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How do I get around this issue?

Hi, I live in south Florida and I really want to open a roofing company my only problem is that my experience in construction is very minimal and honestly I don’t want to work 4 years in a roofing company just to gain the experience I need be able to acquire my license which, not that I don’t want to learn.. of course I want to learn but I’m already 26 and I feel I need to do something with my life and I love construction. I also have the capital to put the company since my family is helping me with it. I have a friend that has many years of experience being a roofer and is willing to get the license for us to start the company, obviously he would be part of our team and would check every project before starting it. My question is .. is it the owner that has to have the license or is it okay for one person who works with us to be the license holder.. that would be while I learn and get the experience to get my own license. This has me thinking a lot, please let me know Id really appreciate it. Btw Alex I used to live in New Orleans and moved to South Florida 3 years ago! Haha I miss it. Anyways, thank you guys. ??

1 reply

Oct 30, 2019

To be considered properly licensed, a Florida roofing company must have a qualifying agent who is properly licensed for the work the company will be performing. So, not everyone in the business must be licensed in order to operate.

Qualifying agents and licensing for Florida roofing businesses

Still, not just anyone can act as the qualifying agent. The qualifying agent must have a supervisory role for the projects that are being undertaken, and this usually requires pretty hands-on involvement with the projects, themselves. Plus, the agent must also pass background checks and credit checks to be installed as the company's qualifying agent - and all of this information will need to be submitted to the CILB to qualify the business. Further, life will be a lot easier when establishing the business if the qualifying agent is a part-owner (generally of 20% or more) in the business they're qualifying. So, when using a qualifying agent, it's a good idea to use one that will be heavily involved in the business, will be able to perform a fair amount of the work hands-on, and will be with the business for the foreseeable future. After all - if the qualifying agent leaves the business and there's no licensed qualified agent, then the business wouldn't be able to perform work which requires licensure. But, on the plus side, a qualifying agent can help make a business operational while another member of the business works to obtain their license.

Additional resources on Florida licensing

Here are some additional resources I found online that might be helpful for you - Are contractors required to qualify a construction business? | Florida DBPR - "What are the requirements for a contractor to qualify more than one construction business?" | Florida DBPR - The Role of a Qualifying Agent | Cotney Construction Law, LLP And finally - I'll pass your message along to Alex!

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