How to “grandfather” your Registered Contractors License in Florida

Registered Contractors License In 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed a bill to extend the time period during which registered contractors license could receive a statewide, certified Florida contractor’s license through a “grandfathering” process. Here are some of the details from the bill to help you better understand what this process entails:

House Bill 897, which passed during the 2012 legislative session, was approved by Governor Rick Scott on May 4, 2012. This bill will re-open and extend the time period for contractors to request that their registered contractors license be grandfathered to a state wide certified contractor’s license. The time period requesting grandfathering of registered licenses has been extended until November 1, 2015. (FloridaContractor.com)

The application to start this process can be found on our website at www.activatemylicense.com. At Contractors Reporting Services, we will schedule a consultation with you to decide if grandfathering your registration to an active Florida contractor’s license is the best move for your career. If the answer is yes, we can help you through the application process and handle all of the follow up work to make sure that you have registered contractors license and that you have met the requirements for your Florida general contractors license.

Below are the requirements needed to “grandfather” your registration to a Florida general contractor license:

  1. Currently hold a valid state-registered license in one of the contractor categories defined in Section 489.505(2)(a)&(b), (12), (19), Florida Statutes.
  2. Have, for that category, passed a written, proctored examination that the board finds to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor under this part. For purposes of this subsection, a written, proctored examination such as that produced by the National Assessment Institute, Block and Associates, NAI/Block, Experior Assessments, Professional Testing, Inc., or Assessment Systems, Inc., shall be considered to be substantially similar the exam required to be licensed as a certified contractor. The board may not impose or make any requirements regarding the nature or content of these cited examinations.
  3. Have at least 5 years of active state-registered experience as a contractor in that contracting category, at the time of application.
  4. Have not had your contractor’s license revoked at any time, had your contractor’s license suspended within the last 5 years, or been assessed a fine in excess of $500 within the last 5 years.
  5. Be in compliance with the insurance and financial responsibility requirements in Section 489.515(1)(b), Florida Statutes

If you have any questions about how to start the application for your Florida general contractors license , please call our office today.

 

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

 

By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
As a licensed contractor in Florida, you may eventually find that your business needs to expand its scope of work. Whether you're looking to move from residential to commercial projects or increase the size of the projects you can legally take on, upgrading your contractor’s license to a higher class can be an essential step in growing your business.
By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
Obtaining a contractor's license in Florida is an essential step to legally work in the construction industry. However, the process can be complex, and many applicants make mistakes that delay or even derail their application. Whether you're a new contractor or looking to expand your business, knowing the most common pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress. In this article, we'll highlight the top mistakes to avoid when applying for your Florida contractor's license and provide tips for a smoother process.
By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
In Florida, contractors are required to be licensed to ensure that construction projects are executed safely, correctly, and in compliance with state laws. Two major regulatory bodies oversee contractor licensing in Florida: the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB). While both fall under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), their areas of focus are quite different. If you're a contractor or considering entering the construction industry in Florida, it’s crucial to understand the roles these boards play and how they affect you.
By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
A career in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) can be a good idea in Florida, as in many other parts of the United States. Florida's warm and humid climate certainly makes air conditioning a necessity, so there is a consistent demand for HVAC services. This demand can provide job security and opportunities for those working in the HVAC industry. HVAC technicians in Florida can earn a healthy income, with the potential to increase their earnings as they gain experience and expertise. And HVAC professionals who choose to start their own HVAC businesses often find this a rewarding option. Overall, a career in HVAC in Florida can be a good idea if you have a genuine interest in the field, are willing to invest in your education and training, and are prepared to adapt to changing industry trends and technologies. It can provide job stability, good earning potential, and opportunities for career growth, especially if you are committed to delivering quality service to your customers.
By Julia Bradley July 27, 2023
The demand for licensed electricians is high in Florida and expected to continue growing as new construction and infrastructure projects are undertaken. If you are considering a career as a licensed electrician, you can expect to earn a competitive salary, and have steady employment and job security. Skilled electricians are needed in various industries, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Electricians also have the flexibility to work independently, for an established company or start their own businesses which can give you more control over your work schedule, projects, and income potential. Although physical demands and challenging environments, such as cramped spaces, heights, or extreme weather conditions exist, those who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and working with electrical systems will find this profession rewarding, and you can continually expand your knowledge and expertise through ongoing training and certifications.
By Ryan Bradley April 25, 2023
Running a successful construction business requires careful planning and execution, as well as a good understanding of the industry and the market you operate in. Here are some key steps to consider when starting and growing a successful construction business.
By Ryan Bradley March 1, 2023
Get Organized in 2023: Three Construction Management Software Programs to Try
Real estate trends shows graphic of miniature house model on top of a blueprint
By crs-admin November 15, 2022
Realtor.com has recently published its housing market predictions for 2020. In the forecast, analysts looked at four areas: supply, demand, home sales, and the move to affordability. 1) Supply Low affordability and higher interest rates caused growth in the housing inventory, while higher housing prices and higher interest rates raised barriers to entry. Houses satContinue reading
Approved stamp for a contractor applying for a state license
By Sandra Brown April 17, 2022
Six steps Contractors Reporting Services can assist you in becoming a Florida contractor. #1 The Application. #2 Work Experience and State Examination: you must pass the Florida contractor license and provide educational and/or vocational experience. #3 Proof of financial stability and a high FICO score. #4 Fingerprinting and criminal background check. #5 Proof of Insurance. #6 Application fees. These steps can be difficult on your own. Call Contractors Reporting Services for more information.
IT management and cyber security for contractors
By crs-admin March 10, 2020
IT management and cybersecurity are critically important for the general contractor. Project management for the general contractor encompasses schedules, materials, services, permits, and, most importantly, people. When a cyber-attack steals client, subcontractor, and vendor account information, it hurts people.
More Posts
Share by: