The final order imposed fines and continuing education against the electrical contractor, and possibly could have been avoided if the contractor had properly responded to the administrative complaint or properly preserved his rights to a final hearing. The case is a cautionary tale to contractors facing licensing complaints to take them seriously and comply with deadlines and instructions relating to the complaint.
Read moreGovernor Signs Bill Extending Local Licensing to 2024; Adding New State License Categories
The new law goes into effect July 1, 2024, and (1) keeps local licensing in place through July 1, 2024, (2) clarifies when permits can be required, (3) and requires the creation of 12 new state specialty contracting licenses.
Read moreContractor Fined Over $8,500.00 and Placed on Probation for Two Years for Assisting Unlicensed Contractor
The fine and penalties from a complaint filed against a certified general contractor by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation for (1) performing and act which assisted a person or entity engaging in the prohibited uncertified and unregistered practice of contracting, and (2) obtaining a permit without having entered into a contract to perform the work specified in the permit.
Read moreFlorida Board of Architecture Determines Venezuelan Architect Not Allowed to Use Term "Architect" on Website in Florida
In a concurring opinion, Florida’s First District Court of Appeal recently affirmed disciplinary action taken by Florida’s Board of Architecture against a Venezuelan architect who did not have a Florida architect’s license, but was nonetheless using the term “architect” on his website.
Read moreRecent Court Decision Addresses Whether Failure to Obtain Local Licenses Renders Contracts Unenforceable
A recent decision from Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal addressed the issue of whether a subcontractor that failed to obtain local licenses required by a county ordinance was allowed to litigate claims for work that required those licenses. The case serves as another cautionary tale about the importance of complying with state licensing, local licensing, and contract requirements, and how all three can combine to make construction projects a complex compliance environment for contractors.
Read moreRecent Court Decision Describes Additional Way Contractors Can Appeal Penalties from DBPR
A recent court decision describes how a licensed contractor in Florida can have a punishment imposed without a hearing by the DBPR reversed and re-examined, particularly where the contractor challenges whether he or she received proper notice. The opinion also describes the steps required to establish proper service by the DBPR on a contract.
Read moreNew Statute Phases Out Local Licenses by 2023
A new statute that went into effect on July 1, 2021, eliminates nearly all local contractor licenses by 2023 and makes clear that only certain types of contractors are required to have licenses. The new statute is intended to reduce government regulation of certain non-structural types of contractors and opens the door to many trades being able to work without a license in Florida.
Read moreLicensed in Another State? Here's How to Use That to Become Licensed in Florida!
In July 2020, Florida changed its contractor licensing statute to make it easier for contractors who have been licensed in other states for at least 10 years to obtain a Florida contractor’s license without having to take a licensing exam. While Florida has not entered into any formal reciprocity agreements with other states, we do finally have guidance on exactly how to apply for a Florida’s contractor’s license using your existing license from another state
Read moreResidential Contractor Ordered to Pay $56,731.00 in Restitution for Failing to Timely Pull Permits
A residential contractor was ordered to pay a $5,000.00 fine and $56,731.00 for failing to pull a permit within 30 days as required by Florida statute. While there were other factors involved, the only offense charged by the DBPR was failure to timely pull a permit, showing how quickly and badly things can spiral once licensing issues arise.
Read moreAn Update on Construction License Reciprocity in Florida
In July of this year, Florida enacted the Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act, which included language requiring many of Florida’s professions, including contractors, to stake steps towards advancing reciprocity with other states. Recently, the Construction Industry Licensing Board published a short statement regarding states and licenses that currently meet Florida’s requirements for reciprocity.
Read moreIndividual's Project Inspection and Supervision Tasks Not Sufficient Experience for Contractor License
An engineering inspector and foreman had his application for a Florida certified building contractors license denied once the Construction Industry Licensing Board determined his significant experience with highway construction projects was not sufficient for the license sought.
Read moreElectrical Contractor Fined for Performing Business Under a Different Name
An electrician who attempted to help another company get started in Florida was disciplined by the Florida Electrical Contractor Licensing Board for serving as an electrician in a name other than the one for which he was licensed
Read moreGeneral Contractor Fined; Has License Suspended for Being on Contract with and Pulling Permit for Unlicensed Individual
A certified general contractor’s license was suspended for 6 months, and he was fined and ordered to pay restitution to a homeowner, after putting together a joint contract with an unlicensed individual to construct a screen enclosure at a homeowner’s residence.
Read moreDBPR Opinion Defines Line Between Pool Contractors and Electrical Contractors
A 40 year pool contractor was disciplined for disconnecting, replacing, and reconnecting pool lights, after the DBPR determined that a portion of the work should have been performed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Read moreContractor Fined for Performing Work Without Permit, Failing to Have Certain Information in Construction Contract
After a two year process, a general contractor was fined and ordered to attend additional CEU for failing to pull permits covering all work performed during a remodel and for failing to have all required information in his contract.
Read moreDBPR Determines Electrical Contractor's Intent In Hiring Subcontractor Irrelevant in Fining Contractor
An electrical contractor was fined by the DBPR for hiring an unlicensed individual as a subcontractor, despite not knowing that the person did not have an electrical contractor’s license.
Read moreElectrical Contractor Stopped from Qualifying Additional Business After Failing to Demonstrate Ability to Adequately Supervise Operations
An electrical contractor’s attempt to qualify a third business was recently derailed due to a prior criminal conviction, a project gone wrong, and multiple outstanding judgments.
Read moreContractor Fined $8,500.00 and Put on Probation for Assisting Unlicensed Contracting Despite No Damage to Homeowner
In one of the more recent decisions released by Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board, a general contract had his license put on probation for 2 years and was fined $8,500.00 for pulling a permit for an unlicensed contractor, despite the fact that the homeowner involved was not damaged by the unlicensed work.
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