Florida Irrigation Contractor License
A Florida Irrigation Contractor (SCC) is a contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, manage, monitor, audit, or, if not prohibited by law, design irrigation systems. The Irrigation Contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, manage, monitor, audit, or, if not prohibited by law, design irrigation systems, including any excavation work incidental thereto. An irrigation system includes all: piping; fittings; sprinklers; drip irrigation products; valves; irrigation controllers; control wiring; rain sensors; water pumps; water conservation devices; water harvesting systems; irrigation main lines downstream of a utility potable water meter or utility alternative water supply distribution line and dedicated backflow prevention device; and associated components installed for the delivery and application of water for the purpose of irrigation. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classifications.
Licensing Requirements
Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed The Irrigation Contractor in the State of Florida:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Examination: Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Irrigation Trade Knowledge, and Business & Finance). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.
- Experience / Education: A person will qualify for a Certified Irrigation Contractor's license by meeting one of the following requirements.
- Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years' experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
- One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
- One year experience as a worker, one-year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
- Two years' experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
- Four years' experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
- Military Veterans
- A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting on of the following:
- Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
- Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
- One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years' experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
- Applicants for the Certified Irrigation Contractor License must demonstrate substantial experience in:
- Residential/Commercial Installation of Piping
- Residential/Commercial Installation of Solenoid Valves
- Residential/Commercial Installation of Control Wiring Irrigation
- Residential/Commercial Installation of Rain Shut-off Devices
- Residential/Commercial Installation of Sprays
- Residential/Commercial Installation of Micro-irrigation
- Installation of Two-wire or Decoder Based Controllers
- Plot Plan and Site Preparation
- Locating Underground Utility
- Trenching, Excavation and Compaction
- Cross Connection Control
- Site Restoration
- Material Take Off/Plot Plan
- Additionally, applicants for the Certified Irrigation Contractor License may demonstrate substantial experience in:
- Use of Reclaim Water
- Use of Water Saving Technologies and Products
- Pump Installation
- Installation of Sport Field or Golf Systems
- Installation of Central Control Systems (numerous site systems managed tgrough central interface like a website or computer)
- Financial / Credit: Applicants will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched. Credit report containing a credit score (FICO derived) on applicant from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. If credit score is below 660 (FICO derived) applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Note that Fifty percent (50%) of the bond or letter of credit requirement may be met by completion of a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
- Fingerprints: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.
- Insurance: Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain worker's compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker's compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
To download the Irrigation contractor application for initial licensure, click here.
Cam Tech School of Construction cannot confirm that your practical experience will meet the minimum requirements as set forth by the CILB. For questions regarding your experience, please contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.
Florida Irrigation Contractor Exams
The Florida Irrigation Contractor Examination in Florida consists of a Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge exam. You have to pass BOTH parts of the Irrigation Contractors exam and meet the minimum experience requirements to activate the Irrigation Contractor license. Both parts of the Irrigation Contractor exam are administrated as computer-based exams. The total examination fee for first time licensees is $295.
Irrigation Trade Knowledge Exam
This 5 hour, 80 question open book examination covers topics such as Pre-construction, Construction, Maintenance and Repair, Scheduling and Water Conservation, and Rules, Laws and Codes. For detailed Irrigation examination content, click here.
Business and Finance Exam
This 6 hour and 30 minute, 120 question open book examination covers topics such as Establishing the Contracting Business, Managing Administrative Duties, Managing Trade Operations, Conducting Accounting Functions, Managing Human Resources, and complying with Government Regulations. For detailed Business & Finance examination content, click here.
NOTE: Prior to beginning your computer-based exams, there is a 15 minute tutorial on how to use the computer system that DOES NOT count against your allotted time. To register for your examination, click here.
