If you only drywall, a Florida license is voluntary.
In Florida, most people involved in a trade require a license, and this holds true for the construction industry. If you're hanging Sheetrock, a Gypsum Drywall Specialty license is required. The state has specific guidelines for licensing requirements, however you aren't required to carry a license if you only drywall for the property owner. The state issues two types of licenses: registered and certified.
License or No License?
You need a Florida Gypsum Drywall Specialty license if you're replacing or installing drywall and have to do additional construction work on the part of the wall that is load-bearing. You also need a license if the job entails plumbing, air conditioning or electrical work. If you're simply replacing old Sheetrock or installing new Sheetrock and that's your only job, you won't need a license. The Florida Gypsum Drywall Specialty license is voluntary unless you do any type of work on other facets of construction. Additionally, you may not need a license if you're working under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Types of Florida Gypsum Drywall Specialty Licenses
If you have a license issued by registration, this means that you registered for a specific locale, filled out the application, paid the fee and passed the area competency requirement. Those who want to work throughout the state need to apply for a license issued by certification. This requires you apply, receive a passing score on a statewide competency exam and pay the license fee.
Insurance
Even though the state may not require you to have a license, your insurance company might. Many companies will not issue general liability insurance unless the candidate has a license issued by either registration or certification.
Required Documentation
In order to apply for a license you need an electronic fingerprint taken and a background check. You also need a bank statement, credit bureau check by a nationally recognized bureau stating that all public records are on file, a bank verification letter, a list of all machinery and a card noting that you passed the competency testing.
Cost
Depending on the type of license you secure, the cost varies. Training to take the competency test runs approximately $1,000. If you are a certified gypsum drywall specialist, at the time of publication the license price was $309 for one year or $209 for six months. You also have to pay for the fingerprint scan and testing. Once licensed, the state of Florida requires 14 hours of continuing education before each renewal. No matter how many times you've taken the courses, there are seven core classes that are required each renewal, and each class is considered one hour of CE. The classes include workers' compensation, job safety, business skills, advanced code, wind mitigation, laws and rules, plus eight hours of electives.
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