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Monroe County Application Requirements

In order to apply for and be considered for a contractor license in Monroe County, applicant shall submit items 1-7:

  1. Completed Contractor Construction Trades Application; one trade per application.
  2. Legible copy of a valid driver’s license or some other form of valid government approved identification.
  3. One (1) recent color photograph full frontal view of the face and 2x2 inches in size. NO EXCEPTIONS!
  4. Résumé must be submitted and it must account with years of employment and correspond with Affidavit of Trade Experience.
  5. Affidavit of Trade Experience. This form must be furnished to substantiate the minimum experience required in the category for which the applicant is applying, and it is to be completed by past or present employer(s), or sub-contractors licensed in the appropriate construction service field verifying that applicant has the necessary experience in the area covered by the certificate of competency applicant is seeking. Proof of licensure by other jurisdictions, without additional experience verification, will not satisfy this requirement. Self-verifications alone are not accepted.
  6. Copy of contracting license corresponding to each Affidavit of Trade Experience must be provided.
  7. W-2s verifying employment in the trade/company, which must correspond with the Affidavit of Trade Experience form and résumé NOTE: If your W-2s are from a staff leasing or payroll company, please provide additional documentation verifying that the staff leasing company administers payroll functions for the company you were or are presently employed. Example:
    A letter from the leasing company on letterhead stating that you were/are employed by said company and that they provide payroll services for said company.
  8. COMPLETED APPLICATION AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED 25 DAYS PRIOR TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE CEB MEETING.
  9. Applications and supporting materials may be mailed to or dropped off to one of the above listed addresses to the attention Licensing. Our lobby hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on holidays.
  10. The date your application is received by our office will determine the date your application will go before the board. In- complete applications will not be accepted delaying the review and approval process.
  11. The next CEB meeting dates* are January 9, March 13, May 8, July 10, September 11, November 13 2018
    *Dates are subject to change. Please visit our calendar on our website for up-to-date information at www.monroecounty-fl.gov
  12. YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING IS RECOMMENDED as the board may have questions about your application. However, it is not required to attend unless you feel it necessary for the approval of your application.
  13. Once your application is reviewed, you will be notified in writing by e-mail or by mail of approval or denial detailing the reason(s) for denial and correction action to be taken within ten (10) working days of meeting. If you wish to appeal the decision of the board, you may request a hearing in writing. The date your appeal is received will determine the date you will go before the board.
  14. If you are approved, you will to take the required examination(s) for your particular trade. Please refer to the first and second pages of this handout to locate your category and type of exam(s) you will need to take.
  15. Pursuant to MCC Sec 6-237.(a)(1), an applicant has two years from the date the application is approved by the CEB to pass and obtain licensure. Otherwise, a new application packet will have to be re-submitted for approval and re-testing provided the code does not change.
  16. Monroe County does not give these examination(s). The examination(s) is/are given through outside-approved vendors Prometric© and Gainesville Independent Testing Services, LLC (GITS©, LLC).
  17. Monroe County considers a 70% or higher as passing.
  18. Examination Fees: Administrative exam is $100.00 and technical exam is $155.00 payable to Monroe County Building Department. Check or money made payable to Monroe County Building Department must accompany the application. You must write your name and indicate the testing agency you are using on your check. APPROVED EXAMINATION VENDORS GITS©, LLC
  19. If you decide to test with GITS©, LLC, you will need to send in appropriate payment. Once payment is received, we will send them an e-mail authorizing you to test. You will then be contacted directly. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to schedule a testing date in accordance with their testing schedule.
  20. GITS© offers testing sites at various cities around the state including two testing locations in the Keys. Click here for GITS© Testing Sites.
  21. To obtain Examination Information Sheets (EIS) for your discipline, go to www.gitsllc.com.org, “Examination, Information Sheets, Download EIS tab, Monroe County/ folder.” Or, click on the link Monroe County/ to take you directly to all EIS.
  22. Computer Based Testing and Spanish Business Procedures examinations are available. Please contact GITS© at 1-800-997-2129.
  23. There are additional fees that GITS© will charge for the exam(s) you will need to take. These fees will vary depending on the license type. You may inquire about the fees that will apply to you by calling GITS© at 1-800-997-2129, or by visiting their website at www.gitsllc.org. This fee is paid directly to GITS©.
  24. Proctor fees apply; this fee is paid directly to the proctoring company.
  25. Online practice exams may be available for certain disciplines. Please contact GITS© at 1-800-997-2129.
  26. Test center regulations information available at www.gitsllc.org.
  27. ADA accommodations available through GITS© by calling 1-800-997-2129. Prometric©
  28. If you decide to test with Prometric©, you will need to complete their registration form and return with appropriate fee. You can obtain this form by visiting Prometric© Exam References, Schedule, and Registration Form. You will need to complete and return ONLY page 2 (Exam Registration Form) to our office for authorization. Once we approve you, we will return page 2. Once you receive it, you will then need to complete page 3 (Application Payment by Credit Card) and submit to Prometric© for processing.
  29. You will be able to locate your Bulletin for your discipline according to the disciplines found on pages one (1) and two (2).
    You will need to choose your bulletin from the appropriate FLBC Column. For example, all Construction Trades are under FLBC-14 with the exception of some engineering licenses that will be under Common Column. Moreover, all Electrical Trades are under the NEC-11 Column. (NOTICE: UPDATED REFERENCE MATERIALS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.)
  30. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to schedule a testing date with Prometric© in accordance with their testing schedule.
  31. There are additional fees that Prometric© will charge for the exam(s) you will need to take. These fees will vary depending on the license type. You may inquire about the fees that will apply to you by calling Prometric© at 1-888-345-2778, or visiting their website at http://www.Prometric©.com/default.htm. This fee is paid directly to Prometric©.
  32. Online Construction Practice Exams may be available for certain disciplines. Please contact Prometric© at 1-888-345-2778.
  33. Test center regulations information available at Prometric© Test Sponsor
  34. ADA accommodations available through Prometric© by calling 1-800-280-3926.
  35. Certificate of Competency Contractor Licensure Fee Schedule:
  • General contractor .....$200.00
  • Building contractor .....$150.00
  • Residential contractor .....$150.00
  • Engineering contractor .....$200.00
  • Engineering contractor II .....$150.00
  • Engineering contractor III .....$150.00
  • Mechanical, plumbing and electrical contractors .....$150.00
  • All other contractors, including specialty contractors .....$150.00
  • Master (plumbing, electrical and mechanical) .....$100.00
  • Journeyman (plumbing, electrical and mechanical) .....$70.00
  • Apprentice .....$30.00

