Article Index

Okaloosa County Contractor Licenses

Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes. If your license is not listed as Okaloosa County License, please select a Florida License. Okaloosa County requires all applicants to take the Business & Law examination. Except for the following three licenses: Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman Mechanical, and Journeyman Plumber.

Upon July 1st, 2023 the Landscape Structures, and House Moving contractor licenses will no longer be enforced. To view each county response, visit our Blog on the Preemption local occupational licensing in Florida.

General

Execution of any construction contract.

Building

Construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, which commercial or residential buildings do not exceed three (3) stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection therewith.

Burglar Alarm

Installation of all types of alarm systems, other than fire.

Burglar & Fire Alarm

Installation of all types of alarm systems.

Class “A” Air Conditioning

Installation of central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the contractor as is necessary to make complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, and pneumatic control piping; to connect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; low voltage heating, ventilating, and air conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system.

Class “B” Air Conditioning

Limited to twenty-five (25) tons of cooling and five hundred thousand (500,000) BTU’s of heating in any one system in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extend such duct work is performed by the contractor as is necessary to make complete an air-distribution system being installed under this classification, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; piping and insulation of pipes, vessels, and ducts; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install connect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air- conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system.

Commercial Pool and Spa

Construction of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public or private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the installation of equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

Demolition

Demolish of portions of, or complete structures, such as commercial and residential buildings, site improvements, paving and foundations

Exterior Application

Installation, maintenance and replacement of windows and doors, siding, coatings, sealants, caulking, hurricane shutters, exterior insulating finishing systems (EIFS), stucco and other non-structural components of a building’s exterior envelope in existing buildings. This encompasses buildings in heights of two (2) stories or less ONLY.

Exterior Surface Coating (Stucco)

Application of a mixture of sand or other aggregates, or Portland cement, and water, and similar exterior finishing systems.

Garage Door

Installation of residential or commercial type garage doors, including all hardware and operating devices. 120 volt electrical installation required for the door operating devices may be included in the contract for work but, must be subcontracted to a Certified Electrical Contractor.

House Moving

Construction of existing structure from one permanent site and transport it on temporary supports to another site for permanent installation.

Hurricane Protection (Shutters)

Installation of awnings or canopies of metal including other materials, incidental thereto, in or on buildings or other structures, and which may be, in whole or part, supported from a building wall erected and provided by others, or may be self-supporting.

Irrigation & Lawn Sprinkler

Installation of irrigation systems, including any excavation work incidental thereto. An irrigation system includes all: piping; fittings; sprinklers; drip irrigation products; valves; irrigation controllers; control wiring; rain sensors; water pumps; water conservation devices; water harvesting systems; irrigation main lines downstream of a utility potable water meter or utility alternative water supply distribution line and dedicated backflow prevention device; and associated components installed for the delivery and application of water for the purpose of irrigation.

Journeyman Electrician

To perform work in the electrical trades while employed or supervised by a Master Electrician.

Journeyman Mechanical

To perform work in the mechanical trades while employed or supervised by a Master Mechanical Contractor.

Journeyman Plumber

To perform work in the plumbing trades while employed or supervised by a Master Plumbing Contractor.

Landscape Structure

Construction of structures for exterior site and yard use, fencing, railings, gates, decking at grade (30” or below), boardwalks, utility structures (not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet), and other similar types of construction. Does not include garages or habitable structures.

Low Voltage Systems Specialty

Erection of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, and fiber optics (transmission of light over stranded glass) or any part thereof not to exceed 77 volts, when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data, proprietary video (satellite systems which are not part of a community antenna television, cable television, or radio distribution system), radio frequency, central vacuum, or electric locks, data distribution networks, home theater systems, surround sound systems, public address systems or telephone systems.

Marine

Installation of docks, floating docks, boathouses, mooring devices, mooring fields, seawalls, bulkheads, piers, wharfs, boatlifts, boat ramps, revetments, cofferdams, wave attenuators, dune crossovers and other marine structures and activities, including pile driving, framing, concrete, masonry, dredge and fill, wood shingle, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing on a new structure of his or her own construction.

Masonry

Construction of pre-formed masonry block, glass block, brick, or other masonry products in conjunction with the use of a compatible binder or filler for the purpose of creating a structure of any type, including the forming and pouring of the beams and lintels.

