Qualifications for Certification:

In the case of applicants for certification in the general or building contractor categories, the phrases “active experience” shall be defined to mean commercial construction experience involving construction, erection, alteration, or modification of buildings and structures in a Habitable Building.

An applicant for certification in the General contractor classification must submit proof that the applicant possesses at least one year of commercial experience in the construction of structures not less than four stories in height.

Commercial experience must be in four or more of the following structural elements:

1. Foundations or Slabs in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

2. Masonry walls.

3. Steel erection.

4. Elevated slabs.

5. Column erection.

6. Formwork for structural reinforced concrete.

Certified General Contractor - CGC, Division 1

A general contractor shall be responsible for any construction or alteration of a structural component of a building or structure, and any certified general contractor may perform clearing and grubbing, grading, excavation, and other site work for any construction project in the state.

A general contractor shall not be required to subcontract the installation, or repair made under warranty, of wood shingles, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing materials on a new building of his or her own construction.

A general contractor shall not be required to subcontract structural swimming pool work. All other swimming pool work shall be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed certified or registered swimming pool contractor.

A general contractor shall not be required to subcontract the construction of a main sanitary sewer collection system, storm collection system, or water distribution system, not including the continuation of utility lines from the mains to the buildings, and may perform any of the services, on public or private property, for which a license as an underground utility and excavation contractor is required under this part.

Qualifications for Certification:

In the case of applicants for certification in the general or building contractor categories, the phrases “active experience” shall be defined to mean commercial construction experience involving construction, erection, alteration, or modification of buildings and structures in a Habitable Building.

Commercial experience must be in four or more of the following areas:

1. Foundations or Slabs in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

2. Masonry walls.

3. Steel erection.

4. Elevated slabs.

5. Column erection.

6. Formwork for structural reinforced concrete.

Certified Building Contractor, CBC (Division 1)

A contractor whose services are limited to construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, which do not exceed three stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection therewith or a contractor whose services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building if the services do not affect the structural members of the building.

A building contractor shall be responsible for any construction or alteration of a structural component of a building or structure. Any certified building contractor may perform clearing and grubbing, grading, excavation, and other site work for any construction project in this state, limited to the lot on which any specific building is located.

A building contractor shall not be required to subcontract the installation, or repair made under warranty, of wood shingles, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing materials on a new building of his or her own construction.

Qualification for Certification:

In the case of applicants for certification in the Residential Contractor (CRC) category shall have construction experience involving construction, alteration, enlargement, or repair of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress.

Experience must be in three or more of the following areas:

(a) Foundation/Slabs/Structural Formwork.

(b) Masonry walls.

(c) Structural Demolition.

(d) Structural wood framing (including trusses and excluding platform framing).

(e) Column erection.

Certified Residential Contractor, CRC (Division 1)

A contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences not exceeding two habitable stories above no more than one uninhabitable story and accessory use structures in connection therewith.

A residential contractor shall be responsible for any construction or alteration of a structural component of a building or structure. Any certified residential contractor may perform clearing and grubbing, grading, excavation, and other site work for any construction project in this state, limited to the lot on which any specific building is located.

A residential contractor shall not be required to subcontract the installation, or repair made under warranty, of wood shingles, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing materials on a new building of his or her own construction.

A contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof. The scope of work of a roofing contractor also includes skylights and any related work, required roof-deck attachments, and any repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair or replacement and any related work.

A contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system if such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, and pneumatic control piping; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. The scope of work for such contractor also includes any excavation work incidental thereto, but does not include any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, except for disconnecting or reconnecting changeouts of liquefied petroleum or natural gas appliances within buildings; potable water lines or connections thereto; sanitary sewer lines; swimming pool piping and filters; or electrical power wiring. A Class A air conditioning contractor may test and evaluate central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services.

A contractor whose services are limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 Btu of heating in any one system in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system being installed under this classification, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping and insulation of pipes, vessels, and ducts; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. The scope of work for such contractor also includes any excavation work incidental thereto, but does not include any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, except for disconnecting or reconnecting changeouts of liquefied petroleum or natural gas appliances within buildings; potable water lines or connections thereto; sanitary sewer lines; swimming pool piping and filters; or electrical power wiring. A Class B air-conditioning contractor may test and evaluate central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services.

a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system if such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, lift station equipment and piping, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, pneumatic control piping, gasoline tanks and pump installations and piping for same, standpipes, air piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen lines, nitrous oxide piping, ink and chemical lines, fuel transmission lines, liquefied petroleum gas lines within buildings, and natural gas fuel lines within buildings; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. The scope of work for such contractor also includes any excavation work incidental thereto, but does not include any work such as potable water lines or connections thereto, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring. A mechanical contractor may test and evaluate central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services.

