferd 2022-04-28 17:51
Does HB735 mean that local municipalities can issue a license for any of the trades that require a state certification, such as swimming pools, hvac, etc? In other words, a municipality can or cannot issue me a license to build a house in their county for someone? If I'm correct, I still would have to have a state license, right? And if I did not have a state license to build the house, the county could then fine me for building a house without a state license? Please elaborate.
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-04-29 13:05
Hello Scott,
House Bill 735 prohibits Florida counties from issuing their own contractor licenses for trades which are not regulated at the state level. Local governments can continue to regulate and issue their current licenses until 2023. However, most counties have responded to the house bill and require a state-level license. If you are unsure about your county's response, we recommend you contact your local licensing division or select one of the counties above to view their response
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# NickL 2022-04-29 18:19
How will Florida's HB735 effect garage door contractors?
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# Aengels G. 2022-05-02 10:45
Hello Nick, The House Bill prohibits Florida counties from issuing their own contractor licenses for trades that are not regulated at the state level. Local governments can continue to regulate and issue their current licenses until July 1st, 2023. However, most counties have responded to the house bill and require a state-level license. If you are unsure about your county's response, we recommend you contact your local licensing division or select one of the counties above to view their response.
If you are required to get a state license, it will be the Florida Residential Contractor License. For more information, I will attach the link for that license below.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
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# Rebecca harris 2022-05-26 22:02
Fencing should fall under specialty structures, so would the counties still be able issue license and compentecy cards ?
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-05-27 09:09
Hi Rebecca, Every county has a different response to HB 735. We recommend that you contact your local licensing division or select one of the counties listed above to view their response and how it will affect you. Below a link where you can find their contact information.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
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# david e farissier 2022-06-29 18:26
hi i am a specialty contractor in pinellas and pasco i see you are telling people to attain a state building license how do you do that without 4 years experience with a license building contractor for the experience they ask for ? thank you.
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# Aengels G. 2022-06-30 10:02
Hello David,
They are able to qualify under other qualifications if they don't have 4 years of experience. Below I will add the other qualifications for the Florida Building Contractor License, as well as the link for more information.


1. One year of experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.

2. One year of experience as a worker, one-year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.

3. Two years’ experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.

4. Four years’ experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.

5.“Upgrade Method”: A certified residential contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of 3 yrs does not need to meet any other experience requirements.


https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
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# Barry Mefford 2022-07-07 12:39
i Install Replacement doors which require a permit.The way I read the the law is the State is basically putting my company out of business Which I have done legally for over 20 years unless i upgrade my licence
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-07-07 13:27
Hi Barry, We are sorry to hear that and recommend that you contact your local licensing department to confirm and direct you to the correct license to upgrade.
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# Derek schut 2022-09-13 22:30
I have a specialty glass and glazing license for 20 years. will I now have to be state licensed to continue doing business in Monroe county which I never leave !
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-09-14 09:00
Hello Derek, Monroe County is still issuing a Certificate of Competency for the Glazing trade. In the following document, you can see what the County Building Department has stated for Construction Trades
https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/525/Application-Checklist-for-New-Certificate-of-Competency?bidId=
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# Gretchen Sax 2022-09-22 23:05
I am a licensed Painting Contractor in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry Counties for the past 17 years. so according to House Bill 735; I will be required to obtain a state license for painting effective 7-1-23. If so do I have to take exams again to gain a general contractors license?? Crazy! Please advise??
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-09-23 10:57
Hello Gretchen, to become a General Contractor, you will need to go over the complete process, which is the exams, and satisfy the experience/education. To do painting, you have the option to get a Residential or Building State License as well. Below I have added links with information on each of the licenses stated above.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
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# Jen K 2022-10-19 12:24
I think some of these responses are mistaken? Painting is not regulated by the state, so, the reality is that painting will no longer require any sort of license. Is that correct?
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# Aengels G. 2022-10-19 13:42
Hello Jen,

If you would like to paint in more than one county or for the whole state, you will need to have a state-equivalent contractor license, which could be a Residential or General contractor license. To obtain those licenses, you need to pass the trade and business exams. We have the books and classes to prepare you to pass both exams. For more information on those licenses, please click the links below.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
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# david new 2022-10-19 22:33
hello i have a license in orange county for Registered B-Sign Installation non electrical
will this type of license be non regulated ? cause some of the responses you list from the counties required and some not (like orange county) can i grandfather in my license to a state license
thanks
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# Aengels G. 2022-10-20 09:55
Hello David,

You will not be able to grandfather your license due to grandfathering having eight specific categories available, which are Unlimited Electrical, Alarm System I, Alarm System II, Residential Electrical, Utility Line, Limited Energy, Sign Specialty, and Lighting Maintenance.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/grandfathering-in-florida.html

Now, if you are trying to work in other counties or the whole state, you will need to obtain a state license, which can be a General contractor license. We have the books and classes to prepare you to pass the trade and business exams. If you only want to work in Orange County, you will no longer be required to have a license for that type of work.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html


