How does House Bill 735 Affect me in Pinellas County?

Pinellas county contractors are wondering how they will be impacted by the passage of House Bill 735 in Florida. This article has been created to monitor and update Pinellas county’s response to this new law. If you have any questions or information to contribute, we encourage you to post a comment below. All questions will be promptly answered to the best of our ability.

Effective July 1, 2023, the PCCLB and all Pinellas County municipal and County Building Departments will no longer require contractors to register, test or maintain competency certificates or licenses in column A shown below. Use the table below to see how this change affects your license.

Pinellas County Contractor Licenses Impacted on House Bill 735
A – PCCLB Specialty Classification	Class Code	B - State License required to pull permits and work in Pinellas County effective 10/1/2022
Awning Specialty Contractor Est. 3/18/2008	89	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration required
Cabinet Specialty Est. 1/21/2003	78	License no longer required unless work requires a permit Permitted work requires General, Building or Residential Contractor license/registration
Carpentry Specialty Est. 7/9/1991	39	License no longer required unless work requires a permit Permitted work requires General, Building or Residential Contractor license/registration
Fence Erection Specialty Est. 3/21/1995	54	License no longer required unless work requires a permit Permitted work requires General, Building or Residential Contractor license/registration
Finish Carpentry Specialty Est. 1/21/2003	77	License no longer required unless work requires a permit Permitted work requires General, Building or Residential Contractor license/registration
Flatwork Masonry Specialty Est. 5/16/1989	32	License no longer required unless work requires a permit Permitted work requires General, Building or Residential Contractor license/registration
Garage Door Specialty Est. 3/21/1995	86	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor license registration required
Natural Gas Contractor Est. 7/9/1991	40	Plumbing, Mechanical Contractor license/registration required
Non Elec Sign Spec Contractor Est. 3/21/1995	56	General, Building Contractor license/registration required
Painting Specialty Est. 3/21/1989	30	License no longer required
Paving Specialty Est. 3/21/1995	50	License no longer required
Pile Driving Specialty Est. 3/21/1995	59	General, Building, Residential, Contractor license/registration required Marine Specialty Contractor required if over water.
Plaster, Stucco, Lath Est. 3/21/1995	48	License no longer required unless work requires a permit Permitted work requires General, Building or Residential Contractor license/registration
Shutter/Open Protection Specialty Est. 3/21/1995	52	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration required
Structural Masonry Est. 5/16/1989	33	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration required
Structural Steel Specialty Est. 3/21/1995	58	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration required
Tile & Marble Specialty Est. 7/9/1991	38	License no longer required
Veneer Specialty Est. 3/15/1988	28	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration required

Effective October 1, 2022, all locally licensed contractors in the following trades MUST register with the Construction Industry Licensing Board to perform work in Pinellas County. Alternatively, these contractors may become certified to work in all counties in the state of Florida.

Local Contractor License that must Register with the CILB:
	Class Code	B - State License required to pull permits and work in Pinellas County effective 10/1/2022
Demolition Contractor Est. 3/21/1995	53	General, Building, Residential, Demolition Specialty Contractor license/registration
Electrical Sign Specialty Contractor Est. 3/21/1995	72	Electrical Contractor, Sign Specialty Contractor license/registration
Glass & Glazing Specialty Contractor	49	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Contractor license/registration
Gypsum Drywall Specialty or Drywall Specialty Contracto Est. 5/16/1989	31	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Drywall Contractor license/registration
Irrigation System Specialty Contractor Est. 7/9/1991	37	Plumbing, Specialty Irrigation Contractor license/registration
Limited Energy System Specialty	13	Electrical Contractor, Limited Energy Contractor license/registration
Marine Specialty Contractor Est. 5/16/1989	35	General Contractor, Marine Specialty Contractor license/registration
Specialty Structure Contractor Est. 9/16/2003	8	General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration

Previously retired specialty classifications:
C – PCCLB Specialty Classification	Class Code	D – For reference
Air Conditioning C Contractor	5	See Air Conditioning A or Air Conditioning B Contractor, retired at DBPR October 1, 1988
Alarm Limited Contractor	7	See Alarm System Contractor I (class code 6) or Alarm System Contractor II (class code 9)
Alarm Systems I	41	See Alarm System Contractor I (class code 6) or Alarm System Contractor II (class code 9)
Carpentry/Glass & Glazing	11	See Carpentry Specialty (class code 39) and Glass & Glazing Specialty Contractor (class code 49) classifications
Commercial Pool/Spa	73	See Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor (class code 66)
Communication System Limited	71	See Limited Energy System Specialty (class code 13)
Drywall/Plaster & Stucco Contractor	55	See Gypsum Drywall (Drywall) (class code 31) and Plaster, Stucco and Lath Specialty Contractor (class code
Electrical Residential	43	See Residential Electrical Specialty (class code 69)
Limited Specialty Structure	83	See Specialty Structure Contractor (class code 8)
Mobile Home Set up Specialty	51	License no longer required
Outdoor Sign Specialty Contractor	45	See Non-Electric Sign Specialty Contractor (class code 56) or Electrical Sign Specialty Contractor (class code 72)
Painting Limited Specialty Est. 3/23/2004 / Ret. 1/1/2021	76	License no longer required
Prestressed Precast Concrete Specialty Est. 3/21/1995 / Ret. 1/1/2021	75	Requires General, Building, Residential, or Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration
Reinforcing Steel Specialty Contractor Est. 3/21/1995 / Ret. 1/1/2021	57	Requires General, Building, Residential, or Specialty Structure Contractor license/registration
Solar Energy Specialty Contractor	85	See Solar Contractor (class code 70) or Solar Water Heater Contractor (class code 46)
Solar Energy System Specialty	80	See Solar Contractor (class code 70) or Solar Water Heater Contractor (class code 46)
Swimming Pool Swim Specialty	94	See appropriate Swimming Pool/Spa classification (class codes 66, 22, 26, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95)
Temporary Roofing Contractor	79	See Roofing Contractor (class code 24)

Source: Pinellas County Licensing Board

Comments

# Sean maze 2021-12-07 17:37

Hello, in pinellas county a permit is required to replace driveways, as a flatwork concrete contractor we are able to do so. With the new laws will driveways require a builders license to replace? Will existing licensed contractors be grandfathered in somehow so that we can continue building driveways?

# Stephanie M. 2021-12-08 09:33

Hello Sean Maze!
With the new laws that begin in 2022, a flatwork concrete contractor will be required to obtain either a Building license or a Residential license and unfortunately, there is no Grandfathering in this situation the Contractor will have to start the process for the license and will have to meet the requirement in order to be approved for such license.

# Lilia gort 2022-04-26 22:59

So as a painter I don’t need a contractor license and can I advertise on my truck and make signs like any other painting Company in Florida

# Sharilyn Baez 2022-04-27 10:49

Hello Lilia,
Pinellas County does not require a Contractor License to Paint, so there is nothing wrong with you advertising your Painting Company without being licensed. Something to consider is that larger/ commercial customers will most likely require some sort of license before engaging with your services. We suggest that you contact them to inquire about the type of license they will typically require before engaging in business with a painting company.
A strong license to have for that type of business is the Residential Contractor license which has a broad scope and will give you good leverage in the marketplace.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html

# Dr. Dtale 2023-05-22 22:25

What do you mean you don't need a license in Pinellas county to paint? I got fined thousands of dollars for painting without a specialty painting contractor license in Pinellas county. Had to pass 2 tests, buy books, so you are informing Lilia incorrectly and she risks getting fined. Unless there's something I'm wrong about, and if the law is signed, you're going to need a painting contractor license till July 2024. Show me where it says it's already eliminated because that is untrue. Thanks

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-05-23 11:39

Hello Dr. Dtale,
As stated in the document provided by the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, Painting and Painting Limited Specialty will no longer require a license as of October 1, 2022. Below we have provided you with a link to HB 735 and Pinellas County Important Notice to Contractors.

https://y2u7z9e4.stackpathcdn.com/images/image/Contractor_License/HB735_Elimination_of_Local_Specialty_Licensing.pdf

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/735

# Anthony Steffanci 2022-05-27 07:44

I would like to understand my responsibility license way for my fence business. I have a Pcclb license now. Also if I understand the permitting process I need a license to pull a permit for a fence. I just don't understand because a homeowner who is not licensed can also pull a fence permit with no license.

# Sharilyn Baez 2022-05-27 09:07

Hi Anthony,
Due to HB 735, the Fence Erection Specialty license is no longer required unless work requires a building permit. We recommend that you obtain a state license which you will, either way, need to pull a building permit for fencing. Below are the links for the licenses required to pull a building permit.