A contractor whose services are limited to the construction, installation, and repair, on public or private property, whether accomplished through open excavations or through other means, including, but not limited to, directional drilling, auger boring, jacking and boring, trenchless technologies, wet and dry taps, grouting, and slip lining, of main sanitary

sewer collection systems, main water distribution systems, storm sewer collection systems, and the continuation of utility lines from the main systems to a point of termination up to and including the meter location for the individual occupancy, sewer collection systems at property line on residential or single occupancy commercial properties, or on multioccupancy properties at manhole or wye lateral extended to an invert elevation as engineered to accommodate future building sewers, water distribution systems, or storm sewer collection systems at storm sewer structures. However, an underground utility and excavation contractor may install empty underground conduits in rights-of-way, easements, platted rights-of-way in new site development, and sleeves for parking lot crossings no smaller than 2 inches in diameter if each conduit system installed is designed by a licensed professional engineer or an authorized employee of a municipality, county, or public utility and the installation of such conduit does not include installation of any conductor wiring or connection to an energized electrical system. An underground utility and excavation contractor may not install piping that is an integral part of a fire protection system as defined in s. 633.102 beginning at the point where the piping is used exclusively for such system.

A contractor whose services are unlimited in the plumbing trade and includes contracting business consisting of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design plumbing. A plumbing contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design the following without obtaining an additional local regulatory license, certificate, or registration: sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, water and sewer plants and substations, venting systems, public or private water supply systems, septic tanks, drainage and supply wells, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems, and solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and related venting, and storm and sanitary sewer lines. The scope of work of the plumbing contractor also includes the design, if not prohibited by law, and installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of air-piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems; fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers if authorized by law; ink and chemical lines; fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants; and pneumatic control piping systems, all in a manner that complies with all plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations applicable. The scope of work of the plumbing

contractor applies to private property and public property, including any excavation work incidental thereto, and includes the work of the specialty plumbing contractor. Such contractor shall subcontract, with a qualified contractor in the field concerned, all other work incidental to the work but which is specified as being the work of a trade other than that of a plumbing contractor. This definition does not limit the scope of work of any specialty contractor certified pursuant to s. 489.113(6) and does not require certification or registration under this part as a category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer, or category V LP gas installer, as defined in s. 527.01, who is licensed under chapter 527 or an authorized employee of a public natural gas utility or of a private natural gas utility regulated by the Public Service Commission when disconnecting and reconnecting water lines in the servicing or replacement of an existing water heater. A plumbing contractor may perform drain cleaning and clearing and install or repair rainwater catchment systems; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services.

A contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public, private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the installation, repair, or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment.

A contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of a residential swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the installation, repair, or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of

equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment.

A contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the repair and servicing of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public or private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the repair or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation or

addition of pool heaters, the repair or replacement of all perimeter piping and filter piping, the repair of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and the substantial or complete draining of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, for the purpose of repair or renovation. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment.

A contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill necessary for the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design, if not prohibited by law, of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge and of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass, used in lieu thereof and of air-handling systems, including the setting of air-handling equipment and reinforcement of same, the balancing of air-handling systems, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system.

A contractor whose services consist of the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, relocation, or replacement of solar panels for potable solar water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, whether public, private, or otherwise, regardless of use. A contractor, certified or registered pursuant to this chapter, is not required to become a certified or registered solar contractor or to contract with a solar contractor in order to provide services enumerated in this paragraph that are within the scope of the services such contractors may render under this part.

FAC 61G4-15.021 Certification of Solar Contractors.

(1) Scope of Rule. The purpose of this rule is to provide for the certification of solar contractors.

(2) Definition.

(a) Solar Contractor. A solar contractor is a contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge and skill to install, alter, repair, maintain, relocate, or replace solar panels for potable solar water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith. Such contractor shall subcontract with a qualified contractor in the field concerned all other work which is specified herein as being the work of a trade other than that of a solar contractor. The scope of work of the solar contractor shall apply to private and public property, and shall include all work incidental thereto as specified in subsection (3).

(b) Residential. For purposes of this section the term residential refers to systems installed in connection with one family, two family, or three family residences not exceeding two stories in height.

(3) Minor work incidental to the installation of residential solar energy equipment. The following work incidental to the installation of residential solar equipment shall be considered to be within the scope of work of a solar contractor. Unless otherwise indicated, the solar contractor shall be permitted to perform such work without subcontracting to a

trade other than that of a solar contractor. (a) Electrical work. The branch circuit supplying the electric water heater, the receptacle outlet for a cord-and-plugconnected solar controller, the swimming pool pump motor, and the premises wiring on the load side of the premises service disconnecting means shall be in accordance with the National Electric Code. If installation, alteration, removal, replacement, or upgrading of this circuit is necessary, the work shall be performed by licensed electrical contractors only.

(b) Solar Water Heating Systems. Solar contractors may disconnect and reconnect the existing branch circuit wiring at the water heater. Solar contractors may install new or replace existing control attached to a cord-and-plug-connected solar controller. For a photovoltaic pump controller, solar contractors may install new or replace existing direct current power wiring between the photovoltaic panel and the pump motor. All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code.

(c) Solar Pool Heating Systems. Solar contractors may install new or replace existing power wiring on the load side of an existing pump motor disconnect. Solar contractors may also install new or replace existing control wiring connected to a solar pool controller. All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code.

