Article Index

Putnam County Contractor Licenses

Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes. If your license is not listed as Putnam County License, please select a Florida License. According to the Code of Ordinance from Putnam County, applicants seeking to qualify for an authorized contractor license are required to obtain a passing score of 75% or higher on both Trade and Business/law exams.

Putnam has not made any decisions on how they will respond to House Bill 735 which will be into effect on July 2023. For any questions on how your County contractor license will be impacted by HB 735, contact the Putnam Licensing Department by giving them a call at 386-329-0307 or sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

General

Unlimited to the type of building that may be constructed.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Class A)

Installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating, including duct work in connection with a complete system (only to the extent such duct work is performed by the Contractor necessary to make complete an air distribution system), boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith; also piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, pneumatic control piping; to connect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install 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.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Class B)

Limited to twenty-five tons cooling and five hundred thousand B.T.U. heating (in any one system) in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge and skill to perform the following: install central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating, including duct work in connection with a complete system (only to the extent such duct work is performed by the Contractor necessary to make complete an air distribution system) being installed under this classification; also, piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, and installation of 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, all in such a manner as to comply with all plans, specifications, codes, laws and regulations applicable thereto.

Alarm System I (Burglar and Fire Alarm)

Erection of burglar and fire alarm systems.

Alarm System II (Burglar Alarm)

Installtion of burglar alarm systems only (May not install any portion of a Fire Alarm System).

Aluminum

Installation of screened porches, screened enclosures, pool enclosures, preformed panel-post and beam roofs, mobile home panel roof-overs, residential glass window and door enclosures, vinyl panel window enclosures, single story selfcontained aluminum utility storage structures (not to exceed 500 sq. ft.), siding, soffit, fascia and gutters.

Building

Construction of commercial buildings and single-family dwelling or multiple-family dwelling residential buildings, which do not exceed three (3) stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection therewith or a Contractor whose services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building if the services do not affect the structural members of the building.

Class C Air Conditioning Contractor

Construction of air conditioning, heating or refrigeration systems, including duct alteration in connection with those systems they are servicing. No examinations, registration or certification is required under this part for the sales and installation of package heating or air conditioning units with no ducts or remote controls (maximum of three tons, thirty-six thousand B.T.U. in capacity).

Electrical

Erection of any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit or any part thereof; which generates, transmits, transforms or utilizes electrical energy in any form for light, heat, power or communications, all in compliance with applicable plans, specifications, codes, laws and regulations.

Elevator

Installation of any vertical conveyance, after having been issued an elevator certificate of competency by the division of Hotels and restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulations.

Glass & Glazing Specialty

Installation of all makes and kinds of glass and glasswork and execute the glazing of frames, panels, sash and door and holding metal frames, ornamental decoration, mirrors, tub and shower enclosures.

Lighting Maintenance (Electrical)

GITS©

Installation of existing branch circuits, fixtures, apparatus or equipment connected thereto, and the relocation of existing branch circuits and the switching and de-energizing of existing facilities for safety purpose.

Limited Energy Systems Specialty

GITS©

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 or radio distribution system ), central vacuum, or electric locks.

Masonry

GITS©

A contractor that can install and repair brick, block, stone, veneer and other masonry items onto and inside of buildings or structures.

Masonry/Concrete

GITS©

A contractor that works with rough cut and dress stone, artificial stone and pre-cast blocks, structural glass brick or block, pour, place and finish concrete, foundations and flatwork.

Master Mechanical (HARV)

Installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation (including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the Contractor necessary to make complete an air distribution system) boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, lift stations, equipment and piping and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith; also piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, pneumatic control piping, gasoline tanks and pump installation and piping for same, fire sprinkling systems and standpipes, air piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen lines, nitrous oxide piping, ink and chemical lines, fuel transmission lines and installation of 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, all in such a manner to comply with all plans, specifications, codes, laws and regulations applicable thereto.

Master Plumber

Erection of plumbing, sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, venting systems, public and 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 and storm and sewer lines, water and sewer plants and substations.

Mobile Home Dealer Installer

Installation of mobile/manufactured homes.

Mobile Home Installer

Installation of mobile/manufactured homes.