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

# Chry 2023-06-05 22:58

Hi, and thank you for answering my question about painting contractor license in Pinellas county. I'm reading on the pcclb web site that an Amendment is extending the need for a license until July 1, 2024. Im I understanding this right,? Thank you for your help

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-06-08 11:18

Hello Chry,
In essence, Florida House Bill 1383 does two things (among others). [1] Postpones the deadline for local licensing from July 1st, 2023 to July of 2024, meaning that local government can still renew existing licenses until then.
[2] It also allows the State to create a set of 12 new contractor licenses that contractors can voluntarily obtain. Those licenses will be:
1. Structural aluminum or screen enclosures
2. Marine seawall work
3. Marine bulkhead work
4. Marine dock work
5. Marine pile driving
6. Structural masonry
7. Structural prestressed, precast concrete work
8. Rooftop solar heating installation
9. Structural steel
10. Window and door installation, including garage door installation and hurricane or windstorm protection
11. Plaster and lath
12. Structural carpentry

# Zandra 2022-08-28 18:52

Thanks for finally talking about >Pinellas County’s
Response to House Bill 735

# Aengels G. 2022-08-29 09:18

Hell Zandra,

Thank you for your feedback. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at 866-986-7978.

# Barry A Mefford 2022-09-14 10:48

I have a Carpentry Speciallty Licence I will not be able to pull permits witch i do now It will cost 1000 of dollars to basically start over as all my books are over 20 years old I have everything by the book to this point What a reward

# Sharilyn Baez 2022-09-14 12:30

Hello Barry, sorry to hear that. We recommend contacting the state and clarifying that you have a lot of experience. The licenses you can obtain to do Carpentry Specialty are General, Building, or Residential Contractor Licenses in the state of Florida. We have attached links to each of these Licenses so that you can view their experience/education requirements. We have also attached a link where you can find the State and Testing Company contact information.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html

# Rachael Breidenstein 2023-01-13 13:10

Does a registered plumber who is licensed in Pinellas county need to become state certified in order to continue pulling permits?

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-01-13 15:22

Hello Rachael,
The license you inquired about is not under the Local Contractor License that must Register with the CILB. We recommend that you contact the Pinellas county licensing department to confirm this information. If you were to obtain the Florida State Plumbing contractor license, we have the books and courses to prepare you to pass the Trade and Business exam. I have attached a link where you can find more information regarding the State Plumbing license. If you have any other questions, you can contact us at 866-986-7978.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-plumbing-contractor-license.html

# Dorothy 2023-01-16 15:19

We have been licensed in Pinellas since 2006
as Cabinet Contractor (But we Only do Countertops Granite Quartz Etc,,) I noticed that you listed above Several Contractor -license
if we do not perform those services, how do they apply to our business, Or do we have to pick one an take exam ??? Concerned for small business

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-01-16 16:43

Hello Dorothy,
Since Pinellas County is no longer issuing Certificate of Competency, the State equivalent you could obtain are the General, Building, or Residential Contractor License for Florida. You can pick any of those three licenses depending on your business preferences. I have attached a link for each of these licenses. If you have any other questions feel free to call us at 866-986-7978.
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

# Giovanni Fernandez 2023-01-23 10:11

Hello Everyone.
Many of you are worried that you will be affected by the new House Bill 735. I am a state licensed glass and glazing specialty contractor being able to pull permits for just about anything as long as it's not structural work which would require a GC. Windows and Doors, Siding, Aluminum, Fascias, Gutters, and plenty of other scopes fall under my license. So, if you guys need a licensed contractor to qualify your business after July 2023, please feel free to reach out. My phone number is 407-893-0117.

# Patricia 2023-03-04 07:20

How will this affect handymen and carpenters for Pinellas County?

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-03-06 08:32

Hello Patricia, effective July 1, Carpentry Specialties will no longer require a license in Pinellas County unless work requires a permit. The licenses you can obtain to do Carpentry Specialty at the state level are General, Building, or Residential Contractor Licenses in Florida. We have attached links to each of these Licenses so that you can view their experience/education requirements.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html

# Patricia 2023-03-13 19:12

So what work will require a permit for Pinellas and/or Pasco counties?

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-03-14 16:27

Hello Patricia, we recommend for you to contact the counties directly to confirm if the type of work you wanna complete requires a permit.

# Stephan S 2023-05-23 13:46

You dont need a county license anymore but a state license for all specialties and it makes it hard to pull permits in your county.. thats still an open book, what many miss understand here is that there think you can go out and do all that jobs without consequences and thats wrong. You still need to follow the requirements for the state license which is to have worked as an employe for 4 years under supervisor and pass 2 exame to obtain this license.. there is no way around it

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-05-23 16:25

Hello Stephan,
Depending on the county that you are located in, a county license is no longer required for certain trade types due to HB 735. Most counties require the applicant to pull a permit in order to perform specific trades within that county. For all Florida States' contractor licenses, you are required to meet specific qualifications and experience requirements to get State contractor license.

