General Contractor
Instruction
CONGRATULATIONS!
As you know, passing the State Exam is not an easy task. Your efforts are to be commended. Though not as difficult as the State Exam, the Application for Licensure is tedious and sometimes aggravating. The enclosed instructions will guide you through the process, step by step, on how to fill out the State License Application. Read this document carefully, it is very helpful. Please note that there are professionals listed who can help you complete the application process, if you need such help.
Please note that you will need to either set up your construction company first or provide the details of the existing company you will be qualifying. You will also need proof of Liability and Workers Comp Insurance for this company, see the details in the enclosed diagram entitled “What To Do After You’ve Passed the Contractor’s Exam.” We suggest you download the below information and have it on hand throughout the process.
X
State application package. Visit this website to print out the application:http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/documents/initial_issuance_l icensure_certified_contractor_application_package_enterable.pdf
Y
State approved credit reporting. Visit this website to print out the list:http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/documents/cilb_credit_reporting_agencies.pdf
AFTER YOU RECEIVE YOUR LICENSE
After you receive your contractor’s license you will be required to take 14 hours of Continuing Ed (CE) every 2 years. However, you are not required to take any CE in the year which you receive your initial license. To find out exactly how many hours you need and what courses you need to take you will need to monitor your continuing Ed requirements online by creating an online account with the CILB. To create this online account please visit:
www.myfloridalicense.com/logon.asp
Follow the link to “Activate your online services account”. Your initial PIN is the last 4 numbers of your SS#. Going forward you will want to monitor your continuing education requirements and completed hours at this DBPR online account by using this same logon web address. Do not rely on your memory or CE course completion receipts. As far as the CILB is concerned; what shows on your online account is the truth until you prove them wrong. It is important for you to monitor your online CE hours and license information. The DBPR says it is your responsibility.
®
W
HAT
T
O
D
O
A
FTER
Y
OU
’
VE
P
ASSED THE
C
ONTRACTOR
’
S
E
XAM
Congratulations and well done!
Here are the basic steps:
Note: This information is solely intended to simplify the application process for a prospective contractor. It is not intended to give legal or insurance advice. Any user of this information should realize that many important business decisions may be involved in this process and should seek counsel with the requisite professional.
The first step is to form a corporation or limited liability corporation. You do this by filling out a form and sending it in. You can get the form from www.myflorida.com search for: Business > Starting a Business in Florida > Getting Started > Business Registration. Once at his web page select the form to start a corporation. Apply for a Federal Tax ID#. If you will be qualifying an existing company you can skip this step.
Order credit reports on all owners/stockholders, including yourself and on the company itself. You can‟t use just any report, you must use a DBPR approved credit reporting agency. Accepted reports are listed athttp://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/documents/cilb_credit_reporting_agencies.pdf.Also,make an appointment to submit electronic fingerprints to the DBPR, through Promissor, at www.promissor.com.
Obtain liability insurance for your company at the aggregate amount as listed in Florida Administrative Code (Board Rules) 61G4-15.003. Note: the application process requires you to attest to owning the proper insurance. No documentation is required at this time.
The State application is long, but repetitive. Start with the correct initial page, which would be initial issuance of licensure for certified contractors. Identify the correct amount to pay (depends on when you apply). The first pages are informational and lists all of the forms needed. These forms, which are the actual application are the remaining pages. Keep in mind that you are the qualifying agent of a corporation , partnership or LLC. The entity is the contractor. You are the qualifier. Check all applicable boxes, if something doesn‟t apply write N/A. Do not leave anything blank - mark N/A if necessary. The following are a few “read between the line” tips:What to Do After You’ve Passed the Contractor’s Exam(cont’d)
Get Credit reports & Fingerprints
Liability Insurance
Fill out State application
Workers Comp/Exemption
Occupational License
Form Corporation or LLCApply for Employer Tax ID #
This is a basic diagram of the steps to get your license. Notice that filling out the application is not the first step. The application is long, but most of it is just repeating the same information over and over again. Never leave anything blank, if something doesn‟t apply, write N/A (not applicable). In the section of the application that deals with the financial statement, have an accountant fill this out and sign it, with their license number. Having the accountant do it will save many steps. What follows below are notations about each step.