Master Electrical

Erection of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof, which generates, transmits, transforms, or utilizes electrical energy in any form, including the electrical installations and systems within plants and substations, all in compliance with applicable plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations.

Master Gas

Installation of any gas piping system.

Master Plumber

A Master Plumber is qualified to install, repair, maintain, or extend any plumbing system, including waste drains, vents, water supply and fixtures and also install, maintain or repair gas piping, appliances, lines, laterals, tanks and other appurtenances in connection therewith.

Master Plumbing w/ Gas

Installation of sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities; venting systems; public or private water supply systems; septic tanks; drainage and supply wells; swimming pool piping; irrigation systems; or solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and related venting, and storm and sanitary sewer lines; and water and sewer plants and substations, airpiping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems; fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers to the extent authorized by law; ink and chemical lines; fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants; and pneumatic control piping systems, all in such a manner as to comply with all plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations applicable.

Mechanical

Installation of central air conditioning refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the contractor as is necessary to make complete an air distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, lift station equipment and piping, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, pneumatic control piping, gasoline tanks and pump installations and piing for same, standpipes, air piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen lines, nitrous oxide piping, ink and chemical lines, fuel transmission lines, liquefied petroleum gas lines within buildings, and natural gas fuel lines within buildings; to connect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install connect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system.

Residential

Construction of one-family, two-family or three-family residences not exceeding two (2) habitable stories above no more than one uninhabitable story and accessory use structures in connection therewith.

Residential Electrical

Erection of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit or any part thereof, in a 1, 2, 3 or 4 family residence not exceeding two (2) stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection with the residence.

Residential Pool and Spa

Construction of any residential swimming pool or hot tub or spa, regardless of use, new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

Roofing Unlimited

Construction of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, waterproofing over living area, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof; also includes skylights and any related work, required roof-deck attachments, and any repair of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair and any related work.

Sheet Metal

Erection of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge and of other materials, including but not limited to fiberglass, used lieu thereof and of air-handling systems, including the setting of air-handling equipment and reinforcement of same and including the balancing of air-handling systems.

Sign (Electrical)

Erection of electrical signs and outline lighting, signs are independent of any structure or building and which requires no more than twenty-five (25) kilowatts at two hundred fifty (250) volts maximum.

Sign (Non- Electric)

Installation of signs and billboards.

Specialty Structure

Construction of aluminum, metal, canvas, vinyl and fiberglass screening, doors and windows, hurricane protection devices and allied construction materials, fabric coverings on metal substructures, screened porches, screened enclosures, pool enclosures, preformed panel-post and beam roofs, manufactured housing roof-overs, vinyl or acrylic panel window enclosures, guardrails, handrails, aluminum and vinyl fences, the installation of windstorm protective devices, single story self-contained aluminum utility storage structures not to exceed (720 sq. ft.), residential glass window and door enclosures, sunrooms, siding soffit, fascia and gutters.

Swimming Pool & Spa Servicing

Installation of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public or private, or otherwise, new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation of pool heaters, piping and filter piping, the repair of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and the substantial or complete draining of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, for the purpose of any renovation.

Underground Utilities

Construction of directional drilling, auger boring, jacking and boring, trenchless technologies, wet and dry taps, grouting, and slip lining, of main sanitary sewer collection systems, main water distribution systems, storm sewer collection systems, and the continuation of utility lines from the main systems to a point of termination up to and including the meter location for the individual occupancy, sewer collection systems at property line on residential or single occupancy commercial properties, or on multi-occupancy properties at manhole or wye lateral extended to an invert elevation as engineered to accommodate future building sewers, water distribution systems, or storm sewer collection systems at storm sewer structures, empty underground conduits in rights-of-way, easements, platted rights-of-way in new site development, and sleeves for parking lot crossings no smaller than two (2) inches in diameter, provided that each conduit system installed is designed by a licensed professional engineer or an authorized employee of a municipality, county, or public utility and that the installation of any conduit does not include installation of any conductor wiring or connection to an energized electrical system.