# Sean C 2023-05-26 13:21

Hello,
I see that there is no longer a specialty contractor license required for tile & marble specialty in Pinellas County, what about for other flooring such as vinyl planking/laminate/hardwood floors that are click together that are not adhered to the subfloor and require quarter round or baseboard installation to be completed?

thanks

# Sharilyn Baez 2023-06-08 11:13

Hello Sean, due to House Bill 735 no longer allows Pinellas County to issue Specialty licenses to install vinyl planking/laminate/hardwood floors, but if you still need a license to show your customer, insurance companies, and larger contractors that you are a legitimate contractor yourself, you can get the Residential, Building, or General license with the State.
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

# Modern Robinson 2023-06-08 13:28

you still need an Handyman affidavit issued by the city you are located, pinnelas county does not issue them but maybe cities do but you business need to be located in the city where you are applying...( you can create a virtual business address if needed to operate in different counties ;)

# Lou 2023-07-12 14:29

So a locally licensed glazier will need to take a state exam and be state licensed under the new laws? Is there any exceptions to taking a state exam or any grandfathering clauses? If so My understanding is the deadline is July 2024 for those holding active county licenses .

# Aengels G. 2023-07-13 16:23

Hello Lou,
House Bill 735 no longer allows Pinellas County to issue glass & glazing licenses, but if you still need a license to show your customers, insurance companies, and larger contractors that you are a legitimate contractor yourself, you can get the Florida Glass and Glazing Contractor License with the State.
However, a new House Bill (HB 1383) delays the existing house bill till July 1, 2024. This new House Bill also creates 12 new state licenses. As the information is available, we will post it on our website.

For the Florida Glass and Glazing Contractor License you must pass the trade and business exams, there is no exceptions, or grandfathering.

We have the Classes and the Books to prepare you to pass these exams.

With our courses, you can start studying online the same day you register; you can study at your own pace, and you have unlimited access to your study Material—
The online classes include lecture videos, practice exams, Key Concepts, and Step-by-step solutions to math problems.

For more information on the state license, please click on the link below.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-glass-and-glazing-contractor-license.html

# Louisa C 2023-07-17 14:04

Two counties have stated that they will be continuing to renew existing glass and glazing licenses at the county level after 2024, the list of twelve does not include glass and glazing. They both said that the state license would not be a requirement. Do you have legal documentation stating otherwise that I could see. Is so it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Lou

# Aengels G. 2023-07-17 16:10

Hello Louisa,
We are not sure which two counties have stated that information, but Pinellas County per the information stated above, a State License is required to pull permits and do work. Each county follows different regulations. I will attach a link below with the different county responses to the HB 735.

https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-house-bill-735-preemption-of-local-occupational-licensing.html

We do recommend you to obtain General, Building, Residential, or Specialty Glass and Glazing License, to show your customers, insurance companies, and larger contractors that you are a legitimate contractor yourself.

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-glass-and-glazing-contractor-license.html

As for legal documentation, we do not have any paperwork. We get the updated information from the County.

For more information we do recommend you to contact Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board. Here is the link with the contact information.

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

# Michael Deegan 2023-10-13 13:23

My inquiry is about the PCCLB Natural Gas Specialty Contractors license. It is not on the new listing of CILB specialty licenses. So will a new State category be created or will the license just sunset, good bye?

# Natalia Espinosa 2023-10-13 13:23

Hello Michael,

You will be able to obtain the Florida Gas Line Contractor License; this Statewide licensure allows holders to lawfully engage in contracts involving natural gas distribution systems and their installation, repair, testing, and maintenance.

For more information about the requirements, application process, books, and services we offer, we recommend visiting the following link:
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-gas-line-contractor-license.html

If you have any other questions or concerns, please call us at 866-986-7978.

# Inga David 2023-10-13 13:35

Good afternoon, according to House Bill 735 (Preemption of Local Occupational Licensing), coud you please tell me there are any restrictions on the amount of money, for example, for painting?

# Natalia Espinosa 2023-10-13 13:35

Hello David,
There is no restriction on money regarding not having a Contractor License for Painting. If a person wants to contract you and request a Contractor License, we recommend that you obtain a General, Building, or Residential Contractor License. We are a construction school and bookstore; we offer books and classes to prepare you to pass the Trade and Business exam. Down below, I will provide you with links to each license.
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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How does House Bill 735 Affect me in Pinellas County?

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