Builders - Contractors:

In general the term "contractor" means the person who is qualified for and shall only be responsible for the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others; and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the subsequent paragraphs of this subsection. For the purposes of regulation under this part, "demolish" applies only to demolition of steel tanks over 50 feet in height; towers over 50 feet in height; other structures over 50 feet in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences over three stories tall.

A "certified contractor" means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "C".

A "registered contractor" means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "R".

A "swimming pool specialty contractor" means a sub-contractor whose scope of work is limited to the scope of work of their particular specialty license. Swimming pool specialty contractor licenses may be issued in the areas of layout, structural, excavation, trim, decking, piping, and finishes. Swimming pool specialty contractors may not contract directly with the public, and must work under contract, under the supervision, and within the scope of work of a contractor licensed pursuant to Sections 489.105(3)(j) – (l), Florida Statutes.

What are the statutes and rules that govern Construction Contractors? Chapter 489, Part I of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 61G4 of the Florida Administrative Code. 

General Contractor means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do.

Building Contractors (Builder) may construct commercial buildings, single-dwelling, or multiple-dwelling residential buildings. These buildings cannot exceed three stories in height. A building contractor may also construct the "accessory use structures" in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure is a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding. A building contractor's services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building without affecting the structural elements of the building.

Residential Contractors may construct, remodel, repair, or improve one-family, two-family, or three-family residences that are not more than two stories and also the "accessory use structures," such as a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding.

Work exempt from permit:

Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code. Permits shall not be required for the following:

1. Gas:
   1. Portable heating appliance.
   2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
2. Mechanical:
   1. Portable heating appliance.
   2. Portable ventilation equipment.
   3. Portable cooling unit.
   4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
   5. Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
   6. Portable evaporative cooler.
   7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
   8. The installation, replacement, removal or metering of any load management control device.
   9. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
3. Plumbing:
   1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
   2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

All references are made to the Florida Building Code. Be sure to verify with the Building Department before you undertake any work on your project, since the Florida Building Code is modified from time to time. This information is provided as a guide only, and is taken from the Florida Building Code.

Access to the Building Departments and Building Codes for All 50 States are Available in the Building Code and Building Department Sections.