For the future, if you decide to do Electrical Sign, we have the books and classes to prepare you to pass trade and business exams for the Florida Sign (Electrical) Contractor License.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-sign-electrical-contractor-license.html
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# Sondra M 2022-11-04 09:12
As a specialty contractor that does seamless gutters, I am wondering if Pinellas county might start requiring permits to be pulled . Under my license they require permits for soffit and facia. We have been in business for five years, will that work history qualify if I try to upgrade my license with the state to a specialty contractor?
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-11-04 16:21
Hello Sondra,
Pinella county has not made any changes to the regulation of county licenses. To qualify for the State license you will still need to take the Trade exam and satisfy the area of experience. In the following link, you can find more information on the state licenses.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-specialty-structure-contractor-license.html
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# Douglas C Apple 2022-11-23 13:40
Hello; So doing Finish Carpentry Specialty a license of any kind is no longer required. Because no one gets a permit to hang Doors and install Baseboard. Correct?
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-11-23 16:00
Hello Douglas,
It will depend on the regulation the county you are located in follows. We recommend that you contact them for a more direct response. At the top of the page, there's a list of the counties' responses to HB 735. If you were to not need a license at the county level to do Finish Carpentry, you would most likely need one at the state level, which will be the General, Building, or Residential OCntrazctor Licenses. Below I have added links to each of these licenses and the Counties' contact information.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
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# David Valente 2023-02-08 00:55
Hi , I'm confused here about what I've read in the bill and what responses are being made about It. The bill states that local governments will not be able to impose local licensing requirements for certain speciality trades such as what I do which is Cabinetry, flooring, interior remodeling etc. I don't recall it saying that these trades would now have to get a state license to continue in the trade. The whole purpose of the bill is to free up unnecessary licensing requirements for speciality trades so more people can offer their services without the burden of all the restrictions. Correct me if I'm wrong here but that's what I understood from it.
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# Aengels G. 2023-02-08 11:12
Hello David,
The bill specifically prohibits local governments from requiring a license for a person whose job scope does not substantially correspond to that of a contractor or journeyman type licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. It explicitly precludes local governments from requiring a license for Painting, Flooring, Cabinetry, Interior Remodeling, Driveway or Tennis court installation, Handyman services, Decorative Stone, Tile, Marble, Granite, or Terrazzo Installation, Plastering, Stuccoing, Caulking, and Canvas Awning and Ornamental Iron Installation.

Now we do recommend you obtain either a Florida Residential or Building Contractor License so you are able to legally engage in contracting involving the scope of work for cabinetry, flooring, interior remodeling, and more. Also, future clients and Companies seeking employment may require a person to have a state contractor license to complete the job.

We have the books and classes to prepare you to pass the trade and business exams for both licenses. For more information, please click on the links below.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
Reply
# TravisM 2023-01-11 17:11
I’m a registered building contractor in escambia county. What will happen to my license on july 1st?
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# Sharilyn Baez 2023-01-12 11:07
Hello Travis,

Escambia County has yet to make any decisions on HB 735, we recommend you contact the Escambia Licensing Department directly to see when they will publish their response. If Escambia County Licensing Department decides that your license will no longer be available for Competency Certifications, the State License equivalent will be the Florida Building Contractor License. Below I have attached a link with information on obtaining the license.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
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# Thomas DiGi 2023-02-07 00:46
lol, so what is the definition of the term "Interior Remodeling" according to the state and this new law? Does that mean you don't need a license to pull any permits for any work that is indoors? Are they essentially giving EVERYONE in the entire state a license to do any and all structural, plumbing, electric and finish changes to the "interior" of a building?

I just spent the last year obtaining my General Contractors license at the county level. "Registered General Contractor".

I do mostly interior remodels lol, and interior commercial build outs, does this mean I got the license for no reason?

It is nice knowing that I can build structures but I wasnt planning on doing that anytime soon.

I would appreciate any insight, because if this is true I will immediately stop flushing my money down the toilet (paying licensing fees and application fees, and soon to be continued education fees)

Thanks.
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# Aengels G. 2023-02-07 14:35
Hello Thomas,

There are multiple licenses that may be affected by the House Bill 735, but a trade like the Registered General Contractor license may not be affected. We do recommend you to contact your county to see if they will be regulating that specific license. If they inform you that they won't, we recommend you to obtain the state reciprocal which is either a General Contractor license or Residential license.
We have the books and classes to prepare you to pass the trade and business exams for both licenses.
For more information on those license please click the links below.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
Reply
# Blanca 2023-02-12 15:22
Thanks for finally writing about >Florida House Bill 735:
Preemption of Local Occupational Licensing
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# Aengels G. 2023-02-13 13:12
Hello Blanca,

Thank you for the feedback. If you have any questions please let us know.
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# Justin Forro 2023-02-12 22:48
I'm a garage door company. Garage doors require permits in many counties, not all, so therefore those counties require garage door installer licenses. But there is no state level garage door certification or regulation on garage doors. But the counties I've spoken to have said since there isn't a state level license for it, they will require a general contractor license to continue to pull garage door permits. This seems to fly in the face of the intent of the law doesn't it?
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# Aengels G. 2023-02-13 13:16
Hello Justin,
The counties are correct, a state equivalent for Garage doors will be a General Contractor license. We recommend you obtain a Florida GC License, so you are able to legally engage in contracting involving garage doors. Also, future clients and Companies seeking work to be completed may require a person to have a contractor license to complete the job.

We have the books and classes to prepare you to pass the trade and business exams. For more information on the GC license, please click the link below.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Reply
# Ryan B 2023-03-23 11:55
How will this affect landscapers in Sarasota /Charlotte county?
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# Claudia Soto 2023-03-24 09:28
Hello Ryan, Charlotte, and Sarasota County specialty licenses will expire on July 1, 2023 due to House Bill 735. For landscaping, there is no State reciprocal a license will no longer be required to do that scope of work in Charlotte and Sarasota County. I recommend you contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Below I will provide you with their contact information.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
Reply

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