If you would like professional help with application process, you can contact Kevin Trim at Professional Licensure Services at 850-514-2194 and ask for the “special Gold Coast Package”.
a. When you get to the financial statement (a balance sheet) simply fill out the sheet they provide. Do not create a separate one and “attach” it will confuse them. There currently is no net worth requirement, however you must show substantial assets to run the business. Whatever you list, half of it should be liquid which means either cash or credit availability. A good rule of thumb is to use the old CILB guidelines of $20,000 net worth for a GC, BC & RC and $10,000 for all others, with half of the amount being liquid.
b. If you had to check „yes‟ to any box about having financial woes in the past, you want to write a simple, one page or less explanation for each „yes‟, indicating that the situation has been corrected. Don‟t go into long (or any) excuses or explanations. Give a short, to the point, explanation, stating that it has been resolved, and attach any necessary proof.
c. One of the pages requires the person who is sponsoring you to sign off and have notarized, another requires you to sign off and have notarized.
d. If you are going to use college credit / years in lieu construction field experience on the application (per F.S. 489.111 (2) (C)( 3) you can only substitute up to 3 years of college for field experience. In all cases you must still claim 1 year field experience in a supervisory capacity (foreman). Send a photo copy of your diploma along with your application.
You can buy workers comp if you can obtain it (beware of the JUA, see the chapter on insurance in the contractors manual). You can choose to exempt yourself if you are a corporate office and own 10% or more of the company. When you fill out the workers comp exemption form, it asks for your Business Tax Receipt (formerly occupational license - This is the license any business needs to operate, issued by a city or county). When you go for the occupational license, they ask for your workers comp. The best way to do this is to fill out the request for worker‟s comp exemption and put “applied for” under the occupational license. Then wait until the Exemption is issued to get your Occupational license (step 6). For your convenience, we have enclosed the Workers Comp Exemption form in this package or you can download it from http://www.myfloridacfo.com/WC/ Search for form DWC 250 Election to be Exempt. You will need to give them a stock certificate showing that you own more than 10% of the company.
The last step is to get your Business Tax Receipt (formerly occupational license) at the county or city. Make sure the address you are using is acceptable. (Many municipalities allow you to use your home address as long as you don‟t have customer traffic, but some don‟t) Bring your license and all insurance and corporate papers for this task.Best Wishes from Gold Coast!
We hope to see you again soon!
Additional Professional Company References
If you need professional help with the application process, there are many choices. Below is a list of services that have proven to be reliable, trustworthy and competent. These services will help you to form your corporation and apply for licensure for a fee.
Professional Licensure Services -Kevin Trim: 850-514-2194 – Ask for special “Gold Coast Package” Florida Licenses Corp. – Wilton Pao: 305.446.3442 (Se habla Español)
Contractors Licensing & Consulting Services - Candace Rutledge: 904.771.3100 API Processing – Dawn Johnson: 954.567.0013
Business Support Inc. – Lisa Cogan: 800.373.1833 Licenses, Etc. – Kristie: 239.777.8321
For insurance: Florida Bankers Insurance: 305.266.6493. R.W.F. Roemer Insurance: 800-466.9461, Southgate Insurance Agency: 954.942.4400, Dean Wagner Insurance: 866-566-1946, Mutual of Omaha: 813-632-9700, Oswald Trippe: 305-779.7564, Ann Soled 954.508.9914, Maria Rosi 305.442.9507, Salemen Insurance 888.287.1127. Zelen Risk Solutions, Inc: 904-262-8080 - WWW.ZELENRISKSOLUTIONS.COM
Note: We do not have a relationship with any of the above references, only that students have reported success using them. (Excluding the “Special Package” with Kevin Trim)
UPDATE JANUARY 2009 (through present)
All applications for licensure are reviewed by the DBPR staff for the CILB. A majority of the applications are accepted and sent before the CILB with a recommendation to approve. Some applications are sent back to the applicant for corrections or additional information. These are called deficiency requests. These deficiencies are usually small clerical omissions by the applicant or issues needing clarification. These are resolved quickly and subsequently approved. There are a smaller number of applications that are reviewed by the DBPR staff and then sent to the CILB with a recommendation that the applicant personally appear before the CILB / Application Review Committee to be interviewed and questioned. Typical reasons for these requests are experience clarification or past criminal incident which needs clarification. It is the Application Review Committee of the CILB that interprets the Board Rules as to licensure requirements and reviews the applicants and applications that are put before it. At this meeting the CILB will determine whether the applicant is approved or denied.
Recently the CILB and the Application Review Committee have begun to take a narrower and more restrictive view on what constitutes “active” and “proven” experience. In the past key words such as “formwork” or “column erection” listed on the application to show active experience would be enough to pass the review. This is no longer the case. It is up to you to read the Statutes & Rules cited below, decide which descriptions best describe your experience and list it on your application. The use of key words on the application is OK but you must also use your own descriptions and back it up with specific job names, dates and more detailed descriptions rather that a single key word. i.e.: instead of elevated slabs you might say “supervised cantilever patio deck construction including reinforcing steel, form work and shoring”.
As a final note: always keep a copy of your application for your reference in case you are called before the Board and if so, bring that copy with you. Also, anything you mail to the DBPR should be sent certified mail return receipt requested.
