This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to construction contracting, primarily focusing on enhancing the education and regulatory framework for contractors. It mandates that a portion of the 14 classroom hours required for continuing education for contractor certificateholders or registrants must cover financial literacy and basic consumer protection principles. Additionally, the bill establishes a new section requiring the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to create a standardized disciplinary form for local construction regulation boards to report violations uniformly. Local boards must also search an automated information system for recorded disciplinary actions before issuing licenses or registrations.

Further amendments include stipulations for contractors regarding the timely completion of projects and the handling of consumer deposits. Contractors must provide a schedule for project completion upon request and return deposits within a specified timeframe if a project is canceled. The bill also introduces penalties for violations related to misrepresentation and establishes disciplinary actions for contractors who fail to comply with these new requirements. Overall, the bill aims to improve consumer protection and accountability within the construction industry in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1262 Filed: 489.111, 489.115, 489.119, 489.131
S 1262 c1: 489.115, 489.119, 489.131