Trying to work in Hernando Co. Florida - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

MinConst · 07-06-2006, 07:55 AM

Is there anyone else here from Hernando or Pasco counties in Fl.? I could use a mentor.

I have found the licensing to be a challenge. I am picking up licenses to do things like trim work, cab installations, painting and pressure washing. 4 separate licenses. They say I cannot do anything structural. This I understand but am concerned with the

A contractors license is a long way down the road. The costs and testing seem high.

I would like to find a Plumber and an Electrician that I might be able to sub work to if and when I need them. Being use to offering a complete package this will be a challenge in pricing and such.

Thanks for any help guys and gals.

Downeast · 07-06-2006, 08:20 AM

I am not familiar with Fla contractors Lic,ut it looks like they have the nonstructural lic like they do here,easy to get,just a fee and three years proof of trades work.

Can you not just utilize what they offer build a bis on that, while you plug away at getting a GC lic ?

Funny looking at the different states,Maine you can just call your self a builder ,hang a shingle and with your first customer your in business.

I figured Fla to be like that ,but apparently not.The Mass test isn't that bad,just take a course on the code book .

How bad is it for the Fla test?

MinConst · 07-06-2006, 08:33 AM

Not sure how "bad" the test is. But I need to get to work now so I am starting with what is called Occupational licenses. These will at least keep me out of trouble while I build on the rest. I have to look further into the testing for a GC but I'm sure it will involve some book learning as I'm sure it involves more than I know.

FWConstGrp · 07-06-2006, 11:34 AM

Min,

Do you have any specific questions?

I just finished taking the FL contractors exam in February 06. I just received my license from the state. I've retained both occupational licenses that I need. The current almost 4 week fight has been trying to find General Liability insurance. It's not easy for a new General Contractor. They want to know more about you and your projected revenue than you can imagine. In the end I was quoted $5600 for the year based on my projected work.

The GC test was difficult. It's a two day test and 9 hours each day. I don't know how you could pass it without taking an exam prep course. I highly recommend www.camtechschool.com. There were test questions word-for-word on the actual exam that we went over in the study sessions. Imagine my delight in that.

I believe the course and all of the books totaled somewhere around $2500. I live in Tampa and fortunately all of the classes were close enough that I didn't have to stay in a hotel. It would be worth it though.

Good Luck.

MinConst · 07-06-2006, 05:35 PM

FW,
You have answered the main questions already. Cost and difficulty of the tests. For now I think I will stay with the Occupational licenses and see how it goes. I'm not one to complain about things but it seems a bit extreme the way this is handled. You need a license to take a p**s down here

theman · 07-06-2006, 10:54 PM

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Downeast · 07-07-2006, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MinConst

Not sure how "bad" the test is. .

Quote:

The GC test was difficult. It's a two day test and 9 hours each day

.

Thats "bad" ^