UPGRADE your Florida License!
Florida law (F.S. Chapter 489.111 (2)) allows for certain state certified construction licensees to UPGRADE to another higher category in their field, provided certain conditions apply.
To upgrade a license, you must take the TECHNICAL exam in the category you are upgrading to; then go through the application process with the state (like your other license) providing all required information including work experience, credit checks, etc., but NOT having to PROVE the additional experience for the higher category. For example, a residential contractor who is upgrading to builder and otherwise qualifies (see below) would submit an application showing their 3 years of experience, one of which is supervisory, but would NOT have to prove experience doing the additional 3-story commercial or multi-family work that is allowed by a building contractor.
Here are the categories eligible to upgrade and what the qualifications are:
Certified RESIDENTIAL Contractor may upgrade to BUILDING Contractor:
Must have an active Florida certified residential license for a minimum of 3 years.
Certified RESIDENTIAL Contractor may upgrade to GENERAL Contractor:
Must have an active Florida certified residential license for a minimum of 4 years.
Certified BUILDING Contractor may upgrade to GENERAL Contractor:
Must have an active Florida certified building contractor license for a minimum of 4 years.
Certified A/C Class B Contractor may upgrade to A/C Class A:
Must have an active Florida A/C class B license for a minimum of 1 year.
Certified Swimming POOL SERVICING Contractor may upgrade to RESIDENTIAL POOL Contractor:
Must have an active Florida certified pool service license for a minimum of 3 years.
Certified Swimming POOL SERVICING Contractor may upgrade to COMMERCIAL POOL Contractor:
Must have an active Florida certified pool service license for a minimum of 4 years.
Certified RESIDENTIAL POOL Contractor may update to COMMERCIAL POOL Contractor:
Must have an active Florida certified residential pool license for a minimum of 1 year.
There are many rules governing this action, so call our office with your situation or email support@contractorsinstitute.com. 1-877-LICENSE (542-3673).