I was licensed in California in 2005 as General Contractor. New home construction, remodels, commercial interior renovations. Zero complaints. I relocated to Florida in 2014. I allowed my California license to expire in 2015. I just found out about the rule change of 2020 that allows reciprocity Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. What are the chances of securing a Florida Contractors License under the 2020 provision ? Am I wasting my time ?
Yes. If your license expired more than 2 years ago, they will not let you use the new 10 year rule. I saw someone get denied a license on this basis at the most recent Construction Industry Licensing Board hearing. That being said, Florida has recognized that California's licensing exam is similar to Florida's, so there may be a way for you to get a license here without having to take the trade portion of the exam. You would still likely need to take the business and finance portion of it.