If you are a contractor and you’ve been too busy to keep up with the latest contracting news in Florida, it might help you to know that the state has made a few changes to the rules and regulations.
What are these changes, and how are they material to you?
Key revisions
Most of the modifications involve shifting authority from local to state. In particular, the following will take effect:
- Most contractors will transition from local to state registration.
- Licensing and registration will now be centralized at the state level.
- Certain certifications will now be voluntary.
This may be welcome news for contractors like you, who can potentially have an easier time working across different areas of the state. This also means local governments may no longer have the same regulatory control over the industry.
Voluntary licensure for specialty contractor categories
On July 1, 2025, the following categories shall have voluntary licensure:
- Structural work on carpentry, masonry, screen enclosures or aluminum, precast, prestressed concrete and steel.
- Marine works on seawalls, bulkheads, docks and pile driving.
- Installations on doors and windows, garage and solar heating rooftops.
- Work involving hurricane protection, plaster and lath.
Certifications for these categories are merely voluntary and not mandatory. The deadline was pushed back from July 2024 to July 2025, but it does not affect the main licensing requirements.
Implications of the new law
Overall, the recent changes in construction regulations are hoped to result in better efficiency and centralization of the industry. They also aim to make it easier for contractors to work anywhere in the state.
The effect of these changes will take time to materialize and will depend on how the state implements and enforces the new rules.
This Blog does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney licensed to practice in your state. The Blog is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship with Magaziner Law, P.A. or any of its attorneys. Any links from another site to the Blog are beyond the control of Magaziner Law, P.A. and do not convey its approval, support, or any relationship to that site or related organization.