§ 8-78. Applications and examinations.

(1)

Administration of applications. Applications for, and issuance of, certificates of competency, inactive certificates and renewals shall be administered by the principal office in accordance with this code and rules adopted by the board.

(a)

An initial applicant, with his application, and a certificate holder or registrant requesting a change of status shall submit to the principal office evidence of financial responsibility, credit and business reputation of either himself or the business organization he desires to qualify in the form of a credit report from a nationally recognized credit agency that reflects the financial responsibility of the applicant or certificate holder or registrant.

(b)

The credit report required for the initial applicant shall be considered minimum evidence necessary to satisfy the principal office that such applicant is financially responsible to be certified, that he has the necessary credit and business reputation to engage in contracting in the county and that he has the minimum financial stability necessary to avoid the problem of financial mismanagement or misconduct.

(c)

The principal office shall review the applicant's financial responsibility based upon the applicant's credit history and any history of bankruptcy or assignment of receivers.

(d)

All information provided in the application shall be verified.

(e)

Applicants seeking certification through reciprocity shall only be required to meet the requirements set fort in paragraph (5) of this section.

(2)

Forms for applications; accuracy and fees. Applications for competency examinations, as required in section 8-77 of this code, shall be submitted to the principal office on forms supplied by the building official. Applications shall be complete and accurate and shall be accompanied by the examination fee as required. Applications for special examinations shall be accompanied by the required fee.

(3)

Approval of principal office for re-examination. Any person that fails to pass an examination must obtain principal office approval prior to taking additional examinations administered by an independent examiner, specified by the principal office, upon availability of such examinations.

(4)

Validity of applications. Approved applications shall be valid for a period of sixty (60) days unless the applicant is granted an extension by the principal office. Requests for extensions shall be in writing and shall be granted upon showing of just cause. Certificates of competency will be valid for a period of two (2) years from date of issuance. Certificates of competency are renewed during a sixty-day period prior to the date of expiration specified on the certificate.

(5)

Reciprocity. Reciprocity may be granted to contractors who have been licensed in another jurisdiction within the State of Florida, and meet the minimum certification requirements of this code. Approved contractors may be issued a certificate of competency for the trade being applied for, which is equal to, in all respects, certificates issued in accordance with paragraph (1) of this section. To be considered for reciprocity, the applicant shall submit the following:

(a)

A letter of reciprocity from the jurisdiction responsible for initial licensure. Letters of reciprocity shall include: length of licensure, test score results (must be seventy-five (75) percent or better, business and law), complaint background, current status of license, and a statement that the license has not been suspended or revoked within five (5) years prior to the application for reciprocity.

(b)

Remittance of a fee for the license being applied for.

(c)

Proof of insurance meeting guidelines as set forth by board rules.

(d)

Proof of compliance with workers' compensation law.

(e)

Reserved.

(f)

Reserved.

(g)

Completed registration form for reciprocity.

Reciprocity may be denied to an applicant if any provision of this section is not complied with, or if the applicant fails to meet the minimum certification requirements for the license being applied for.

(Ord. No. 2001-21, § 1, 12-18-01; Ord. No. 2007-05, § 8, 4-17-07; Ord. No. 2014-22, §§ 7, 8, 10-28-14)