The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance regulations surrounding construction contracting. It requires that a portion of the 14 classroom hours of continuing education for contractor certificateholders or registrants include topics on financial literacy and basic consumer protection principles. Additionally, the bill establishes a new section mandating the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to create a standardized disciplinary form for local construction regulation boards to report violations. These boards must also search an automated information system for recorded disciplinary actions before issuing licenses or registrations. Furthermore, the bill outlines new requirements for contractors regarding the timely completion of projects and the handling of consumer deposits, including the return of deposits within a specified timeframe and the conditions under which a contractor may retain part of a deposit.

The bill also introduces penalties for contractors who violate certain provisions, including stricter consequences for those who misrepresent their licensing status and take money from consumers based on such falsifications. It requires local construction regulation boards to submit standardized disciplinary forms for any actions taken against certificateholders or registrants. The bill makes various amendments to existing statutes to ensure compliance with these new requirements and to clarify the responsibilities of contractors and local boards. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

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