Okaloosa County Licenses Requirements

EXAMINATIONS NOT REQUIRING BOARD APPROVAL


Contractor Licensing For Okaloosa County

There are different types of contractor licensing available.

State Certified – Certified through the state to perform work in a specific trade. May work anywhere in the state of Florida, but must registered with each county or municipality. If you are interested in becoming state certified please visit DBPR’s website for more information.

County Local Specialty Licensing – Competency license issued on the county level. County level testing and board approval required.

State Registered License – Competency License issued and contractor is registered through the state for a specific trade. County level testing and board approval required.

Prior to receiving a license (local specialty or state registerequiredred) you must appear before the appropriate Trade Competency Board for approval; if approved, you must take the examinations. If you have received a license in another county in Florida check with licensing staff to determine if reciprocity is accepted from that jurisdiction.

Okaloosa County Insurance Certificate Guidelines

Before a Competency Card is issued to any applicant, the applicant shall file with the Okaloosa County Department of Growth Management a certificate of Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance showing Okaloosa County Department of Growth Management as the certificate holder in the following amounts:

Electrical and Alarm Contractors:
Liability, including complete operations and products, $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence, $500,000 Property Damage OR, a minimum combined single limit policy of $800,000.

All Others:
General Liability, $300,000 single limit coverage.

Liability Insurance Certificates must contain the following information as prescribed by Florida Administrative Code 61G4-15.003(2) (c), and Okaloosa County Contractor Ordinances.

  • Date that the Certificate of Insurance was issued.
  • Okaloosa County Dept of Growth Management listed as certificate holder.
  • Name and Signature of Insurance Agent.
  • Name of insured must reflect the exact name of the business organization qualified by applicant, and the insured’s fictitious name or D/B/A, if any.
  • Name of Insurance Company.
  • Policy Number must be on the Certificate.
  • Effective date of policy.
  • Expiration date of policy.
  • Proper aggregate amount of public liability and property damage as defined….
  • Cancellation notice with minimum of ten (10) days.
  • Valid Binders must be replaced with an original Certificate within thirty (30) days.

EFFECTIVE MAY 4, 2012:
All General Liability Certificates submitted after this date must show the type of license(s) and state or county license number(s) in which the contractor is operating in the ‘Description of Operation’ section of the certificate.

Workers Compensation Insurance Certificates are to contain the following information as prescribed by Florida Statues 440

  • Date that the Certificate of Insurance was issued.
  • Okaloosa County Dept of Growth Management listed as certificate holder.
  • Name and Signature of Insurance Agent.
  • Name of insured must reflect the exact name of the business organization qualified by applicant, and the insured’s fictitious name or D/B/A, if any.
  • Name of Insurance Company
  • Statement that coverage is provided pursuant to Florida Workers’ Compensation Law: “This certificate meets the minimum premium policy”
  • Policy Number must be on the Certificate.
  • Effective date of policy.
  • Expiration date of policy.
  • Cancellation notice with minimum of ten (30) days.
  • Valid Binders must be replaced with an original Certificate within thirty (30) days.

If your Insurance Company is located in another state they must be registered with the Worker’s Compensation Bureau of Compliance Department @ 1-800-342-1741 to be able to write policies within the state of Florida. In addition we will require a copy of the declaration page of the policy (section 3-A).

If you do not have employees, Okaloosa County will accept a valid Workers’ Compensation Exemption card. If you have partners/officers’ who are also exempt (limit 3), please submit a copy of their exemption cards, and a copy of your partnership agreement or incorporation papers.

Address for Certificate holder should be:
812 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539
Email certificates to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fax certificates to: (850) 651-7184

Acknowledgement of Compliance Affidavit

Okaloosa County Ordinances are quoted here in part.
By signing this statement, please click here for Compliance Affidavit Form.

