Florida Solar Contractor License

A Florida Solar Contractor is 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.

Licensing Requirements

Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Solar Contractor in the State of Florida:

Age

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Examination

Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Solar and Business & Finance). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.

Experience / Education

A person will qualify for a Certified Solar Contractor’s license by meeting one of the following requirements:

• Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years’ experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• One year experience as a worker, one-year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• Two years’ experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• Four years’ experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.

Military Veterans

A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting on of the following:

• Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.

Applicants for the Certified Solar Contractor License must have experience in the installation and repair/maintenance of:

• Photovoltaic Systems
• Swimming Pool/Spa Solar Heating Systems
• Domestic Water Solar Heating Systems

Financial / Credit

Applicants will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched. Credit report containing a credit score (FICO derived) on applicant from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. If credit score is below 660 (FICO derived) applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Note that Fifty percent (50%) of the bond or letter of credit requirement may be met by completion of a 14-hour financial responsibility course.

Fingerprints

An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.

Insurance

Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain workers compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.To download the different application forms related to the Solar Contractor’s License, you may visit the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board’s site.

Florida Solar Contractor Exams

Florida Solar 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!

Solar Exam

This open book test consists of 80 questions and covers the following subjects: Swimming Pools, Domestic Hot Water, and Photovoltaics.

Business and Finance Exam

This is a separate test which lasts 6.5 hours, and contains 120 questions. Some of the subjects included in this test are: Establishing the Contracting Business, Managing Administrative Duties, Managing Trade Operations, Conducting Accounting Functions, Managing Human Resources, and complying with Government Regulations.

Florida Solar Contractor Classes

You can take Solar Contractor Classes in Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Miami, or Online. 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 Solar Contractor Exam Problems. The Solar Contractor Classes prepare you for the trade and business exams. Florida Solar Contractor Testing Schedule. You must pass all exams before applying for the Solar Contractor’s License in Florida. To sign up for the Florida Solar Contractor classes, simply click on the "enroll" button below and checkout; this will allow you to receive immediate access to the Florida Solar Contractor Classes online, and will also enable you to attend in-person Exam Prep classes. All students have access to both online and in-person classes for an unlimited amount of time (until passing all the Florida Solar Contractor exams needed to get the Solar license!). The in-person classes are not mandatory and can be taken at the student's discretion. For a list of upcoming classes for the Florida Solar Contractor Exams click on the link within the course description below.

• Florida Solar Contractor Course

  Course Description: Upon enrolment the student receives an email containing his/her ID and Password combination to access the eCampus. The student can access the eCampus 24/7 for as long as it is necessary until he/she passes all licensing exams. The eCampus contains VIDEOS, PRACTICE QUESTIONS (similar to those seen on the actual exams), typical MATH PROBLEMS with step-by-step solutions, and detailed instructions on how to FIND ANSWERS within the books. The student also has access to optional in-person classroom-style refresher seminars. The training can be completed fully online, but if the student prefers, he/she can go to any number of REFRESHER SEMINARS (no extra charges or limitations).

  Click here for a list of dates and locations of upcoming Refresher Seminars offered for this trade.

  $599.00

  $599.00

• Florida Business and Finance (Construction) Course

  This is the course which prepares you for the Business and Finance exam. The Business and Finance exam is mandatory for all contractors regardless of specific trade. This course teaches you how to find answers within the books (AIAs, Builder’s Guide to Accounting, Florida Contractor’s Manual, and Ch 455), and how to solve accounting problems. Detailed lecture videos teach how to solve problems step-by-step, and if you need some extra help, you can go to in-person review classes at no extra charge.

  $299.00

  $299.00

Florida Solar Contractor Books

The set of books includes all required references for both the Solar 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.

List of Books for the Solar Contractor Trade Exams

• 

  Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book

  The Building Estimator's Reference Book is an important reference used for estimating and as a reference for contractor exams.

  $96.00

  $96.00

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  CFR (OSHA) Tile 29 Part 1926

  OSHA (CFR 29 Part 1926) is the leading safety reference in the construction industry covering all aspects of construction.

  $36.04

  $36.04

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code

  The 2014 National Electrical Code is used as a reference in electrical contractor exams.

  $99.36

  $99.36

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Photovoltaic System Design

  This publication is described by the Florida Solar Energy Center as a manual intended to equip the reader with the knowledge to design and size stand-alone photovoltaic systems, produce component and systems specifications, compare the economics of various systems, and compare stand-alone and utility-interactive systems.

  $54.00

  $54.00

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Solar Thermal Manual (Solar Water and Pool Heating Manual)

  Solar Thermal Manual (fka Solar Water and Pool Heating Manual) is published by the Florida Solar Energy Center (UCF) and is an important book for the Plumbing Contractor Test in Florida.

  $30.00

  $30.00

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Solar Construction Safety

  This manual is intended to be useful to both employers and employees. Employers can use it to develop, deliver, and document training, and employees can use it as a basis for training.

  $20.77

  $20.77

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Photovoltaic Systems

  Photovoltaic systems, 3rd edition, is an important reference for solar contractors, specially those taking the licensing exam in Florida.

  $79.56

  $79.56

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Florida Building Code - Plumbing

  The 2017 Florida Plumbing Code is published by the ICC and is the primary Plumbing Code compliance reference in the state.

  $88.36

  $88.36

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Florida Building Code - Residential

  The 2017 Residential Code is the primary resource for code compliance for single and multi-family dwelling construction in Florida.

  $128.14

  $128.14

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof System

  This manual provides best industry practices and technical information about the design, materials and installation techniques applicable to membrane roof systems used in low-slope applications.

  $190.32

  $190.32

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems

  The Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems is one of the components of the NRCA Roofing Manual.

  $190.32

  $190.32

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-slope Roof Systems

  NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-slope Roof Systems is one of the four volumes which make up the roofing manual and is sold separately.

  $190.32

  $190.32

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:

List of Books for the Business and Finance Exam

• 

  Florida Contractor's Manual 2017 Edition

  The Florida Contractor's Manual is used as one of the references for the Business and Finance exam.

  $124.80

  $124.80

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Florida Statutes Chapter 455

  Chapter 455 of the Florida Statutes (Business and Professional Regulation: General Provisions) contains regulation directly impacting the licensing process of contractors in the State of Florida.

  $12.19

  $12.19

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction

  The A201 is published by the AIA and establishes the general conditions of the contract for construction.

  $67.10

  $67.10

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  A401 Standard Form of Agreement between Contractor Subcontractor

  Please beware of companies selling photocopies of AIA documents. You will not be allowed to use photocopies during testing. If you suspect a company of engaging in this illegal practice, please email [removed]

  $67.10

  $67.10

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  A701, Instructions for Bidders

  Please beware of companies selling photocopies of AIA documents. You will not be allowed to use photocopies during testing. If you suspect a company of engaging in this illegal practice, please email [removed]

  $46.18

  $46.18

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Builder's Guide to Accounting

  Builder's Guide to Accounting, is used for the Business and Finance contractor exam in Florida.

  $26.53

  $26.53

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 no (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity: