The proposed bill amends Florida Statutes concerning construction contracting, focusing on licensure requirements, contractor responsibilities, and penalties for violations. It mandates that applicants for licensure provide a notarized statement from a licensed contractor to verify their work experience. The bill also stipulates that licensed contractors who submit misleading statements may face disciplinary actions, and it requires contractors to return deposits to contractees under certain conditions, allowing them to retain a portion of the deposit if they provide a detailed statement of expenditures. Non-compliance with these requirements can result in disciplinary actions, including license suspension. Additionally, the bill introduces criminal penalties for various violations based on the contract amount and defines operating with an inactive or suspended license as unlicensed activity.

House Bill 755 further establishes a new section, 489.1285, which mandates the creation of a standardized disciplinary form for local construction regulation boards to report violations, to be adopted by July 1, 2026. It also updates educational standards by requiring students entering grade 9 in the 2025-2026 school year to complete a half-credit course in consumer protection awareness related to construction contracting. The bill adjusts high school diploma requirements regarding elective credits based on the year students enter high school and allows local governments to impose civil fines on unlicensed contractors. Local boards are also required to report disciplinary actions against contractors and unlicensed individuals, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 755 Filed: 1003.41, 489.119, 489.13, 489.131