Top 5 Requirements for Working in Construction in Wellington, Florida

Florida is a hot market for contractors: construction was up by 30% statewide last year, while it was only up 13% on the national level. This is due to a huge population surge, fueled by remote workers and retirees seeking to frolic in the sunshine.

Those who are mechanically minded will find job stability, good benefits, and steady pay in construction, especially as the field is not seasonal as it is in more northern climates. However, careful research is required, as requirements to work in construction vary by state: what is acceptable in neighboring Georgia may not be the same in Florida. Today, we will delve into the five key requirements to work in construction in Wellington, Florida, and throughout the state. 

Apprenticeship

Before taking the licensing exam, candidates must show at least four years of experience, whether in the classroom or in the field. It’s important to note that having a four-year construction degree from a university only counts as three years of experience; the last year of experience must be hands-on fieldwork. If you have all hands-on experience, then at least one of those years must be as a foreman.  

The plus side of all this time studying is that it well help you solidify what your plans are when you start to work in construction. For example, you may find that you love doing kitchen remodels, or you might become fascinated with the intriguing intricacies that come with building a new home in a unique geographic area. 

Insurance

Every Florida construction contractor must have both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. The policy needs to be purchased before you can sit for your exam. At this time, you will also have to undergo a background check and prove that you are financially stable enough to bid on projects. 

Licensing Exam

Florida, unlike states like Alaska and Indiana, requires you to complete a licensing exam. You must have a license before bidding on any work, no matter its size; this differs from other states, where only projects above a certain dollar amount require a license. For example, in Hawaii, you can complete any project that costs less than $1,000 without having a license as long as it does not involve electrical or plumbing work. 

This exam consists of two parts: a business and finance exam, as well as one that is specialized for your given field. There are different exams for general contractors, residential contractors, and commercial contractors, as well as one for continuing education when you need to renew your license. 

Both tests are open-book, but this does not mean that they are easy. The Business and Finance section takes approximately six and a half hours to complete, while the Trade Knowledge section is a five-hour exam. As the exam is over $145 and takes many hours to complete, most applicants choose to take an exam prep course that tests their knowledge and ensures that they will succeed. 

Continuing Education

Some states have no continuing education requirements, but Florida requires that you complete at least 14 hours of continuing education per license period, which is 2 years. While some may choose to complete these continuing education credits one at a time, such as by attending conferences, many decide to undertake a Florida contractor continuing education course, which will provide all 14 hours in one course. 

The topics covered include business practices, laws, safety, and wind mitigation. This last aspect is a critical consideration for Wellington, Florida, which is at extreme risk for high winds. In fact, 100% of all homes in Wellington are at risk of wind damage, making awareness of mitigation tactics a must-have for any contractor. 

Local Trade Certificate

The level of your license differs greatly from state to state. Some places, like Illinois and Colorado, have licenses at the city or county level rather than the state level; others only have a state-level license.

Florida is unique in that there is a state-level contractor license, but also county-level certification. This means that, for example, if you want to work as an electrician in Wellington, you will need to have a Certificate of Competency from Palm Beach County. Thankfully, this does not require you to take another licensing exam.

There is a wide range of specialty trades that will require a Certificate of Competency in Palm Beach County, which includes garage door installers, roofers, pool installers, and hardwood floor installers. If you are unsure whether you will require a certificate, you can contact the Contractors Certification Division and double-check. 

Conclusion

Those seeking to work in Wellington may have dreams of building their career from the ground up, and all that is possible with a contractor license. However, it is important to understand all the licensing requirements to ensure that you do not fall afoul of Florida’s regulations surrounding contracting work, including what continuing education is required. Follow these steps and work with a trusted exam prep company so that you’re totally ready to embark on your new career.

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