Natural Gas

Installation of apparatus, piping, tubing, appliances, equipment & L.P. and/or Natural gas systems, for residential or commercial systems

Plumbing Maintenance

Erection of plumbing, sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, venting systems, fixtures, devices, drainage and swimming pool piping; irrigation systems; or solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith; including the maintenance of water and storm and sewer lines, water and sewer plants and substations; Does not include the installation or maintenance of L.P. or natural gas systems, devices, appliances or apparatus or the installation of new or extended plumbing systems.

Plumbing w/ gas

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

Prov©

Installation of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof, in a one, two, three or four family residence, not exceeding two stories in height and accessory use structures in connection with the residence.

Residential Plumbing

Installation of any plumbing system, including waste, drains, vents, water supply and fixtures as it may apply to installations in one- and two- family residences, limited to three stories in height.

Residential Plumbing w/ Gas

Prov©

Construction of any plumbing system, including waste, drains, vents, water supply and fixtures as it may apply to installations in one- and two- family residences, limited to three stories in height and apparatus, piping, vents, flues, tanks, tubing, appliances, equipment & L.P. and/or Natural gas systems, limited to one and two- family residences.

Residential Swimming Pool/Spa

Construction of any residential swimming pool or hot tub or spa, regardless of use. Such work includes layout, excavation, operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes, steelwork, installation of light niches, construction of floors, guniting, fiber glassing, installation of tile and coping, installation of all perimeter and filter piping, installation of all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior construction of decks, (slabs incidental to the pool), installation of housing for pool equipment, installation of package pool heaters.

Sheet Metal

Erection of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge (F.S. 489.105(d)) or its equivalent or lighter gauge and other materials; Including, but not limited to, fiberglass, used in lieu thereof and of airhandling equipment and reinforcement of same and including the balancing of air-handling systems.

Sheet Metal Limited

GITS©

Installation of fibrous glass material or duct board; and Incidental devices (collars, veins, dampers, 16 gauge U.S. and above, etc.) and reinforcement of the same inclusive of the balancing of air-handling systems.

Sign (Electrical)

Construction of electrical signs and outline wiring; and any electrical work beyond, the last disconnect mean or terminal point; requirements for metering for main disconnect of remote billboards or signs which are independent of any structure or building and which require no more than 25 kilowatts at 250 volts (100 amps) maximum. Nothing herein shall invalidate requirements for independent lab inspection/ label on closed electric signs, or invalidate use of Electrical Contractors for electric power supply installation.

Sign Non-Electrical

Installation of non-electrical components of signs and a non-electrical sign contractor shall not be qualified to make electrical connections within the sign, or, from the sign to any source of electrical power.

Solar

Installation 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.

Swimming Pool/Spa Commercial

Construction of any swimming pool or hot tub or spa, whether public or private or otherwise, regardless of use; includes operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes, steelwork, installation of light niches, construction of floors, guniting, fiber glassing, installation of tile and coping, installation of all perimeter and filter piping, installation of all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior, construction of decks (slabs incidental to the pool), construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool equipment, and installation of package pool heaters.

Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing

Installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation or addition of pool heaters, the repair of all perimeter 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 repair or renovation.

Unlimited Roofing

Installation of all kinds of roofing and waterproofing, all in such manner as to comply with all plans, specifications, codes, laws and regulations applicable thereto.

Underground Utility

Construction 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 singleoccupancy commercial properties, or on multi-occupancy commercial 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.

Procedures For Obtaining an Contractor License in Putnam County

We commend you for making the decision to become a Licensed Professional. Putnam County Ordinance 2004-13 (Contractor Licensing Ordinance) and Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes, are the primary laws that govern you as a Putnam County License Holder and it is important that you read and have a full understanding of these laws. We are committed to helping you through this process. Please contact Licensing at (386) 326-7169 for more information. You can access our Local Ordinance on our website at www.putnam-fl.com. You can also access Chapter 489 by going to www.flsenate.gov/statutes.