Examination fees:

  • Business and law exam .....$100.00
  • All hour technical exams .....$155.00
  • Renewal reinstatement request application .....$200.00

Above Fees are Pro-Rated For Following Periods:

Reduced Initial Fee By:

  • October 2 of the Odd Year to April 1 of the Even Year 0%
  • April 2 of the Even Year to October 1 of the Even Year 25%
  • October 2 of the Even Year to April 1 of the Odd Year 50%
  • April 2 of the Odd Year to October 1 of the Odd Year 75%

*RETAIN FOR YOUR FUTURE REFERENCE

Certificate of Competency Instructions

Monroe County requires that all applicants, with the exception of journeyman and masters, take the administrative examination, and when required, the respective Trade examination.

MASTERS ARE NOT CONTRACTORS. Anyone holding a master (electrical, mechanical, or plumbing) certificate of competency only needs to take the administrative examination if they wish to act in the capacity of a contractor. If the administrative examination is not taken, the applicant is PROHIBITED from contracting, and the applicant shall only perform work in their trade while under the supervision and direction of a licensed contractor of same category.

JOURNEYMEN ARE NOT CONTRACTORS. Anyone holding a journeyman (electrical, mechanical, or plumbing) certificate of competency is PROHIBITED from contracting, and shall only perform work in their trade while under the supervision and direction of a licensed contractor of same category.

Monroe County certificate of competency holders are limited to certain local jurisdictions and only allowed to work in a county or municipality with which the county has a reciprocal agreement.

NOTICE: Contracting shall only be done under the qualified business name. This license does not belong to a Company and may not be renewed or used by another individual or company other than the license holder named herein for any construction purposes.

Applicant must have a minimum of 2-years of field experience for their desired trade/discipline and pass the administrative examination for the following categories:

  • Acoustical Ceiling
  • Aluminum, Vinyl, and Plastic
  • Asphalt Seal and Coating
  • Cabinet & Millwork
  • Drilling Auger
  • Fence Erector
  • Flooring - All types of floors including carpet, except cementitious products, marble, or terrazzo
  • Garage Door Opener/Installation
  • Insulating
  • Landscaping
  • Landscaping Curb
  • Masonry Specialty (includes Brick Pavers)
  • Painting & Decorating
  • Pavement Painting Only
  • Plastering/Stucco
  • Sign Painting
  • Solar Window Tinting
  • Steel Reinforcing and Iron
  • Tile, Terrazzo, and Marble including brick pavers
  • Thatched Roofing – Non-structural
  • Waterproofing and Roof Painting

**A certificate of competency is non-transferable**

Applicant must have the minimum field experience for their desired trade / discipline as indicated below and pass the administrative and technical examination.

*Certificate of competencies with one asterisk (*) at the end of each trade requires registration with Department of Business and Professional Regulation Construction Industry Licensing Board or the Electrical Construction Industry Board (DBPR) within 30 days after obtaining a certificate of competency prior to conducting business in the state pursuant to F.S. 489.117 or F.S. 489.513.

**Certificate of competencies with two asterisks (**) at the end of each trade only need to take the administrative examination if applicant want to act in the capacity of a contractor. Masters are NOT contractors, and therefore, are prohibited from contracting, and shall only perform work in their trade while under the supervision and direction of a licensed contractor of same category/discipline.

***Certificate of competencies with three asterisks (***) at the end of each trade need not take the administrative examination. Journeyman’s are NOT contractors, and therefore, are prohibited from contracting, and shall only perform work in their trade while under the supervision and direction of a licensed contractor of same category/discipline.

  • Building Contractor* 5 Years
  • Burglar Alarm Contractor* 2 Years
  • Class A Air Conditioning* 6 Years
  • Class B Air Conditioning* 6 Years
  • Drywall Specialty Contractor 2 Years
  • Excavating & Grading Engineering Class II (e) 3 Years
  • Fire Alarm Contractor* 2 Years
  • General Contractor* 6 Years
  • Glazing Contractor 2 Years
  • Hydraulic Dredging Engineering Class II (g) 3 Years
  • Journeyman Electrical*** 3 Years
  • Journeyman Mechanical*** 3 Years
  • Journeyman Plumbing*** 3 Years
  • Lawn Sprinkler Contractor 2 Years
  • Low Voltage Electrical Contractor (TV & Antenna) * 3 Years
  • Master Electrical** 6 Years
  • Master Mechanical** 6 Years
  • Master Plumbing** 6 Years
  • Master Sign Contractor, Electrical* 6 Years
  • Mechanical Contractor* 6 Years
  • Paving Engineering Class II (d) 3 Years
  • Pile Driving and Foundation Engineering Class II (b) 3 Years
  • Residential Contractor* 4 Years
  • Roofing Contractor* 4 Years
  • Seawall & Small Dock (Marine Const.) Eng. Class II (c) 3 Years
  • Sign Erection Contractor, Non-electrical 2 Years
  • Solar Products Contractor 2 Years
  • Structural Steel Erection Contractor 5 Years
  • Unlimited Swimming Pool Contractor (Commercial/Residential) * 2 Years
  • Underground utility and excavation* 3 Years

Reciprocity Application & Requirements For Monroe County

Please Complete form and for the Reciprocity Checklist please click here.
Mail or drop off completed form to any of the offices listed above. Please allow up to five business days for processing.

