March 2024 Licensing Update

As we get close to the end of the year’s first quarter, we want to bring you news of developments you may not have heard about, but which are important for you to know.

License Renewal Deadline Is Coming Up!

It’s not too soon to begin the renewal process for your Florida State Certified Contractor license(s). Both Electrical and Construction board licenses (all categories) renew August 31, 2024. Keeping your license current and up to date is essential to guaranteeing the continuation of your work as a contractor. In order to prevent fines or license revocation, the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and the Electrical Contractor Licensing Board (ECLB) requires state certified contractors to renew their licenses every two years. Certified contractors renew on even-numbered years (e.g., 2022, 2024, 2026) and registered contractors renew on odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025, 2027).

You will receive your Florida renewal notice via United States Postal Service mail delivery sometime between June and July 2024. Once you receive this renewal notice you can pay either by:

  1. check
  2. online portal through “Manage Your Account”
  3. by phone by calling the DBPR direct to pay over the phone

NOTE: YOU CANNOT PAY BEFORE THE RENEWAL WINDOW HAS BEEN OPENED.

Or better yet, let API Processing handle the entire renewal process for you. API Processing has been in the licensing business for three decades. We know every intricacy about the licensing renewal process no matter whether you reside in Florida or only do business here. Click here to get your license renewed with assurances it’s done the right way!

Continuing Education Mandated for Construction Contractor License Renewal

One of the requirements for renewal is completing a board-approved continuing education class.

You will need to finish your required continuing education before the August 31, 2024, deadline for renewal. This requirement keeps you competitive and abreast of industry developments. *Each 14-hour study package must meet CILB’s mandatory 7 hours of required credits plus 7 hours of general credit.

These 14 hours need to include one hour on each of the following topics:

  • workplace safety
  • business practices
  • workers’ compensation
  • Florida laws and regulations
  • false alarm prevention (relates to specific contractors).

If you’re a building or general contractor, the DBPR also requires that you take one hour on wind mitigation. Additional hours will correspond with your contracted work area; after all, continuing education entails being current in your field.

You should be aware, though, that standards vary based on how long you’ve had your license. There’s no requirement for CE if you’ve had the license for less than a year. You will require seven hours if you have held your license for more than a year but less than two years.

For your hours to count toward renewal, you need to complete them with a DBPR-approved education provider. API Processing’s board-certified CE courses meet all DBPR requirements. API Processing, a Licensed Florida Education Provider, is certified by the Construction Industry Licensing Board to offer the course you need.

State Certified Construction Contractors require 14 hours of continuing education

  • Division I – General, Building, Residential and Roofing require 14 hours with wind*
  • Division II – All other licenses require 14 hours without wind*

Click Here to Enroll in Continuing Education Courses

If you work or live outside the State of Florida but would like to renew your Florida contractors license, you do not need to travel to Florida. You can meet all the requirements and get a renewal license within the comfort of your state.

Renewal Deadline Same for Florida-based Electrical Contractors

Electricians in Florida also need to renew their licenses by Aug. 31, 2024. If you are a Certified Electrical Contractor, you must take 11 hours of board-approved CE for your license renewal. The CE course will cover technical, Florida Building Code Advanced Module Course, workers’ compensation, workplace safety, business practices, Florida Laws & Rules. In addition, 2 hours of false Alarm Prevention is required for all Certified Electrical Contractors who perform alarm work.

If you are a Certified and Registered Alarm Contractor, you will need to take 7 hours of Continuing Education that covers Florida Building Code, workers’ compensation, workplace safety, business practices, Florida Laws & Rules, and false alarm prevention.

State Certified Unlimited, Low Voltage and specialty contractors also require continuing education.

  • Unlimited Electrical – 11 hours
  • Alarm I and Alarm II contractors – 7 hours including 2 alarm CEs
  • Limited Energy and Specialty licenses – 7 hours
  • Click here to Enroll with Mike Holt

Whether you are a construction or electrical contractor, API Processing can walk you through the renewal process with advice and reminders so you’re ensured a smooth renewal procedure. Click here for help!

Filing Deadline for Florida Annual Reports Is May 4 to Avoid $400 Penalty

If you are a Florida-based business owner, May 1st should be a significant date on your calendar each year. That’s when the Florida Annual Report must be filed. If you miss this deadline, you will have to pay a hefty $400 penalty. Failing to file could result in the dissolution of your company license.

The Florida annual report is a document your business needs to file to the state each year to confirm or update your business information and allow you to continue to transact business in Florida. This includes management or membership information, your company’s principal office address and mailing address, and information about your Florida registered agent. This document is filed with the Department of State and is kept in the Division of Corporations’ records

Any profit corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership or limited liability limited partnership annual report filing will have until 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday May 1, 2024, before a $400 late fee is assessed.

How Much Does the Florida Annual Report Cost to File?

The cost depends on the structure of your business. Costs associated with the more popular business structures are:

  • Profit corporation: $150
  • Non-profit corporation: $61.25
  • Limited liability company: $138.75
  • Limited partnership or limited liability limited partnership: $500

There’s So Much to Do! I Need Help!

API Processing, with over 30 years in all categories in the construction and electrical licensing industries, manages every aspect of the licensing process for you from start to finish. No matter what your situation is – whether you need assistance with license renewals, file annual reports, act as your registered agent or complete your CE requirement, API can assist. As a full-service firm, API Processing guarantees service until your goal is accomplished.

To view the extensive range of construction licensing services that API Processing can help you with, see below:

  • For API’s CILB continuing education, click here.
  • For API’s ECLB continuing education, click here.