Calls about adding on licenses-Do Your Research!
We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Lately, we are receiving calls about existing contractors getting cold called (not naming names) suggesting that it’s easy to add on additional licenses. They are not talking about the upgrade paths that are available from RC to BC to GC, or Air B to Air A, or the Pool categories, but that a GC can add on roofing or plumbing, etc… This is being done to either sell services or these folks have misinterpreted the applications. We don’t know, we don’t care, we just don’t want to see anyone go through the pain of studying, testing, applying and then being denied an additional license.
Recently, one of my favorite GC’s was approached and told he could get the roofing license. The GC only has limited shingle roofing experience. He could test and go to the board for an application interpretation, but he’s never worked for a roofing contractor or worked in capacity of a roofing contractor because his GC license limits him severely. When he called the DBPR, they would not tell him if he would qualify or not without him testing and submitting an application (the State will not pre-qualify you.) You spend $2-3K on books classes, testing, credit reports, fingerprints, etc… and if you are told “no” to the license, it’s really upsetting. No one wants to waste their time.
Yes, you can test and add on additional licenses if you meet the requirements, so if you’ve received one of these calls, then you need to look at application for the trade you are applying for, refer to the Statutes and Rules, and if you have any questions, get in touch with the Construction Industry Licensing Board. If you do not meet the requirements (refer to the paper application and the instructions for that application, as well as the Rules and the Statutes) before you sign up for expensive classes, books, and services. If you do not meet the requirements, your application will likely go to the CILB for Board review; you may not get the answer you want to hear.
Unfortunately, Florida is set up in a way that you have to go through the expense of having passing exam scores without the benefit of pre-qualification. You need the books for testing, but classes are optional, so buyer beware. Additionally, no one can guarantee you will get a license; only the regulating authorities can approve a licensure application.
If you need help with interpreting the statutes on contractor licensing, please contact your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, we have a few listed on our “Resources” page or send us an email and we will refer you to an attorney. At LES, we are non-attorneys, so we cannot give you legal advice.
Happy Holidays!
Robin and Bobby