  • I understand that my Okaloosa County Competency Card expires annually at midnight on the last day of my birth month. At renewal, I may request that a two (2) year license be issued and will expire in the same manner except every other year.
  • I understand that I must renew my competency card within 30 days of the initial expiration date to avoid being charged a late fee.
  • I understand that failure to renew my competency card within 30 days of the expiration date will subject me to a late fee of $100.
  • I understand that should I cease to engage in contracting that I can place my competency card in ‘Retired’ status for $75 per year as long as my state registered license remains ‘current/active’ or ‘current/inactive’ and I provide verification (except for Locally Specialty Contractors).
  • I understand that failure to renew the competency card prior to time and date shall cause the competency card to expire and it is unlawful for me to engage or offer to engage or hold myself out as engaging in contracting under the competency card unless the competency card is restored or reissued.
  • I understand that after two (2) years of non-renewal, that my competency card will be purged.
  • I understand that failure to renew my competency card (whether active or retired) will require me to reapply for a competency card in the same manner as a new applicant and be required to apply to the appropriate Trade Board and pass the required examinations with a score of 75% or greater.

Letter of Authorization For Okaloosa County

This Authorization Letter supersedes all previous lists on file unless otherwise indicated

If any time the person(s) you have authorized is/are no longer employee(s), partner(s) or officer(s), you MUST notify this department in writing of all changes.

Okaloosa Department of Growth Management

Application For Certified Contractors ONLY

Form can be faxed to (850) 651-7184 or
emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When emailing, please include your company name in the ‘subject’ line. Please allow 7 to 10 working days upon receipt for processing. Once completed, you will receive notification via email confirming the completion of your registration or renewal.

Registration/Renewal For Registered OR Specialty Contractors ONLY

Competency Cards not renewed within 30 days after expiration date will be charged a $100 late fee

MAIL TO:
812 E. James Lee Blvd,
Crestview, FL 32539

Courtesy Renewal Notices are mailed out one (1) month prior to registration expiration date. These notices are NOT guaranteed and will be mailed to the address currently on file.

Hold Harmless Agreement

  • The Contractor, for and in consideration of a building permit issued by Okaloosa County, Florida, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless said Okaloosa County, Florida, its Officers and Agents, from all claims, damages or expenses that Okaloosa County may be liable for which arise from the construction or doing of any work by the Contractor within Okaloosa County, Florida.

State Registered Checklist

IF you “GRANDFATHERED IN” with another county, we CANNOT accept your license in this county unless you take and pass the an approved testing agency exam.

IF you took the trade and business & law exams in another county that we have a reciprocal agreement with, the following items are required:

You must contact sponsoring county and request that they mail a reciprocal letter to us stating all the particulars of the examinations. (Must be prepared, proctored, and graded by an approved testing agency, your grade (75% is passing), applicant number, which trade, etc. must be listed. We will accept a fax, emailed or mailed copy from county.

You will also need to contact the testing agency for a letter. Prometric@ (800) 280-3926 (request a duplicate score letter); GITS@ (800) 997-2129 (request a grade verification letter); PROV@ (866) 720-7768 x103 (provide applicant number);

NOTE: Please notify licensing staff if exam(s) are older than three (3) years from original examination date(s).

** BOTH LETTERS MUST SHOW INFORMATION FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS & LAW EXAMS. **

State Certified Checklist

Once the Reciprocal Agreement Process is Complete the Following items are Required:

  • Copy of Your Current State Certified License.
  • Copy of Your Current Business Tax Receipt (formally occupational license) From a Jurisdiction within the State of Florida or FOrm the State in Which Your Home Office is Located For Your Particular Trade. (Companies setting up a job site trailer or office in Okaloosa County must have an Okaloosa County Business tax receipt).
  • General Civil Liability Insurance Certificate
  • Worker's Compensation Insurance Certificate.
    OR if you do not have employees, We will accept your Worker's Compensation Exemption Card. (If you have partners or officers who have worker’s compensation exemption (Limit 3), please submit a copy of their exemption cards & your company partnership agreement or corporate papers.)
  • Letter of Authorization (LOA) If you are allowing employees, partners, or officers to purchase permits or call for inspections on your behalf you must complete form, have it notarized, and will be accepted by fax or email.
  • Okaloosa County Application Form.
  • Administration Fee.

If your state license has been issued by the Dept of Business & Professional Regulation, then no administrative fee required. If you hold a state license from the Dept of Agriculture for Liquid Petroleum OR a Mobile Home Installer’s License from the Dept of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles OR a Fire Sprinkler (Category 1-5) or Fire Extinguisher Licenses from the State Fire Marshall Office, please contact our office for a fee quote.

