Florida Residential Contractor License
A Florida Residential Pool Contractor (CPC) is a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of a residential swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the installation, repair, or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment.
Licensing Requirements
Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Residential Pool Contractor in the State of Florida:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Examination: Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Residential Pool 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 Residential Pool 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.
- "Upgrade Method": A certified Pool Servicing Contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of 3 years does not need to meet any other experience requirements.
- 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 Residential Pool Contractor License must demonstrate substantial experience in the installation of:
- Excavation, Grading, Backfill, Compacting
- Plumbing Components
- Electrical Components
- Shell Placement
- Deck Work
- Tile, Coping, and Trim Work
- Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing
- Additionally, applicants for the Certified Residential Pool Contractor License may demonstrate substantial experience in the repair and servicing of:
- Excavation, Grading, Backfill, Compacting
- Plumbing Components
- Electrical Components
- Shell Placement
- Deck Work
- Tile, Coping, and Trim Work
- Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing
- 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 Residential Pool 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 Residential Pool Contractor Exams
The Florida Residential Pool Contractor Examination in Florida consists of a Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge exam.You have to pass BOTH parts of the Residential Pool Contractors exam and meet the minimum experience requirements to activate the Residential Pool Contractor license. Both parts of the Residential Pool Contractor exam are administrated as computer-based exams. The total examination fee for first time licensees is $295.
Residential Pool Trade Knowledge Exam
This 5 hour, 80 question open book examination covers topics such asPre-Installation and Site Preparation, Pool and Spa Excavation, Plumbing and Electrical Work, Shell Placement, Deck Work, Tile, Coping, and Trim Work, Accessories, Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing, Start-up, Service and Maintenance, and Equipment. For detailed Residential Pool 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.