For General, Building & Residential Contractors
Applicant Mandatory Experience to be listed on the application
IMPORTANT: Applicants for General or Building Contractor categories; Besides reading F.S. 489.105 for the definition of your license’s scope of work, read carefully Board Rule 61G4-15.001 (2)(a) & (2)(b) for the four out of seven categories you must show active & proven experience in. Note that at least one year of the structural experience must be in buildings 4 stories or more in height. Building Contractors must have at least one year of structural experience in 3 story or commercial buildings. Use these descriptions when providing your work experience & be sure to back it up with project names, locations and dates.
Applicants for the Residential Contractor category, read carefully Board Rule 61G4-15.001(3)(a-f) for the four out of seven categories you must show active & proven experience in. Use these descriptions when providing your work experience & be sure to back it up with project names, locations and dates.
For Roofing, A/C & Specialty Contractors
Applicant Mandatory Experience to be listed on the application
IMPORTANT: Read carefully F.S. 489.105 for the detailed descriptions of your license’s scope of work. Use these descriptions when providing your work experience & be sure to back it up with project names, locations and dates.
The following pages are examples of some but not all sheets of a completed
application
:
2009 October 6 of 20
Carpentry, Rough Framing, Pouring Concrete, Formwork, Masonry
Sample Text for "General Contractors" for Page 2 of 5
Rough Finish Framing, Drywall, Formwork, Concrete Flatwork, Rebar, Tie Beams Excavations, Footings, Rebar, Column Formwork, Concrete Tiebeams, Structural Carpentry, Trusses, Masonry Rough Carpentry Formwork, Masonry, Tie Beams, Rebar, Finish Work
Single Family Homes, Various Locations Throughout Dade & Broward Counties XYZ Architects
Commercial & Residential Buildings in Dade & Broward Counties
BF Contractors
ABC Towers - 14 Story Condominium Building T2B Construction Company
Various Commercial Buildings throughought Broward County X2B, Inc. ABC Corp No Current Phone or Address XYZ Company 2121 S.W. 21st St. Miami, FL 33333 305-111-1111 ABC Architects 3 Main St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33333 305-222-2222 X2B, Inc. 5 Main St. Miami, FL 33333 305-333-3333 Jan/1992 -Jun/1995 Jun/1995 -Dec/1999 Jan/2000 -Feb/2004 Mar/2004 -Present Note:
This is a Critical Entry - Over 3 Stories, Structurally Related Work
2009 October 7 of 20
Sample Text for "General Contractors" for Page 3 of 5
2009 October 8 of 20
Sample Text for "General Contractors" for Page 4 of 5
John Smith
Applicant (You)
John Smith C123456789
ABC Construction 111 Main St.
Miami, FL 11111
305-444-4449
Applicant has experience in rough & finish construction, including, excavations, footings & foundations,Pouring & Finish concrete including reinforcing bars, formwork, structural frame carpentry & masonry, tie beams, curtain walls, fire ruted walls & trim carpentry - Applicant has performed satisfactory & would be a contribution to the industry.
(No Employment Rlationship is Necessary )
2009 October 9 of 20
Sample Text for "General Contractors" for Page 5 of 5
Jan/2000 Feb/2004
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO BE EXEMPT
Please thoroughly read the instructions before completing this application. Print legibly in each data entry field. If this application contains incomplete or inaccurate information or if the handwriting is not legible, it may cause a delay in the issuance of your exemption.
SECTION 1:
Applicant Name (please print):
Applicant’s social security number or individual taxpayer ID: / /
Applicant’s E-mail address (optional): ______________________________________________________
SECTION 2: I am applying for exemption as a (You must check only one box in this section):
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ($50 FEE REQUIRED)
Officer of a Corporation (Title): __ -OR- Member of a Limited Liability Company (LLC)
NON-CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY(NO FEE REQUIRED)
Officer of a Corporation (Title): ) The Division will accept a money order, a cashier’s check, or an electronic payment made payable to the DFS WC Administration Trust Fund. An officer electing an exemption under Chapter 440, Florida Statutes is not entitled to benefits under this chapter.
SECTION 3. To be eligible for an exemption, the corporation of which you are an officer or the limited liability company of which
you are a member must be registered with the Florida Division of Corporations. For applicants applying as an officer of a corporation, you must be listed as an officer of the Corporation with the Florida Division of Corporations. List the document number (document number shown on your Annual Report) on file with the Florida Division of Corporations.