  • Hold Harmless Agreement Signed, Dated AND Witnessed.
  • Copy of your Drivers License.
  • Copy of Articles of Incorporation. Per Florida Statute 607 & 608 all corporations or limited liability companies must have active Articles of Incorporation in order to transact business within the State of Florida.

**VERY IMPORTANT—ALL PAPERWORK MUST RECORD YOUR COMPANY NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR STATE LICENSE.**

Specialty Contractor Checklist

  • Copy of your Current Okaloosa County Business Tax Receipt (formally occupational license)
  • General Liability Insurance Certificate (See Insurance Guidelines for specifics)
  • Worker's Compensation Insurance Certificate (See Insurance Guidelines for specifics)
    OR
    if you do not have employees, We will accept your Worker's Compensation Exemption Card. (If you have partners or officers who have worker’s compensation exemption (Limit 3), please submit a copy of their exemption cards & your company partnership agreement or corporate papers.)
  • Letter of Authorization. If you are allowing employees, partners, or officers to purchase permits or call for inspections on your behalf you must complete form, have it notarized, and will be accepted by fax, email or mailed to us.
  • Okaloosa County Application Form.
  • Acknowledgement of Compliance Affidavit Signed AND Notarized.
  • Okaloosa County Competency Card Fee. Please contact our office for the required fee. Make checks payable to Okaloosa County Dept. of Growth Management.
  • Hold Harmless Agreement Signed, Dated AND Witnessed.
  • Copy of your Drivers License.
  • Copy of Articles of Incorporation. Per Florida Statute 607 & 608 all corporations or limited liability companies must have active Articles of Incorporation in order to transact business within the State of Florida.

**VERY IMPORTANT—ALL PAPERWORK MUST RECORD YOUR COMPANY NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON FICTICIOUS NAME REGISTRATION OR ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION/CORPORATION. **

This checklist as well as the forms needed is also available on the Growth Management website under licensing at www.co.okaloosa.fl.us
812 E. James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539
1250 Eglin Parkway, Suite 301, Shalimar, FL 32579

Rene’e Lucas, License Specialist
(850) 651-7526; (850) 651-7184 fax; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE 22 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER


Plumbing, Mechanical & Construction Board Dates For 2020

Important Dates For 2020 Board Meetings/Dates

Plumbing, Mechanical & Construction Meeting Dates

Construction and Mechanical Board Deadline, Meeting Dates and Minutes
Application Deadline DateBoard Meeting Date
July 15, 2020 July 29, 2020
September 16, 2020 September 30, 2020
November 4, 2020 November 18, 2020
You must apply by the application deadline date to attend the corresponding Board Meeting Date
MEETING DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (850) 651-7526, (850) 651-7534 or (850) 689-5080.
Construction Board meetings are held at 3:00 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administrative Complex, 1250 Eglin Parkway N, Commissioner’s Chambers, Shalimar, Florida.

Electrical Meeting Dates

Electrical Deadline, Meeting Dates and Minutes
Application Deadline DateBoard Meeting Date
August 20, 2020 September 3, 2020
October 22, 2020 November 5, 2020
You must apply by the application deadline date to attend the corresponding Board Meeting Date
MEETING DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (850) 651-7526, (850) 651-7534 or (850) 689-5080.
Electrical Board meetings are held at 3:00 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administrative Complex, 1250 Eglin Parkway N., Commissioner’s Chambers, Shalimar, Florida.

Plumbing Meeting Dates

Plumbing Board Deadline, Meeting Dates and Minutes
Application Deadline DateBoard Meeting Date
July 15, 2020 July 29, 2020
September 16, 2020 September 30, 2020
November 4, 2020 November 18, 2020
You must apply by the application deadline date to attend the corresponding Board Meeting Date
MEETING DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (850) 651-7526, (850) 651-7534 or (850) 689-5080.
Plumbing Board meetings are held at 9:00 a.m. at the Okaloosa County Administrative Complex, 1250 Eglin Parkway N, Commissioner’s Chambers, Shalimar, Florida.

Okaloosa County Contact Information

1250 N. Eglin Pkwy, Suite 301
Shalimar, FL 32579
Office Phone: (850) 651-7180
Fax: (850) 651-7184