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So I'm seeing all these "Qualifier" ads for Florida. So I understand that someone can "rent" out their license to another business. Quite illegal here in Virginia. What I'm not understanding is why someone that owns a construction business not have their own license instead of paying someone to use there's. The requirements for a Florida Licenses don't appear to be any more difficult than states I'm licensed in. What am I missing that is so difficult in FL?

Not being a jerk, the wife and I are considering "retiring" possibly Florida and I would possibly like to continue working as a contractor. Trying to understand the Lay of the Land.
 
No license renting in Florida big no no.
You can use a license to qualify a Co you must you must be involved.

If you want to move to FL you will need a FL Contactor license, and they do not come easy.

That's why you see the adds people looking for a qualifying contractor and vis a versa, it's a crime here to rent your license.

Contact Lisa Adams a member here and she will help
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
qualify

for a company to have a license they need to have a qualifier that person needs to have master lic. and be employed by said company, if you refer to that as renting ????? the qualifier has to be involved with company
 
Thanks all, But I still don't get it but it's all good, maybe i'm not seeing the forest thru the trees.
Almost every legal company here in VA has a state license. They have levels of class A, B and C. Class A being no limit on the monetary size of the project you, down to Class C where jobs need to be under $10K and no more in $150K sales for the year. These licenses usually belongs to an individual, usually one of the Owners but can be an employee. To get a license, the applicant needs to have a number of years in the trade, financial stability, money in the bank and pass multiple trade and business knowledge tests all based on the clasification you want, A,B orC. Specialty contractors (Plumbers. electrician) also need to obtain their trademans license in addition to contractor license.

So this Qualifier thing sounds like an individual can obtain a license and "work" for any company he choose and for as many companies he chooses. That person becomes liable for the business practices of the company he "works" for. So if I move to FL, instead of going thru the hassle of getting my own license, I can find a qualifier and put him/her on the payroll. Kind of like a silent partner?

I'm thinking the difference between FL and VA is VA has a system in place to encourage one license one company where FL is more focused on making sure someone with a license is overseeing the companies they work for.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
that is pretty close to , another way to look at it an electrical company needs a qualifier to do electrical work in florida, the qualifier can qualify more than one company but has to apply in front of electrical board to get ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, then he can qualify that company, it is same as the next one he wants to qualify, has to go in front of board and ask approval
 
"The requirements for a Florida Licenses don't appear to be any more difficult than states I'm licensed in. What am I missing that is so difficult in FL?"

My Florida Building Contractor license cost me about $1,200.00 in tuition, the books are $900.00, you'll spend about 100 unpaid hours, the test fees, an overnight or two. Better budget 5 large or so.

I don't care how much you know about construction, you aren't passing the tests without the class. The class teaches you how to look up the answers at the open-book proctored exam. (You gotta raise your hand to go pee.) You've only got so much time too.

Sunkist sold his books to me for $300.00, I wrote him a bad check:oops:, made it right, and sold them for the same.

There are stings busting people for unlicensed contracting in Florida regularly. They charge you with Worker's Compensation fraud too. I've heard your second offense is a felony.

Also, your unlicensed contract is unenforceable in Florida. You could do a perfect job and the homeowners are under no obligation to pay you. You have no lien rights. However, their contract with you is enforceable. So you are on the hook to hire a licensed contractor to complete their job.
 
Replying info to an old post as it may help those searching the topic: and also take special notice where it states "required FIRST to pass a STATE certification exam".
Only a Florida State exam - no reciprocity from other states. NONE. It says "FIRST" because yes anyone can apply for and be allowed to pay the fee to sit for the exam - AFTER passing the exam you must then meet all of the requirements which also include having a florida "CURRENTLY" licensed General Contractor vouch for you.

Florida General Contractor License Applications

"As you can see above, The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board offers two general contractor licenses. A certified general contractors license, in where you can perform general contracting work throughout the state, and a registered general contractors license where you can only perform work in a particular jurisdiction. Below is a breakdown of how to obtain both general contractors licenses in Florida.
Certified General Contractor License

The general contractor certified license is applied for as one of two applicant types: as an individual contractor or as a qualified business. Applicants for a certified Florida contractors license are required first to pass a state certification examination. Only after passing the exam may the application for licensure as a certified contractor process begin.
To apply for a certified general contractors license in Florida, the following tasks should also be completed:

Download and complete the application for the Florida State Construction Examination.
If a passing score is earned on the exam, download and complete the application packet for either an individual or for a qualified business.
Gather the following additional required documents:
A credit score report that includes a FICO approved credit score as proof of financial stability and responsibility.
Proof of education/experience
Applicants for the certified license are required to have four years of experience or a combination of college and experience.

Additional Application Requirements:

Applicants for a certified Florida contractors license must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants must undergo a background check as part of the licensing process, which includes fingerprinting. The state offers a Fingerprint FAQ page with more information on getting fingerprinted.
Applicants must be able to attest that they have secured general liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule.
Applicants must secure workers compensation insurance or be granted an exemption within 30 days of receiving their license. The state maintains a list of recommended credit reporting agencies for applicants to consult.

The completed application, required additional documentation, and appropriate fee should be sent to:
State of Florida
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Registered General Contractor License

Like the certified license, the registered license is also further divided into two applicant options: applicants may register as an individual contractor or as a qualified business. Individual contractors must first either take and pass the Florida State Construction Examination, or possess a certificate of competency from a local licensing office bearing the applicant’s name and the business entity.
To apply for a registered general contractors license in Florida, the following tasks should be completed:

Download and complete the Florida State Construction Examination application (unless a Certificate of Competency has been issued to the applicant).
If a passing score is earned on the exam, or if the applicant already possesses a Certificate of Competency, download and complete the full application packet for an individual general contractor or a qualifying business.
Gather the following additional required documents:
A credit score report that includes a FICO approved credit score as proof of financial stability and responsibility.
A copy of the Certificate of Competency issued by the local jurisdiction if taking this option over the written exam.

Additional Application Requirements:

Applicants for a general contractor registered license must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants must have a background check as part of the licensing process, which includes fingerprinting. The state offers a Fingerprint FAQ page with more information on getting fingerprinted.
Applicants must be able to attest that they have secured general liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule.
Applicants must secure workers compensation insurance or be granted an exemption within 30 days of receiving their license. The state maintains a list of recommended credit reporting agencies for applicants to consult.

The completed application and required additional documentation should be sent to:
State of Florida
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783 "
 
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