In 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed a bill to extend the time period during which registered contractors license could receive a statewide, certified Florida contractor’s license through a “grandfathering” process. Here are some of the details from the bill to help you better understand what this process entails:

1. Currently hold a valid state-registered license in one of the contractor categories defined in Section 489.505(2)(a)&(b), (12), (19), Florida Statutes.
2. Have, for that category, passed a written, proctored examination that the board finds to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor under this part. For purposes of this subsection, a written, proctored examination such as that produced by the National Assessment Institute, Block and Associates, NAI/Block, Experior Assessments, Professional Testing, Inc., or Assessment Systems, Inc., shall be considered to be substantially similar the exam required to be licensed as a certified contractor. The board may not impose or make any requirements regarding the nature or content of these cited examinations.
3. Have at least 5 years of active state-registered experience as a contractor in that contracting category, at the time of application.
4. Have not had your contractor’s license revoked at any time, had your contractor’s license suspended within the last 5 years, or been assessed a fine in excess of $500 within the last 5 years.
5. Be in compliance with the insurance and financial responsibility requirements in Section 489.515(1)(b), Florida Statutes