  1. Completed Contractor Construction Trades Application with the top half (up to number 4) of page 1 and page 3 signed and notarized.
  2. Copy of the current, active certificate of competency issued by the sponsoring reciprocal municipality or county;
  3. One (1) clear, recent, close-up picture of applicant (Maximum 2” x 2” – Passport Style);
  4. Legible copy of a valid driver’s license or some other form of valid government approved identification;
  5. Copy of State Registration for contractors registered with DBPR pursuant to F.S. 489.117(1)(a), Part I, Construction Contracting, or F.S. 489.513, Part II, Electrical and Alarm System, if applicable:
    • a) Part I Contractors need to register their Monroe County Certificate of Competency with the State of Florida (DBPR) Construction Industry Licensing Board before engaging in business as a contractor and within 30 days of obtaining such certificate pursuant to F.S. 489.117.
    • b) Part II Contractors need to “Add” their Monroe County Certificate of Competency with the State of Florida (DBPR) Electrical Contractors Licensing Board before engaging in the business as a contractor pursuant to F.S. 489.513.
  6. Applicant must make arrangements with the reciprocating municipality or county in Florida that sponsored his/her original Block & Associates or its equivalent examination(s) to obtain an original reciprocity letter verifying (1) the requirement criteria for issuing applicant’s certificate of competency; (2) the name of the agency that administered, proctored and graded the examination(s); (3) the type of examination(s), (4) verifying that you obtained at least 70%, (5) provide copy of the license category definition, and (6) whether the applicant has ever been charged with any violations of state or local construction licensing and/or permitting laws and any disciplinary actions that may have resulted as an outcome of those charges.
  7. Submit the original Reciprocity Letter in a sealed envelope with application.
  8. Proof (Detail by Entity Name page) that company is currently ACTIVE with the State of Florida Division of Corporations (obtained from www.sunbiz.org);
  9. Current-issued Certificate of Insurance from an insurance company authorized to do business in the state for specialty contractors not subject to F.S. 489, Pt. I or II, public liability insurance in the amount of $100,000.00 and property damage in the amount of $50,000.00 in the certificate holder’s respective category/discipline;
  10. Current-issued Certificate of Insurance from an insurance company authorized to do business in the state for contractors regulated by F.S. 489 Part I or II, public liability insurance and property damage in the amount set for pursuant to Rules 61G4-15.003 or 61G6-5.008, F.A.C., in certificate holder’s respective category/discipline, and contractor’s correct license number must be listed.
  11. Current-issued Certificate of Insurance from an insurance company authorized to do business in the state for workers’ compensation insurance and/or executed workers’ compensation exemption card from the Workers’ Compensation in the certificate holder’s respective category/discipline. Workers' compensation insurance for all non-exempted officers must be provided as required by F.S. 440 including the qualifier and all officers/members if not exempted.
  12. Officers Exclusion Endorsement Schedule page must be submitted with Certificate of Liability Insurance for workers' compensation if any officers/members are excluded from workers' compensation.
  13. If using a leasing company: Pursuant to Rule 69L-6.032, FAC, a leasing company shall supply an employee roster listing ALL employees and date-of-hire with the Certificate of Insurance, if applicable. Qualifier must be covered or provide valid workers' compensation exemption.
  14. The Certificate of Insurance shall be prepared by an insurance agency and must contain the following information:
    • a. Correct proper aggregate amount of liability and property damage for your discipline
    • b. Full company name including DBA Name, if applicable
    • c. Licensee’s correct license number – ONLY for contractors registered with DBPR.
    • d. Certificate Holder:
      Monroe County Building Department,
      2798 O/S Hwy, Suite 300, Marathon, Florida 33050
  16. If you wish to act as the qualifying agent for a business that you are NOT an officer/managing member/ member of, in addition to the above requirements, you must submit the completed Acting Qualifying Agent Authorization Form (obtain from our website at www.monroecounty-fl.gov).
  17. All completed applications must be received 15 days prior to the next scheduled Contractors Examining Board (“CEB”) meeting date.
  18. The date your application is received will determine the date your application will be reviewed. In-complete applications will not be accepted.
  19. In-complete applications will not be accepted and may be returned delaying the approval and licensing process. The date your application is received will determine the date that your application will be reviewed by the Contractors Examining Board (CEB).
  20. Completed application and supporting materials may be mailed to or dropped off to one of the above listed addresses to the attention Licensing. Our lobby hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on holidays.
  21. Your attendance at the meeting is recommended, as the board may have questions about your application. However, it is not required to attend unless you feel it necessary for the approval of your application.
  22. The board meets every other month. To see the next available meeting, and to see if you are on the agenda,
    please visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov five (5) days prior to a meeting.
  23. You must submit two (2) separate checks in the following amounts and payable to Monroe County Building Department:

