§ 2-144. Examination and licensing requirements.

No person shall engage in the business of contracting within Santa Rosa County for which a permit is required by this division unless such a person is the holder of the appropriate certificate of competency as a contractor in the county. Application for such certificate shall be made in writing to the county inspection department. Each certificate of competency when issued shall be issued to a person to be known as the holder of a certificate of competency and shall grant such a person the right to secure permits for and to execute the work of contracting covered by said category providing said person has purchased the required occupational license, state registration, and has the required insurances. Each applicant shall pay a fee or an amount as set by resolution of the board of county commissioners to obtain a certificate. Each applicant shall pass the appropriate examination as specified in [this section] before being granted a certificate of competency.

The examination shall be a Florida recognized construction testing firm's proctored examination for building categories (general contractor, building contractor, residential contractor), swimming pool contractor (residential and commercial), alarm system contractor, alarm system contractor I, alarm system contractor II, class A air conditioning contractor, class B air conditioning contractor, demolition contractor, electrical contractor, hurricane protection contractor, irrigation contractor, limited energy system contractor, marine contractor, mechanical contractor, plumbing contractor, residential electrical contractor, roofing contractor, sign contractor (non-electrical and electrical), specialty structure contractor, windows, doors and siding contractor, and underground utility and excavation contractor, and approved by the Santa Rosa County Inspection Department and/or any other State of Florida county or city that reciprocates with Santa Rosa County so long as the applicant holds a valid current certificate in said county or city. The passing grade shall be 75 percent. The fee for examination shall be established by the facility administering the examination. All applicants will be notified of the result of the examination. Once the passing scores are achieved, the applicant shall proceed with application for state licensure. If an applicant does not declare "permanent contractor" status in Santa Rosa County within 12 months from date of notification of passing the examinations, the applicant must register to retake the examinations. After furnishing proof of the required insurances, all successful applicants will be issued certificates of competency which entitle them to purchase licenses and permits. Licenses shall be renewed biennially and insurance shall be renewed annually to maintain a certificate of competency. However, if a qualified contractor desired to retire his certificate, he may secure an inactive certificate of competency upon the surrender of said certificate to the building official and shall pay a biennial fee for said card. During length of retirement, nor to exceed six, the holder of an inactive certificate of competency will not be permitted to engage in the business of contracting. After the sixth year of inactive status the inactive competency card will be permanently terminated unless the card holder maintains active contracting status for a period of two years. Completed permits will serve as proof of active eoutraeting status. For the holder of an inactive certificate of competency to become reinstated, he shall be required to pay the current licenses and furnish insurance under the requirement of the code.

The examinations for hurricane protection contractor and windows, doors and siding contractor shall not be required for any person who shows proof of five years successful experience in hurricane protection contracting or windows, siding and door contracting and secures a certificate of competency within six months from the effective date of this division.

The examination for marine contractor shall not be required for any person who shows proof of five years successful experience in the field of marine construction and secures a certificate of competency.

If the active or inactive certificate of competency card is not renewed biennially or is not renewed within three months from the due date, the holder shall be required to pay a fee equal to twice the normal rate renewal fee. If the active or inactive certificate of competency card is not renewed within one year from due date, the contractor will be required to:

(1)

Take the required examination; or

(2)

Furnish written proof to the board of active contracting; or

(3)

Demonstrate compliance with all state requirements for continuing education. Each certificate will expire on October 1 biennially.

(Ord. No. 2006-38, § 3, 11-9-06; Ord. No. 2010-16, § 2, 7-8-10; Ord. No. 2011-13, § 1, 6-9-11; Ord. No. 2012-11, § 1, 4-12-12)