SECTION 4. This exemption application applies only to the person signing the application, the Corporation/LLC that is listed
elow, and the scope of business or trade listed: b
Name of Corporation or LLC: ____________________________________________________________FEIN: ______________ AS REGISTERED WITH THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS
Business Name: ___________________________________________________________________Phone: ( )
IF APPLICABLE – LIST FICTIOUS NAME; DOING BUSINESS AS (DBA); ALSO KNOW N AS NAME (AKA)
Business Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ INCLUDE APARTMENT OR SUITE NUMBER
City: ____________________________________________State: ________Zip: ______________County: ___________________
Scope of Business or Trade of Applicant: 1. _______________________2. _____________________ 3. _____________________
SECTION 5. List all certified or registered licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 489, F.S. held by the applicant, or the certified or
registered license numbers held by the qualifier for the corporation or LLC listed on this application of which the applicant is a corporate officer:
SECTION 6. Does the county or municipality in which your business is located require an occupational license for your business?
Yes No IF YES, A COPY OF A CURRENT OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE MUST BE ATTACHED.
SECTION 7. Are you affiliated with any corporation (including LLC) other than the corporation (including LLC) to which this
application applies? Yes No
IF YES, PLEASE LIST THE NAME(s) AND FEIN(s) OF THE AFFILIATED CORPORATION(s) OR LLC(s):
NAME: ___________________________________________________________________ FEIN: _____________________________
SECTION 8. If your corporation or LLC is engaged in the construction industry, you must provide the required proof of
wnership in the corporation or LLC. o
A. To be eligible for a construction industry exemption as an officer of a corporation, the applicant must be a shareholder, owning at least 10% of the stock of the corporation. A COPY OF A STOCK CERTIFICATE EVIDENCING THE REQUIRED OWNERSHIP MUST BE ATTACHED.
B. To be eligible for a construction industry exemption as a member of a limited liability company, the applicant must confirm ownership of at least 10% of the company. THE REQUIRED OWNERSHIP MAY BE ESTABLISHED BY PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTATION REFLECTING THE REQUIRED OWNERSHIP, OR BY
SUBMITTING A STATEMENT ATTESTING TO THE REQUIRED OWNERSHIP. THIS APPLICATION IS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO BE EXEMPT – Page 2
SECTION 9. FRAUD NOTICE
A. Any person who, knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive the department or any employer or
employee, insurance company or any other person, files a notice of election to be exempt containing any false or misleading information is guilty of a felony of the third degree.
B. Attestation of applicant - By signing below, I attest that I have read, understand and acknowledge the foregoing
notice.
_____________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT
SECTION 10. You must identify the workers’ compensation insurance carrier that covers any non-exempt employees of your
business. Carrier Name:
AFFIDAVIT OF APPLICANT: I hereby certify that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief; that this election does not exceed exemption limits for corporate officers, including any affiliated corporations as provided in §440.02 Florida Statutes.
________________________________________________________
APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE DATE SIGNED
NOTARY STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF Sworn to and subscribed before me this______ day of _______________, _________, by
Personally Known______ OR Produced Identification_____ Type of Identification Produced____________________________
NOTARY SIGNATURE _________________________________ My Commission Expires
DWC 250, NOTICE OF ELECTION TO BE EXEMPT – REVISED 10/2006
STATE USE ONLY
Effective/Issue Date: ____________________________ Expiration Date: ____________________________ Control Number: ____________________________ Postmark Date: ____________________________ Received Date: Payment Number: 4415 Metro Parkway Suite #300 Ft. Myers FL 33916 Telephone (239) 938-1840 610 E. Burgess Road Pensacola, FL 32504-6320 Telephone (850) 453-7804 3111 S. Dixie Highway Suite #123
West Palm Beach FL 33405 Telephone (561) 837-5716 1718 Main Street, Suite 201 Sarasota FL 34236 Telephone (941) 329-1120 921 N. Davis Street Building B, Suite #250 Jacksonville, FL 32209 Telephone (904) 798-5806 400 West Robinson Street Room #512, North Tower Orlando FL 32801 Telephone (407) 835-4406 or (407) 245-0896 499 Northwest 70th Avenue Suite #116 Plantation FL 33317 Telephone (954) 321-2906 1313 N. Tampa Street Suite #503 Tampa FL 33602 Telephone (813) 221-6506
Please mail or submit your completed application, application fee, and any required attachments to the district office nearest your place of business.
401 NW 2nd Avenue Suite #321, South Tower Miami FL 33128 Telephone (305) 536-0306 1111 NE 25th Avenue Suite #403 Ocala FL 34470 Telephone (352) 401-5350 TALLAHASSEE SUBMITTERS Walk-in submissions: 2012 Capital Circle SE Suite #102, Hartman Bldg. Tallahassee FL 32399-2161 Telephone (850) 413-1609 Mail in submissions:
200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee FL 32399-4228 Telephone (850) 413-1609
