The Broward County, Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division regulates all trades and occupations associated with the installation, repair, alteration, design or modification of electrical, plumbing, liquefied petroleum gas, mechanical systems; building construction industry; and engineered construction, as mandated by the Florida Statutes and Chapter 9 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances. The Division facilitates the issuance of Certificates of Competency to over 14,000 trades people who contract with individuals for construction projects throughout Broward County.
The purpose of contractor licensing regulations is to safeguard the life, health, safety, property and public welfare of the people of Broward County. These regulations promote a marketplace where construction activities are performed by qualified and licensed contractors according to current laws and Florida Building Codes within Broward County. The Ordinance provides for a uniform central process for the examination, certification and regulation of all individuals or business organizations who engage in these trades.
Central Examining Boards
Central Examining Boards have been created to regulate over specific trades. There are six boards:
- Board of Plumbing and Specialty Plumbing Contractors
- Board of Electrical and Specialty Electrical Contractors
- Board of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Contractors
- Board of General and Specialty Building Contractors
- Board of Mechanical and Specialty Mechanical (including air conditioning) Contractors
- Board of Engineering and Specialty Engineering Contractors
Each Board consists of six to nine members, three from the League of Cities and three appointed by the County Commission. All members volunteer their time. Each Board is required to meet a minimum of eight times a year where they, among other duties, review applications, hear complaints and hold disciplinary hearings.
In addition to assisting the Central Examining Boards in issuing Certificates of Competency, the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division administers a Licensed Contractor Program and an Unlicensed Contractor Program. Both of these programs entail receiving and fielding complaints, performing investigations, compiling case files, holding disciplinary proceedings, issuing fines and performing mediation.
Top of Page
New License
To obtain a contractor license through Broward County, you must:
- Obtain an application from Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, located at 1 N. University Dr. in Plantation, Florida.
OR click on Forms below
If obtaining application online, you still must obtain testing information,
which is only available at the Division office listed above.
OR call 954-765-4400 to have the application package mailed to you
- Fill out the application for the desired trade.
- Submit the application, application fee and required documents (as noted on the application) to the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division office.
- The Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division will review the application and all pertinent documents you submit. Upon approval of the application, we will return the Exam Registration Form (with the Exam Sponsor Information filled in) to Gainesville Independent Testing Services.
- After you have taken the exam, Gainesville Independent Testing Services will send the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division your exam results. If you have a passing score, we will notify you in writing to send us the remaining documents required to complete certification.
- Upon receipt of all remaining documents, the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division will issue the Certificate of Competency.
- If you did not receive a passing grade, you can contact us to schedule a retest.
Please Note:
*Contractor certification will include an exam for the trade plus a Business & Law exam.
*Journeyman certification does not require the Business & Law exam.
New License Forms:
License Renewal
The Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division mails renewal forms approximately 60 days prior to the August 31 expiration. You should receive one renewal form for each Certificate of Competency that you possess.
Forms must be returned to the Division by the renewal deadline. Return to:
Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division
1 N. University Drive, Box 302
Plantation, FL 33324
Include the following:
- Completed renewal form
- Payment of renewal fee made payable to: Broward County Board of County Commissioners (DO NOT SEND CASH)
- A change of status requires a notarized letter stating there are no outstanding debts or permits from the previous company. Change of status may need to come before the board and include additional requirements.
- Renewal of multiple engineering certificates (4 or more) carries a maximum fee of $315.00
- Complete certificates verifying 14 hours of continuing education credits (applicable contractors)
- Copy of State Registration (applicable contractors)
NOTE:
- In order to qualify a business , one of the prerequisites is to submit satisfactory evidence that you have minimum insurance for public liability in the amount of $300,000 and for property damage in the amount of $50,000. The certificate of insurance shall be issued in the name of the applicant and shall include the name(s) of the qualifying agent(s). The certificate of insurance must be made out to Broward County.
- If you are inactive and/or not qualifying a business, you must renew your Certificate of Competency and remit renewal fees in order to keep your Certificate current.
- A $35 fee is charged for replacement of (any original renewal form or Certificate of Competency Card). A notarized letter must be submitted requesting a replacement card and stating the reason for the replacement.
- It is the Certificate of Competency holder's responsibility to notify this office, in writing, within thirty (30) days of any change of address. Failure to renew may result in a re-examination before a valid Certificate of Competency can be issued.
- Journeymen shall not contract jobs and shall only perform work in their trade while under the supervision and direction of a Certified Contractor.
- Renewals received after August 31 st are considered delinquent and are subject to late charges.
- LATE CHARGES: $30 for the first month and $15 for each month thereafter.
- License Holder must obtain a photo I.D. Certificate of Competency card every four (4) years.
- Broward County Certificate holders, if required by Chapter 9 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances and Florida Statute 489, must be registered with the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Failure to comply will result in a restriction of your permitting privileges.
Save Time and Renew Online
Top of Page
Enforcement and Investigation
Unlicensed contracting is a problem throughout the year, not just after hurricanes and other natural disasters. Areas crowded with construction projects, like southeast Florida often is, are particularly vulnerable.
To combat the practice of unlicensed contractors performing work, the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division works with state departments, other county agencies and law enforcement officials to crack down on violators. Sweeps in which investigators visit job sites and ask contractors to show proof of licensure have occurred and will continue.
The Division's goal is to reduce, eliminate and prevent unlicensed activity and to penalize unprofessional conduct that may pose a threat to public health, safety and welfare. Our agency does a number of things to meet this goal:
- We educate consumers about the need for and benefits of hiring licensed contractors.
View Consumer Resources and Information.
- We work with consumers and contractors to resolve complaints as quickly as possible.
- We take serious administrative action, up to and including referral for criminal prosecution, against contractors who violate the law and pose a danger of serious harm to a consumer.
The best way to address unlicensed contracting is by communication between enforcement agencies and consumers. Complaints to our office may be filed by the public or by governmental agencies regarding violations of State and County laws and regulations.
Whenever possible, personal contact is made with both the complainant and respondent in order to inform them about the investigation process and available relief. Persons responsible for violations are always given a reasonable time to correct them, considering the severity of the infraction. Our ultimate goal is to achieve voluntary compliance.
Depending upon the nature of a code violation, our Investigators have several enforcement tools to help them bring violators into compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. A licensed contractor may receive a citation, which can be appealed before the appropriate Central Examining Board. A licensed contractor may also be subject to disciplinary action by a Central Examining Board, depending on the nature of the violation. Unlicensed contractors will receive citations, and may appear before a hearing officer to appeal the citation. Continuing violations may be referred to the State Attorney's Office, which may pursue criminal charges.
Top of Page
Required Plug-ins: 
Adobe® Reader®