Florida Sheet Metal Contractor License
A Florida Sheet Metal Contractor(CSC) is a contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill necessary for the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design, if not prohibited by law, of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge and of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass, used in lieu thereof and of air-handling systems, including the setting of air-handling equipment and reinforcement of same, the balancing of air-handling systems, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system.
Licensing Requirements
Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Sheet Metal Contractor in the State of Florida:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Examination: Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Sheet Metal 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 Sheet Metal 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 Sheet Metal Contractor License must demonstrate substantial experience in the fabrication, design, and installation of:
- Duct Systems
- Air-Handling Systems
- Ventilation Systems
- Air Balancing
- Repair and Servicing of Duct Systems, Air-Handling Systems and Ventilation Systems
- Additionally, applicants for the Certified Sheet Metal Contractor License may demonstrate substantial experience in the fabrication, design, installation, repair and servicing of:
- Gravel Stops
- Coping
- Fascia Systems
- Gutters and Downspouts
- Flashing Systems
- 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 Sheet Metal 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 Sheet Metal Contractor Exams
The Florida Sheet Metal Contractor Examination in Florida consists of a Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge exam. You have to pass BOTH parts of the Sheet Metal Contractors exam and meet the minimum experience requirements to activate the Sheet Metal Contractor license. Both parts of the Sheet Metal Contractor exam are administrated as computer-based exams. The total examination fee for first time licensees is $295.
Sheet Metal Trade Knowledge Exam
This 5 hour, 80 question open book examination covers topics such as Pre-Installation and Sitework, Industrial Duct Fabrication, Architectural Sheet Metal and other Metal Structures, Installation of Sheet Metal Systems, and Safety. For detailed Sheet Metal 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.
