Florida Laws and Rules
This domain tests the statutes and board rules that control licensure, business operation, supervision, continuing education, and discipline for electrical and alarm contractors. The core sources are Chapter 489, Part II, Florida Statutes, and Rule Chapter 61G6, Florida Administrative Code.
Licensing and supervision
- A business entity that contracts within the regulated scope must be properly qualified and hold the required certificate or registration.
- The qualifying agent is responsible for the licensee's work and must exercise supervision. A license cannot be lent, rented, or used to qualify work the agent does not control.
- License numbers must appear on contracts, proposals, and advertising as required by board rule.
- Changes in business name, address, qualifying agent, or ownership must be reported to the DBPR; failing to do so can lead to discipline.
Continuing education and discipline
Electrical and alarm licensees generally must complete continuing education each biennial renewal cycle, including an advanced building code hour and required business, safety, workers' compensation, and technical hours. The DBPR may impose administrative fines, probation, suspension, or revocation for unlicensed activity, incompetence, abandoning a job, fraud, or failure to supervise. Unlicensed contracting may also be referred for criminal prosecution.
Worked example
A qualifying agent signs a commercial alarm contract but lets an unlicensed employee design the system and supervise installation. The agent later says the employee was a subcontractor. The agent remains responsible for supervision and for the licensed scope. The employee's design and supervision may be unlicensed activity, and the agent faces discipline for failing to supervise and for permitting unlicensed contracting. The fact that the agent signed the contract does not cure the lack of qualified supervision.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming the qualifying agent only needs to sign the contract.
- Treating continuing education as optional for registered or alarm licensees.
- Advertising a license number that belongs to another business or qualifier.
- Ignoring local registration and permit requirements after state licensure.
- Assuming a business can contract without a qualified entity or certificate of authority.