  24. (a) $25.00 Application Fee due at the time of submission pursuant to Ordinance # 020-2004. This fee is independent from the licensure fee.
    (b) FEES ARE PRO-RATED FOR FOLLOWING PERIODS:
    REDUCED INITIAL FEE BY:
    October 2 of the ODD YEAR to April 1 of the EVEN YEAR 0%
    April 2 of the EVEN YEAR to October 1 of the EVEN YEAR 25%
    October 2 of the EVEN YEAR to April 1 of the ODD YEAR 50%
    April 2 of the ODD YEAR to October 1 of the ODD YEAR 75%
    (c) Per MCC 6-240, license fees as follows:
    General Contractor: $200.00
    Journeyman Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical: $70.00
    Master Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical: $100.00
    Apprentice: $30.00
    Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Air Conditioning Class A & B: $150.00
    Specialties: Acoustical Ceiling, Aluminum, Vinyl, and Plastic, Asphalt Seal and Coating, Cabinet & Millwork, Drilling Auger, Fence Erector, Flooring - All types of floors including carpet, except cementitious products, marble, or terrazzo, Garage Door Opener/Installation, Insulating, Landscaping, Landscaping Curb, Masonry Specialty (includes Brick Pavers), Painting & Decorating, Pavement Painting Only, Plastering/Stucco, Sign Painting, Solar Window Tinting, Steel Reinforcing and Iron, Tile, Terrazzo, and Marble including brick pavers, Thatched Roofing (Non-structural), and Waterproofing and Roof Painting:
    $150.00
    Technical: Burglar Alarm Contractor*, Drywall Specialty Contractor*, Glazing Contractor*, Lawn Sprinkler Contractor, Low Voltage Electrical Contractor (TV & Antenna)*, Master Sign Contractor (Electrical)*, Roofing Contractor*, Sign Erection Contractor (Non-Electrical), Solar Products Contractor*, Structural Steel Erection Contractor, Unlimited Swimming Pool Contractor (com/res)*, and Underground utility and excavation*: $150.00
    Engineering: Excavating & Grading Engineering Class II (e), Hydraulic Dredging Engineering Class II (g), Paving Engineering Class II (d), Pile Driving and Foundation Engineering Class II (b), Seawall & Small Dock (Marine Const.) Eng. Class II (c): $150.00.

  25. Once you receive your Monroe County Certificate of Competency, you must obtain a Monroe County Local Business Tax Receipt by calling the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office at 305-295-5060.
  26. MONROE COUNTY HAS RECIPROCITY WITH THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES IN FLORIDA:
  • Bay County
  • City of Bradenton
  • Brevard County
  • Broward County – CONSTRUCTION BOARD ONLY / NO ELECTRICAL
  • Charlotte County
  • Clay County
  • Collier County
  • Highland County
  • Hillsborough County
  • Jefferson County
  • City of Key West
  • Levy County
  • Manatee County
  • Marion County
  • Martin County
  • Okaloosa County
  • Orange County
  • Osceola County
  • Palm Beach County
  • Pasco County
  • Pinellas County
  • Polk County
  • Port St. Lucie
  • Sarasota County
  • City of St. Augustine
  • St. Lucie County
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