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Florida Swimming Pool Finishes Contractor's License

Florida pool and spa finishing specialty contractors can legally engage in contracts which involve working on:

  • Coating
  • Plastering of the interior surfaces (pools, spas, or hot tub shells)

How to Get a Pool Finishes 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 Finishes trade:
        • Pool and spa finishing
    • 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 Finishes application form to:
    Department of Business and Professional Regulation
    2601 Blair Stone Road
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Florida Swimming Pool Finishes Contractor Exams

Florida Swimming Pool Finishes Practical Exams

Examination for Swimming Pool Finishes Specialty Contractor. The practical examination for swimming pool finishes specialty contractors shall evaluate the following areas:

  • 10% Operation of under-pool dewatering systems
  • 10% Proper shell preparation
  • 5% Installing and repairing step or underwater bench finishes tile
  • 15% Plaster mixtures, including admixtures
  • 20% Proper application of a finish to a swimming pool structure
  • 10% Demonstrate an understanding of application and filling procedures per manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a clean smooth finish and a watertight condition

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 Finishes Exam 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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