New Statute Adds Definitions to Contractor Licensing Statute and Require Contractors to Pay Subcontractors within Certain Timelines.
SB 280 (2026), enacted July 1, 2026 adds definitions for subcontractor and supplier to Chapter 489 and make it a violation of Florida’s Contractor Licensing Statutes for contractors not to pay subcontractors timely.
What Type of Work Can a Florida Certified General Contractor Do?
Florida General Contractors are unlimited in the type of work they can contractor for and can self perform many types of work covered by other licenses, with a few exceptions.
What Type of Work Can a Florida Certified Building Contractor Do?
Florida Building Contractors are allowed to build and remodel only certain commercial and residential properties, plus engage in limited clearing and roofing work.
Court Determines Contractor’s Company is Unlicensed Despite Owner being Licensed
This case from Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal thoroughly evaluates the licensing requirements for business engaged in contracting in Florida and concludes that it is not sufficient for an owner of the company to have a license. The license holder must also formally become the qualifying agent for the company. In this case, the lack of proper licensure resulted in the contractor’s contract for a new home being declared unenforceable.
Newly Enacted HB 715 / SB 1076 (2025) Imposes New Requirements on Roofing Contractors Under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes
Since 2019, roofing contractors have seen new requirements and changes to their scopes of work imposed under Florida’s contractor licensing statutes. Many of these changes require contractual disclosures and impose various timelines, including cancellation deadlines. On May 19, 2025 HB 715 (formerly SB 1076) was signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The new law creates multiple changes to Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, that effect roofers.
Court Reinstates Contractor's Lien After Holding that Claimed Local Licensing Violations Do Not Necessarily Fall Under 489.128, Florida Statutes
Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal reinstated a contractor’s construction lien after finding that alleged unlicensed contracting in violation of local ordinances did not trigger the application of 489.128, Florida Statute. The court does a good job of outlining the differences between state and local licensing laws and the penalties and scope of enforcement available at the state and local level.
Court Confirms that Electrical Contractors can Perform Excavation As Part of Their License Without Also Being Licensed Underground Utility Contractors
This case from Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal addresses the issue of whether an electrical contractor can contractor for work that includes the scope of work typically reserved to licensed underground utility and excavation contractors.
Newly Enacted HB 481 (2024) Expands Scope of Electrical Work That Can Be Performed by HVAC Contractors
The new statute goes into effect July 1, 2024 and allows HVAC contractors of any class and Mechanical contractors to perform additional electrical work related to HVAC systems under certain conditions.