The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning construction contracting, focusing on contractor licensure, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures. It introduces a requirement for licensure applicants to submit a notarized statement from a licensed contractor verifying their work experience. Additionally, it mandates that a portion of the 14 required classroom hours for continuing education must address financial literacy and consumer protection. A new section is added to require the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to create a standardized disciplinary form for local construction regulation boards to report infractions against registered contractors.

Moreover, the bill establishes new obligations for contractors regarding project timelines and deposit management, requiring them to complete projects without unreasonable delay if they receive payments exceeding the work performed. It also specifies that contractors must return consumer deposits within a designated timeframe if a project is canceled, with allowances for retaining part of the deposit for incurred expenses. The bill introduces a tiered felony classification system for unlicensed activities based on the monetary value of violations, with penalties ranging from a third-degree to a first-degree felony. It also includes provisions for veterans to apply military experience towards licensure and mandates local boards to report disciplinary actions against contractors and unlicensed individuals. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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