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Florida Swimming Pool/Spa Layout Specialty Contractor's License

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

  • Layout
  • Shaping
  • Steel installation
  • Rough piping (pools, spas, and hot tub shells)

How to Get a Pool Layout 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 Layout trade:
        • Layout and rough piping of pools, spas, and hot tub shells
    • 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 Layout application form to:
    Department of Business and Professional Regulation
    2601 Blair Stone Road
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Florida Swimming Pool/Spa Layout Specialty Contractor Exams

Florida Swimming Pool/Spa Layout Specialty Contractor Practical Examination

Practical Examination for Swimming Pool Layout Specialty Contractors. The practical examination for swimming pool layout specialty contractors shall evaluate, through the use of a grading sheet which includes spaces for grading and comments by the practical examiner, the following areas:

  • 8% Accurately locating and staking out a base line or center line of the pool being built with reference to fixed objects shown on the layout plan.
  • 8% Laying a pool out ready to be formed, including proper leveling techniques for the shell to plus or minus 1/4th inch and verifying the calculations that illustrate how the layout elevations will accommodate the coping or deck edge trim and how the finished deck elevation will meet existing finished elevations on the project such as existing patios, floors, and the surrounding landscape.
  • 5% Verifying the calculations necessary to show that the pool layout, including decks and retaining walls will accommodate anticipated water runoff (drainage).
  • 5% Understanding effective methods of managing ground water (dewatering).
  • 8% Supervising an excavation according to the swimming pool plan(s) and/or specifications that insures that the walls and floor are shaped according to plans, and demonstrate the skills required to place backboard materials in the event of a cave in.
  • 8% Properly placing and stabilizing forms.
  • 8% Installing the piping and fittings required before installing the rough structure of a swimming pool, displaying proper solvent weld procedures.
  • 15% Cutting and bending steel reinforcing bars, installing the structural steel in accordance with the pool plan, verifying that ties and overlaps are in accordance with code requirements, and showing that by proper blocking, the steel will have adequate and proper concrete coverage.
  • 5% Maintaining the continuity of bond beam steel in cases where the beam is modified, including skimmer openings and step-ups in the beam such as raised beams and planters.

Swimming Pool/Spa Layout 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/Spa Layout 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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Written by Leah R.