1. The Florida Legislature regulates the construction industry in Florida to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.
2. Construction work must be performed by licensed contractors, unless exempt under 489.103, Florida Statutes.
3. To obtain initial licensure for construction work in Florida, applicants must demonstrate knowledge, skill, experience, good moral character, and financial stability.
4. Senate Bill 184, signed by Governor Rick Scott, added section 489.1131, Florida Statutes, allowing honorably discharged veterans to use their active military experience for construction licensure in Florida.
5. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) will provide a veteran-specific application and accept up to 3 years of active duty service in the United States Armed Forces to meet experience requirements.
6. At least 1 additional year of active experience as a foreman in the trade, either civilian or military, is required to fulfill the experience requirement.
7. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) has the authority to adopt rules to implement these requirements. – 500 applicants identified themselves as veterans.
– 400 veterans had their license application approved.
– 100 veterans had their license application denied, reasons for denial included lack of experience or education.
– Data showed that application processing times for veterans were longer than non-veterans.
– Recommendations were made to improve the department’s ability to support veterans in meeting licensure requirements.
https://www.jimersonfirm.com/blog/2016/08/florida-accepting-active-duty-military-experience-granting-construction-licensure/
Leave a Reply