If your idea in Florida is to start a business as a contractor, it is very important that you know that you need a permit as a contractor to be able to carry out any project.
Before you start we advise you to make some research about every requirement. You will also need to consider financing your business, finding the perfect location for your business, as zoning laws rule the operation of the business and how the property will be used, as well as understanding the requirements for business registration at the federal and state level.
A license shows that you are competent and permitted to conduct business in the city, township, or state in which the permit or license was issued. Your certification means a third party is guaranteeing your work if you fail to fulfill your obligations under a contract, which gives your clients that extra bit of security when dealing with a stranger. By having insurance, you ensure that clients are not responsible for workplace accidents.
Who Needs a Contracting Permit in Florida?
The contractor is someone who enters into a contract, submits a bid, or builds, repairs, remodels, adds, demolishes, removes, or improves a building or structure in exchange for compensation.
If you obtain a local, county, or city hiring permit, you must apply for initial state registration. You may only practice hiring in that county or city, along with any adjacent locations that accept your registration. Your license will allow you to work statewide if you pass the Florida contractor exam and apply for initial certification.
Licenses are generally issued within two weeks of the conclusion of the board meeting at which the application was approved. If you have questions about this matter just call us 1-888-926-3599.
Registered Contractor or Certified Contractor
In the case of Florida, it has two types of contractor permit: certified and registered.
Certification makes it possible for a contractor to work in any jurisdiction in the state without meeting the competency requirements of that jurisdiction if they hold a certificate of competency issued by the official department. The occupation code for certified contractors begins with the letter “C.”
An individual registered as a contractor is someone who has met the competency requirements for the jurisdiction in which they are registered. They can work only in those jurisdictions. The occupation code for registered contractors begins with the letter “R”.
How to get a license, guarantee, and insurance as a contractor
- Licenses and permits
State and local governments regulate most construction activities; licenses are usually required for electrical, plumbing, gas installation, asbestos abatement, and lead abatement. You will also need specific building permits based on where your business is located. Construction permits for reforms, or property changes also have a process you can carry out with us.
- Guarantee
The Small Business Administration guarantees surety bonds, but as with any business loan backed by this organization, you must apply for a surety bond through a surety company or guarantee agent.
- Insurance for companies
Depending on the nature of your work and whether you directly employ workers, you will need to consider various insurance options for your business. These range from general liability insurance to professional liability insurance to workers’ compensation insurance.
Building permits and your work in the field
From energy efficiency standards to workplace safety regulations to government contracting requirements, the construction industry has its own regulations.
Whether you decide to hire employees or work with independent contractors, you will need to comply with tax, social security, insurance, and other regulatory requirements.
As a licensed registered contractor you can work locally, while as a certified contractor you can take jobs anywhere in the state.
In Florida, contractors are licensed in accordance with the tasks within the project, not with their specialties.
The contractor must begin the process by registering with the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
You can have a business as a contractor in Florida with all the requirements up to date and under the law, and then come the construction permits that the projects you take on must have, for more information contact us, experts in building permits.
