In order to perform professional tile work in Florida, you do not have to have a license. However, a license will generally increase your credibility with potential customers and show that you have had experience in the industry. You can get a general contractor's license to perform tile work if you have the required education, experience and passing exam grades. In Florida, you can get a local license that allows you to do tile work in a specific city or county, or you can get a certified license that allows you to work anywhere in the state of Florida.
Get a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college. Complete one year of hands-on construction experience. If you don't have a degree, three years of experience will also meet the education requirement. Gain experience at both the workman and foreman levels of expertise.
Pass Division I and Division II contractor's exams. According to Contractors-License.org, the Division I exams have three parts including business and finance, contract administration and project management. The Division II exams have two parts including business and finance and trade knowledge. Division I and Division II exams are administered over a two-day period and contain multiple choice questions. Pass all parts of both exams to become a certified contractor in Florida.
Obtain minimum required amounts of general liability insurance. According to Contractors-License.org, worker's compensation coverage mush be secured. For general and building contractors, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage and $50,000 in property damage coverage must be obtained. In all other categories, $100,000 of bodily injury coverage and $25,000 of property damage coverage must be secured.
Check to see if you can transfer a contractor's license from another state. Submit documentation proving that you received your license by passing an official state exam. Show that you have the necessary education, work experience and documentation from another state to qualify for a Florida license.
Complete and submit an application for certification and licensing to do tile work in Florida. Include a credit report with your application. An application can be downloaded at ContractorsExamPrep.com.
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When applying, include documentation for all related coursework and experience. Proper documentation will accelerate the process.
