Your Guide to New Florida Specialty License Categories

Florida Contractor Licensing - API Processing

At API Processing, we are committed to helping contractors navigate the licensing process with ease and expertise in Florida. With the recent introduction of new certified specialty license categories by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), there are now even more opportunities for contractors to showcase their skills and commitment to quality work. This initiative, rooted in House Bill 1383 (2023) and extended by Senate Bill 1142 (2024), was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on May 29, 2024, and provides a clear path for contractors to gain recognition in specialized areas.

These specialty licenses are voluntary, but they offer contractors a way to enhance their credentials and stand out in Florida’s competitive construction industry.

New Voluntary Specialty License Categories

Starting June 20, 2024, contractors can apply for state licensure in the following 13 new specialty areas:

  1. Structural Aluminum or Screen Enclosures Specialty Contractor
  2. Marine Seawall Work Specialty Contractor
  3. Marine Bulkhead Work Specialty Contractor
  4. Marine Dock Work Specialty Contractor
  5. Marine Pile Driving Specialty Contractor
  6. Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor
  7. Structural Prestressed, Precast Concrete Work Specialty Contractor
  8. Rooftop Solar Heating Installation Specialty Contractor
  9. Structural Steel Work Specialty Contractor
  10. Window and Door Installation Specialty Contractor
  11. Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor
  12. Plaster and Lath Specialty Contractor
  13. Structural Carpentry Specialty Contractor

These categories reflect a wide range of construction specialties, acknowledging the intricate skills required for each type of work. By obtaining these certifications, contractors demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality.

How API Processing can help

At API Processing, we can assist you in every step of this new licensing process. Whether you are applying for a specialty license for the first time or seeking an exemption based on your local credentials, we’ll help ensure your application is handled quickly and accurately. Our services include:

  • Application Preparation and Submission: We handle all the paperwork for you, ensuring your application meets state requirements and is submitted on time.
  • Guidance on Exam Exemptions: If you hold a local competency card, we can guide you through the exam exemption process, helping you gather the necessary documentation to qualify.
  • Exam Prep Assistance: For contractors who need to take the state exam, we provide information and resources to help you prepare, so you can pass with confidence.

Examination Exemption Requirements

If you already hold a local competency card, you may qualify for state licensure without taking a new exam, provided you meet the following criteria:

  1. Valid Local Competency Card: You must have held a valid local competency card in the desired license category as of June 30, 2021.
  2. Discipline-Free Record: Your local competency card must not have been subject to any disciplinary action in the last five years and must not have any pending actions.
  3. Equivalent Examination: You must have passed a written exam considered equivalent to the state exam for the specialty license. (See Rule 61G4-16.009(5)(c), F.A.C.)

If you meet these criteria, API Processing can help you apply for state licensure using the exam exemption method, making the transition to state certification smooth and efficient.

Upcoming State Examinations

For those who don’t qualify for the exam exemption, the state examinations for the new specialty licenses will be available after August 1, 2024. We recommend checking the Department’s website regularly for updates on exam availability. API Processing, in partnership with 1 Exam Prep, can assist you in obtaining the necessary books and materials to prepare for these open-book exams.

Next Steps

The introduction of these new specialty licenses offers a tremendous opportunity for contractors to advance their careers and contribute to the growth of Florida’s construction industry. By certifying specialized skills, the CILB is raising the bar for quality, safety, and professionalism. API Processing is here to help you take full advantage of these new licensing opportunities, from application to exam preparation, ensuring you meet all requirements and can focus on what you do best—building Florida’s future.

Let us simplify your licensing journey—reach out to API Processing today for for Florida Contractor Licensing.