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Newbie in FL looking to get Builders license

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544 views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  dbbii2  
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#1 · (Edited)
Hello all ! I have been learning a lot reading through these threads . I have been in real estate for 23 years , did a historic land deal in Virginia , worked for builders as a community sales manager for 6 years and flipped 5 houses. I am currently trying to get my builders license. I passed the business finance exam but I’m now stuck and not sure what to do as far as the requirements. I was involved in all stages and aspects of construction with my communities construction managers but I don’t think any of my experience will count. I know done will say it Doesn’t matter but it does. I am a woman with an autoimmune condition and I am not physically strong enough or capable enough to to do the physical job requirements . But mentally I LOVE Building and mentally capable I want to become an affordable housing developer/builder. I need guidance. I’m not sure if I will ever qualify “to work as a foreman “. I’m stuck, any advice on how to get my builders license and achieve this dream with my physical limitations ?
 
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#4 ·
I guess I should do it here in the thread ? Just in case the answer will someday help others. Hi @LisaAdams , I need some strategies and a plan to get my residential builder's license in FL. I do not want to upset anyone so I'm speaking only for myself. I am a very small woman and I do not have the best health due to an autoimmune condition. However, I would like to believe there is a path for me. I have a Masters's degree, I should be able to use some of my bachelor's credits towards getting the 4 year degree in construction. Do you have any online programs to suggest? Also with the experience requirements, I am at a loss.
 
#5 ·
I'd suggest you research the Florida qualifier program. This is where you team up with a licensed contractor and work under their supervision for a fee or 20% equity in your new entity. The two of you apply to the state, the state blesses the union, and you are issued a contractor's license with your individual number. You are just as much a contractor as anyone else with the exception that you can't qualify anyone. The time you spend working under this arrangement counts towards getting your own license eventually.

Your being female could be a plus if you become part of a larger contract that requires a percentage of minority. Peruse the threads here for people offering qualifiers please.

Be sure to ignore the naysayers here and elsewhere who would attempt to convince you that contracting is some great and mysterious pursuit that should only be attempted by the experienced. Hooey. It ain't all that, believe me.

Furthermore, there is no way in hell that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is going to read a newspaper headline that an immunocompromised female was denied a contractor's license in Florida. Not happening.
 
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#6 ·
When I got my license back in 1982, I had an engineering degree and had worked as a co-op student for a GC for a year. I had almost no actual experience "swinging a hammer". Didn't really matter. The VP of the company signed the form for the State that I had 1 year of construction experience. I don't think it really defined "experience". Took the test, passed, and the State of Florida said I was qualifed to build anything.
 
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