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Florida Swimming Pool Decking Contractor's License

Florida Pool and Spa Decking specialty contractors can legally engage in contracts which involve working on:

  • Concrete flatwork
  • Pavers and bricks
  • Retaining walls
  • Pool and Spa Decking

Pool Decking

How to Get a Pool Decking Contractor's License in Florida

  1. Be 18 years of age.
  2. Pass all parts of the exam(s) (within four years of the first attempt).
    If an applicant has a Bachelor's degree in building construction or a related field, as well as a 3.0 GPA or higher, the applicant is only required to take the business exam.
  3. Pay the fee for the Application.
  4. Complete the application form using the Online Services, or the Printable Application.
  5. Be of good moral character.
  6. Obtain worker's compensation and general liability coverage.
  7. Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a Credit Report:
    • 660 FICO credit score or higher (applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit if below 660 - FICO derived).
    • If FICO score is less than 660, the applicant must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
    • If applicable, provide proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and bankruptcy discharge.
  8. Background check with Electronic Fingerprints.
  9. Obtain public liability and property damage insurance.
    • Obtain workers' compensation or exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
  10. Satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
    • A combination of Experience and Education
      • One year proved experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 yrs. experience).
      • No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman.
      • Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker.
      • One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker.
      • Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
      • The board expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the Pool Decking trade:
        • Layout and De-watering
        • Proper Shaping of Excavation Shell Wall Installation
        • Installing Steel Reinforcing Bars
        • Main Drain and Deadline Installation (Rough Piping)
    • Military Service
      Note: As part of the application applicant must submit the Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification for licensure
      • One year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and three years of military service.
      • One year of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of military service.
      • Two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and one year of military service.
  11. Submit the complete Pool Decking application form to:
    Department of Business and Professional Regulation
    2601 Blair Stone Road
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Florida Swimming Pool Decking Contractor Exams

The examination for licensure for any category of swimming pool specialty contractor as specified in Rule 61G4-15.032, F.A.C., shall consist of a written examination or a practical examination. The written examination shall test the applicant’s ability to perform the scope of work for the category of swimming pool specialty contractor for which the applicant applied.

Florida Swimming Pool Decking Specialty Contractor Practical Examination

The practical examination for swimming pool decking specialty contractors shall evaluate, through the use of a grading sheet which includes spaces for grading and comments by the practical examiner, in the following areas:

  • 5% Operation of an under-pool dewatering system
  • 5% Layout of the deck, including verification of angles and deck dimensions
  • 5% Calculations to accommodate anticipated water runoff (drainage) and installation of a deck drainage system
  • 5% Understanding of backfill and compaction procedures for sub-deck materials
  • 5% Understanding the properties of concrete and calculation of the amount of concrete required for the job
  • 5% Understanding proper elevation and pitch requirements to ensure proper drainage
  • 5% Understanding accurate angles and locate pinpoints
  • 5% Understanding reinforcement requirements for concrete
  • 10% Proper placement and finishing procedures for concrete
  • 5% Understanding of thermal expansion and contraction of concrete and methods to accommodate it
  • 5% Setting anchors, ladders, and handrails
  • 5% Removal and disposition of concrete forms and forming materials
  • 5% Pressurized piping procedures and maintenance

Swimming Pool Specialty Contractor Written Examination

Requirements for all written Swimming Pool Specialty Contractor Examinations. Each examination must test the following areas:

  • 15% Reading, understanding and interpreting scaled pool construction plans and surveys.
  • 5% Understanding and complying with job-site safety requirements.
  • 5% Handling and properly disposing of hazardous materials.
  • 5% Recognizing the tools required to do the job and exhibit the ability to properly use those tools.

Test Providers for Swimming Pool Decking Exams in Florida

For all swimming pool articles you are required to take a practical examination. There is not a testing company specific to these trades. For a list of testing providers please visit Examiners for Swimming Pool Specialty Licenses

If you are interested in servicing a pool or building a pool you must have one of the following license required in Florida:

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