In Florida, there is no such thing as a pool cleaning license; rather, pool cleaners must acquire a general contractor license in order to run their business. This license, which must be renewed every two years, guarantees that the holder is qualified to conduct business lawfully within the state.
The Florida general contractor license is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The certification exam is one of the requirements listed by the aforementioned agency. The secretary of state’s office can help pool cleaners find Florida licensing organizations, or they can visit the county clerk’s office to obtain the required licenses and permits.
Please note that in addition to obtaining a license, the state will also require you to register your pool cleaning business. Keep in mind that you should always abide by the legal obligations set by the agency, regardless of whether you are acting as an independent contractor or not. Since each county has its unique set of rules, you should also confirm the municipal requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a Florida Pool Cleaning License?
The cost of obtaining a Florida Contractor License will depend largely on whether the application would be for state certification or registration, as well as the date it is forwarded. Certified contractors will be expected to pay the following licensing fees:
- When you apply between May 1 of an even year and August 31 of an odd year, the fee is $249.
- When you send in your application around September 1 of an odd year and April 30 of an even year, the fee is $149.
The following are also the application fees for registered contractors:
- When you apply around May 1 of an odd year and August 31 of an even year, the fee is $309.
- When you send in your application around September 1 of an even year and April 30 of an odd year, the fee is $209.
What are the Requirements for Florida General Contractor’s/Pool Cleaning License?
Table of Contents
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old or older.
Pool Cleaning Examination
The Business and Finance and Service Pool tests, as well as the certification exams for pools and spas, must be passed by everyone who seeks to obtain a pool cleaning license (general contractor’s license) in Florida. You can start the application procedure after you have successfully completed the tests.
Education/Experience
- At least 60 hours of pool and spa instruction must be completed in class. Courses must be approved by the board. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of one full year of documented experience working as a pool and spa contractor.
- Two years of experience working in a pool or spa, one year of experience working as a foreman, and one year of credits earned directly from approved colleges
- Four years of pool and spa industry experience, of which one year must be spent working as a foreman.
- One year as a foreman, one year as an experienced pool or service worker, and two years of credits earned directly from authorized colleges.
- Three years of college-level coursework and one year of pool or service work experience
- A four-year approved college degree and one year of pool or service job experience.
Steps to Apply for Florida Pool Cleaning License (General Contractor’s Occupational License)
As was previously mentioned, in order to offer your pool cleaning services, you need to obtain a general contractor’s occupational license. It should be noted that the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, a key component of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, will conduct the licensing process. The steps include;
Apply for both the Contractor License examination and the Business and Finance Exam
You must sign up with Professional Testing Inc. for both examinations (PTI). You can do so by calling 407-264-0562 or applying online at floridaexam.com.
It is important to be aware of the differences between residential, commercial, and renovation projects, as well as the more specialized “Division II” permits applicable to certain materials and types of repair (sheet metal, plumbing), which have nothing to do with pool cleaning.
Pay Exam Fees
According to estimates, the exam costs $215 in total. Not to mention the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) fee, which is $135. You can make a single payment of $215 using a credit or debit card.
You can make the first check for $135 payable to “Professional Testing Inc.” and the second check for $135 to “Department of Business and Professional Regulation” if you choose to pay by check. Please be aware that both checks may be sent to PTI, who will then send the $80 check to the DBPR.
Notify Pearson VUE
You also should notify Pearson VUE once you have obtained approval to take the exam. It is significant to mention that you will obtain approval by mail after applying for the contractor portion of the exam.
Prepare for Both Exams
It is critical that you prepare thoroughly for both exams. Individuals can get self-study resources from the DBPR website, which will almost certainly incorporate pool cleaning materials. Individuals can also bring secondary sources into the examination room during the exam.
Pass the Exams
It is mandatory to pass both these exams:
Exams for Pool Service – The 60-question pool servicing test covers plumbing work, maintenance and service, interior finishing and surface preparation, accessory work, trim and coping work, and safety measures.
Finance and Business Exam – The exam for business and finance comprises 60 questions and should be finished in around three and a half hours. This test covers a variety of topics, such as adhering to legal requirements, handling HR obligations, handling accounting tasks, handling trade, handling administrative tasks, and establishing a contracting business.
Request Your Authentic License
After passing your standardized tests, you must apply to the DBPR for your actual license. Myflorida.com/dbpr has a request form that you can download.
From May 1 of any even year to August 31 of any odd year, you should include a $249 fee with your license application. This service charge will increase to $149 from September 1st of any odd year to April 30th of any even year. This license is renewed biannually.
In Conclusion,
In Florida, you cannot clean pools for commercial purposes if you don’t have the right permits and licenses. The fact that there is no specific license for pool cleaners is not an excuse. Just make sure you visit the local authority to find out all you need to legally operate your pool cleaning business in Florida.