Contractor Licensing
Overview
The Contractor Licensing program ensures that only qualified contractors perform construction work in St. Johns County.
Announcements
Residents Urged to Watch for Contractor Scams – It is very important for consumers to do their due diligence BEFORE hiring someone to repair, replace, update or add-on to their home. Always check with St. Johns County Contractor Licensing FIRST before hiring anyone to work on your home. An unlicensed worker can cause a homeowner to pay twice for work done. Be safe, Be smart!
Important information regarding the Building Code – Per Florida Building Code 2023, Eighth Edition, Section 105.1: Any Owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impact resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit(s).
Good to Know
Before hiring anyone to work on your house, your business or your jobsite, first ask to see their contractor’s license (either a St. Johns County license card the size of a credit card or a State Certified, Department of Business and Professional Regulation license) and proof of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. The State of Florida allows contractors to hold a construction exemption from workers compensation insurance under certain circumstances. This means that if they have the exemption and no medical coverage, get hurt on your property, your homeowner’s insurance would be where they would go for coverage.
Construction Management as a service that oversees the management of construction activities on a given project is the exclusive purview of a licensed contractor or their W-2 employee! Construction Management cannot be performed by an unlicensed individual or entity. (CILB Declaratory Statement DS 2011-082)
Contractors, don’t forget, you are required to display your contractor’s license number on all signage, proposals and contracts. State Statute 489 and St. Johns County Ordinance 2002-48 requires licensees to display their license number in any advertisement aired, circulated, displayed, distributed or marketed within the county that offers services of the contractor regulated by Statute and Ordinance.
Notice: All State Certified Contractors must register to operate in St. Johns County.
Notice: Hiring an unlicensed contractor is a violation of Florida Statute 455.228 and is subject to a $5,000 fine. Florida Statute 489 and St. Johns County Ordinance 2002-48 require contractors to be licensed; before advertising, bidding or performing any work.
- Florida Statute 455.228 – DBPR Regulations of Professions
- Florida Statute 489 – Contractor Licensing Statute
- St. Johns County Ordinance 2002-48 – Contractor Licensing Ordinance
- Florida Statute 553 – Building Code
Please report any unauthorized construction activity to Contractor Licensing at (904) 827-6820, email conlicen@sjcfl.us, or log a complaint at https://www.sjcfl.us/pride Building Department PRIDE cases can be initiated anonymously.
Working around Lead Based paint?
Contractors in Florida performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Lead Laws and Regulations | US EPA
Mold Assessors and Remediators
Mold assessors and remediators are licensed through the State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (myfloridalicense.com). See definitions below:
Per 468.8411 Definitions. – As used in this part, the term:
(2) “Mold” means an organism of the class fungi that causes disintegration of organic matter and produces spores, and includes any spores, hyphae, and mycotoxins produced by mold.
(3) “Mold assessment” means a process performed by a mold assessor that includes the physical sampling and detailed evaluation of data obtained from a building history and inspection to formulate an initial hypothesis about the origin, identity, location, and extent of amplification of mold growth of greater than 10 square feet.
(4) “Mold assessor” means any person who performs or directly supervises a mold assessment.
(5) “Mold remediation” means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventative activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter of greater than 10 square feet that was not purposely grown at that location; however, such removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventative activities, may not be work that requires a license under State Statute chapter 489 unless performed by a person who is licensed under that chapter or the work complies with that chapter.
(6) “Mold remediator” means any person who performs mold remediation. A mold remediator may not perform any work that requires a license under chapter 489 unless the mold remediator is also licensed under that chapter or complies with that chapter.