Obtain Application: All blanks must be filled in and completed.
Return Completed Application: A copy of the Applicants Driver’s License must accompany this application. The application fee is $100.00, and is non-refundable. This fee is per application not per license. Please make check payable to BOCC. $120.00 per license.
Schedule a Hearing with the Contractors and Building Trades Examiners Board. The Board will hear your application for Testing Sponsorship. Once you are approved for Testing Sponsorship, you must obtain a passing score of 75% or higher on the Technical Portion of the Examination and Business & Law Examination.

If you have further questions regarding the examination, you may contact the testing companies directly. Below are the testing companies approved by Putnam County:

Gainesville Independent Testing Company LLC (Technical and Business & Law Exam) – (352)369-4487
PROV 1-866-720-7768

Please note that as of May 8, 2018, Putnam County no longer issues certificates of competency for construction, electrical, plumbing, roofing, mechanical or any other licenses under 489, Florida Statutes.

Below are the Authorized License Categories regulated by Putnam County

ABOVE GROUND POOL INSTALLER
MASONRY CONTRACTOR
MASONRY/CONCRETE
PLASTER, LATH & STUCCO
MANUFACTURED BUILDING INSTALLATION
CARPENTRY
CONCRETE FORMING & PLACING
GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION
STRUCTURAL STEEL/STRUCTURAL
FRAMING

Note: Address changes must be promptly supplied. The Building Division accepts no responsibility for undelivered correspondence.

State Cetified Contractor Requirements

Please provide the following:

A copy of your State License.
A copy of your current Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License), if you are required to have a Business Tax Receipt from the jurisdiction.
Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage (See Insurance Certificate Requirements Below).
Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage or proof of a valid exemption (See Insurance Certificate Requirements below).
Current Contact Information.

INSURANCE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

INSURANCE CERTIFICATES MUST COME DIRCECTLY FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND NOT THE LICENSE HOLDER

The following information is required on the Insurance Certificates:

List Putnam County Planning & Development Services as the Certificate Holder
List the License holder’s Name and License Number as the insured
List Company Name (if applicable)
Workers’ Compensation Certificates must have an attached employee listing (if applicable)

Workers’ Compensation is required by Florida Statute. If you are exempt from Workers’ Compensation coverage, proof of a current and valid exemption card is required. Insurance Certificates may be faxed to (386) 329-1213.

Our Mailing address is:
Putnam County Planning & Development Services
P.O. Box 1486
Palatka, FL 32178
If you have further questions you may contact (386) 329-0316

*****Please note a letter of authorization, for an individual to act on the license holder’s behalf, MUST be job specific*****

Procedures For Reciprocating into Putnam County

Click here for the Reciprocity Application
An original Letter of Reciprocity sent directly from the Licensing Administrator of the jurisdiction of the original licensure addressed to Putnam County Planning & Development Services. The letter must include the date, type, and grade of the examination. A score of 75% or higher is required on the technical portion of the test. The Letter of Reciprocity may be faxed to (386) 329-1213. A hard copy of the letter must arrive by regular mail.
Complete the attached application and include the non-refundable application fee of $100. Please make checks payable to BOCC.
Schedule a hearing to appear before the Putnam County Contractors & Building Trades Examiners Board through the Compliance Office.
Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage (see below for requirements).
Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage or proof of a valid exemption (see below for requirements).
Provide a copy of your current Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupation License). If you do not currently have a Business Tax Receipt from the jurisdiction where you primarily conduct business, then you must obtain one from the Putnam County Tax Collector. For more information on how to obtain a Putnam County Business Tax Receipt, please contact the Putnam County Tax Collector at (386) 329-0282.
Provide a copy of your State Registration Certificate (If applicable).
The Authorized Contractor License fee is $120, which is in addition to the application fee.

You may be granted a temporary work authority for a maximum of 30 days up until your scheduled Board hearing date, after you have provided all the information listed above. Please contact Licensing at (386)329-0461 for more information.

AUTHORIZED CONTRACTOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The minimum Liability Insurance Coverage for General and Building Contractors is $300,000.00 bodily injury per accident and not less than $50,000.00 for one person and $50,000.00 for property damage.
All other license categories are $100,000.00 bodily injury per accident and not less than $50,000 for one person and $25,000 for property damage. Workers’ Compensation is required by Florida Statute. If you are exempt from Workers’ Compensation Coverage, then proof of a current and valid exemption certificate is required.