(d) Solar photovoltaic systems. Solar contractors may install new or replace existing power and control wiring in photovoltaic (PV) source circuits, PV output circuits, battery storage system circuits, and power conditioning unit. In an interactive system that operates parallel with a primary source of electrical energy, this work is limited to the PV supply side of the power conditioning unit. In a stand-alone, or non-grid connected system, the work above-referenced shall be limited to the PV supply side of the power conditioning unit and shall not include wiring integral to the building premises. All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code.

(e) Plumbing. The solar contractor shall perform all work required for the installation of a domestic solar water heating system and solar pool heating system, including connecting the solar hot water system to the existing cold water supply and hot water lines at the existing domestic water heater location. Such work shall be performed in accordance with applicable codes and standards.

(f) Roofing. Solar contractors may perform roofing work directly related to the installation of a domestic solar water heating system, solar pool heating system, or photovoltaic system, including cutting roof openings and penetrations, installing flashings, attaching equipment mounting brackets and solar panels. Such work shall be limited to an area within 18 inches of each roof penetration or attachment and shall be performed in accordance with National Roofing Contractors Association roofing practices.

"Contractor" means the person who is qualified for, and is only responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others; and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the paragraphs of this subsection. For the purposes of regulation under this part, the term “demolish” applies only to demolition of steel tanks more than 50 feet in height; towers more than 50 feet in height; other structures more than 50 feet in height; and all buildings or residences. Contractors are subdivided into two divisions, Division I, consisting of those contractors defined in paragraphs (a)-(c), and Division II, consisting of those contractors defined in paragraphs (d)-(q):

"Certified Contractor" means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction.

"Specialty Contractor" means a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is limited to a particular phase of construction established in a category adopted by board rule and whose scope is limited to a subset of the activities described in one of the paragraphs of this subsection.

489.113 Qualifications for Practice; Restrictions.—

(3) A contractor shall subcontract all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming pool, and air-conditioning work, unless such contractor holds a state certificate or registration in the respective trade category.

"Contracting" means, except as exempted in this part, engaging in business as a contractor and includes, but is not limited to, performance of any of the acts as set forth in subsection (3) which define types of contractors. The attempted sale of contracting services and the negotiation or bid for a contract on these services also constitutes contracting. If the services offered require licensure or agent qualification, the offering, negotiation for a bid, or attempted sale of these services requires the corresponding licensure. However, the term “contracting” shall not extend to an individual, partnership, corporation, trust, or other legal entity that offers to sell or sells completed residences on property on which the individual or business entity has any legal or equitable interest, or to the individual or business entity that offers to sell or sells manufactured or factory-built buildings that will be completed on site on property on which either party to a contract has any legal or equitable interest, if the services of a qualified contractor certified or registered pursuant to the requirements of this chapter have been or will be retained for the purpose of constructing or completing such residences.

Professional Responsibility - Liability

In a business entity with one qualifying agent, the qualifying agent is responsible for supervision of all operations of the business, for all field work at all sites, and, unless a financially responsible officer is designated, for financial matters of the organization and for each specific job.

Primary Qualifying Agent

Means a person who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility, to supervise, direct, manage, and control the contracting activities of the business organization with which he or she is connected; who has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control construction activities on a job for which he or she has obtained the building permit; and whose technical and personal qualifications have been determined by investigation and examination as provided in this part, as attested by the department.

Secondary Qualifying Agent

Means a person who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control construction activities on a job for which he or she has obtained a permit, and whose technical and personal qualifications have been determined by investigation and examination as provided in this part, as attested by the department.

If you do not have final approval authority on all business matters for the business organization, it may be in your best interest to appoint a Financially Responsible Officer. The appointment of a Financially Responsible Officer relieves the primary qualifying agent from financial responsibility, but the primary qualifying agent is still responsible for all construction-related matters.

Definition: "Financially responsible officer means a person other than the primary qualifying agent who with the approval of the Board assumes personal responsibility for all financial aspects of the business organization."

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The following is from the Florida Contractors Manual:

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Q. What are the responsibilities of the "financially responsible officer" (FRO)?

A. The financially responsible officer's approval is required for all checks, drafts or payments,

regardless of the form of payment, made by the entity, and the financially responsible officer assumes personal responsibility for all financial aspects of the business organization and may not be designated as the primary qualifying agent.

Q. If the company has a financially responsible officer, what are the responsibilities of the primary qualifying agent?

A. The primary qualifying agent is responsible for all construction activities of the business organization, both in general and for each specific job.

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FAC 61G4-15.0021 Business Organizations

(2) If the business organization has a financially responsible officer, the financially responsible officer shall comply with the requirement of subsection 61G4-15.006(1), F.A.C., and shall provide to the Department a bond or irrevocable letter of credit, in the amount of $100,000 payable to the Board for fines and costs.

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A business entity may designate a financially responsible officer (FRO) for purposes of certification or registration, subject to approval by the licensing board. A financially responsible officer assumes personal responsibility for all financial aspects of the business, and may not be designated as the primary qualifying agent. Where a business entity has designated a financially responsible officer, the primary qualifying agent is responsible for all construction activities of the business, both in general and for each job.

A FRO application is a separate application with its own requirements and fees. The FRO application is not included with the Qualifying Agents application cost.