Appliance Repair

Fla. Stat. § 627.7142 — Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights

2. Contact your insurance company before entering into any contract for repairs to confirm any managed repair policy provisions or optional preferred vendors.

3. Make and document emergency repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage. Keep the damaged property, if feasible, keep all receipts, and take photographs or video of damage before and after any repairs to provide to your insurer.

4. Carefully read any contract that requires you to pay out-of-pocket expenses or a fee that is based on a percentage of the insurance proceeds that you will receive for repairing or replacing your property.

5. Confirm that the contractor you choose is licensed to do business in Florida. You can verify a contractor’s license and check to see if there are any complaints against him or her by calling the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You should also ask the contractor for references from previous work.

6. Require all contractors to provide proof of insurance before beginning repairs.

7. Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home, including securing your property and turning off your gas, water, and electricity, and contacting your insurance company and provide a phone number where you can be reached.

History.

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s. 8, ch. 2014-86; s. 19, ch. 2021-104; s. 17, ch. 2022-268; s. 20, ch. 2022-271.

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

An employee of an apartment community or apartment community management company who makes minor repairs to existing electric water heaters or to existing electric heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems if:

(a)

The employee:

1.

Does not hold himself or herself or his or her employer out to be licensed or qualified by a licensee.

2.

Does not perform any acts, other than acts authorized by this subsection, that constitute contracting.

3.

Receives compensation from and is under the supervision and control of an employer who deducts the FICA and withholding tax and who provides workers’ compensation, as prescribed by law.

4.

Holds a current certificate for apartment maintenance technicians issued by the National Apartment Association and accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Requirements for obtaining such certificate must include at least:

a.

One year of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience.

b.

Successful completion of at least 90 hours of courses or online content that covers electrical maintenance and repair; plumbing maintenance and repair; heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning system maintenance and repair; appliance maintenance and repair; and interior and exterior maintenance and repair.

c.

Completion of all examination requirements.

(b)

The equipment:

1.

Fla. Stat. § 559.902 — Scope and application

559.902

Scope and application.

—

This act shall apply to all motor vehicle repair shops in Florida, except:

(1)

Any motor vehicle repair shop of a municipal, county, state, or federal government when carrying out the functions of the government.

(2)

Any person who engages solely in the repair of:

(a)

Motor vehicles that are owned, maintained, and operated exclusively by such person for that person’s own use; or

(b)

For-hire vehicles, as defined in s. 320.01(15)(a), which are rented for periods of 30 days or less.

(3)

Any person who repairs only motor vehicles which are operated principally for agricultural or horticultural pursuits on farms, groves, or orchards and which are operated on the roads of this state only incidentally en route to or from such farms, groves, or orchards.

(4)

Motor vehicle auctions licensed under s. 320.27(1)(c)4. or persons performing motor vehicle repair solely for such auctions.

(5)

Those located in public schools as defined in s. 1000.04 or charter technical career centers as defined in s. 1002.34.

However, such person may voluntarily register under this act.

History.

—

s. 1, ch. 80-139; s. 2, ch. 93-219; s. 16, ch. 2001-214; s. 1029, ch. 2002-387.

Fla. Stat. § 337.14 — Application for qualification; certificate of qualification; restrictions; request for hearing

This section does not apply to maintenance contracts. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a contractor seeking to bid on a maintenance contract in which the majority of the work includes repair and replacement of safety appurtenances, including, but not limited to, guardrails, attenuators, traffic signals, and striping, must possess the prescribed qualifications, equipment, record, and experience to perform such repair and replacement.

(9)(a)

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for contracts in excess of $250,000, an authority created pursuant to chapter 348 or chapter 349 may require that persons interested in performing work under contract first be certified or qualified to do the work. Any contractor may be considered ineligible to bid by the governmental entity or authority if the contractor is behind an approved progress schedule for the governmental entity or authority by 10 percent or more at the time of advertisement of the work. Any contractor prequalified and considered eligible by the department to bid to perform the type of work described under the contract shall be presumed to be qualified to perform the work so described. The governmental entity or authority may provide an appeal process to overcome that presumption with de novo review based on the record below to the circuit court.

(b)

Fla. Stat. § 520.68 — Persons not required to be licensed

520.68

Persons not required to be licensed.

—

No home improvement finance seller’s or seller’s license shall be required under this act of any person when acting in any capacity or type of transaction set forth in this section:

(1)

An individual who performs services for a home improvement finance seller for wages or salary.

(2)

A plumber, electrician, architect, engineer, residential designer, or landscape architect who is required by state or local law to attain standards of competency or experience as a prerequisite to engaging in such craft or profession and who is acting exclusively within the scope of the craft or profession for which he or she is currently licensed pursuant to such other law. The installation of central heating and air-conditioning systems by such a person shall be deemed within the scope of such person’s craft or profession.

(3)

A person who does not engage, in any manner, in two or more home improvements, each of which was for consideration of $500 or more, within a calendar year. This exemption does not apply if the work is divided and contracts for less than $500 are made for the purpose of evasion of this provision or otherwise.

(4)

Fla. Stat. § 633.344 — Application of law regulating contracting and contractors

633.344

Application of law regulating contracting and contractors.

—

(1)(a)

This chapter applies to any contractor performing work for the state or any county or municipality, as well as to contractors performing work pursuant to private contracts or agreements. Officers of the state or any county or municipality are required to determine compliance with this chapter before awarding any contracts for construction, improvement, remodeling, or repair.

(b)

The state or any county or municipality may require that bids submitted for construction, improvement, remodeling, or repair of public buildings be accompanied by evidence that the bidder holds a current certificate.

(2)

The provisions of this chapter relating to certification and contracting as a fire protection systems contractor shall apply to those so engaged in the business of contracting for fire protection systems.

History.

—

ss. 5, 16, ch. 75-240; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; s. 8, ch. 78-141; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 1, 2, ch. 85-128; s. 16, ch. 87-287; s. 35, ch. 89-233; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 51, ch. 2013-183.

Note.

—

Former s. 633.554.

Scope and application

559.902

Scope and application.

—

This act shall apply to all motor vehicle repair shops in Florida, except:

(1)

Any motor vehicle repair shop of a municipal, county, state, or federal government when carrying out the functions of the government.

(2)

Any person who engages solely in the repair of:

(a)

Motor vehicles that are owned, maintained, and operated exclusively by such person for that person’s own use; or

(b)

For-hire vehicles, as defined in s. 320.01(15)(a), which are rented for periods of 30 days or less.

(3)

Any person who repairs only motor vehicles which are operated principally for agricultural or horticultural pursuits on farms, groves, or orchards and which are operated on the roads of this state only incidentally en route to or from such farms, groves, or orchards.

(4)

Motor vehicle auctions licensed under s. 320.27(1)(c)4. or persons performing motor vehicle repair solely for such auctions.

(5)

Those located in public schools as defined in s. 1000.04 or charter technical career centers as defined in s. 1002.34.

However, such person may voluntarily register under this act.

History.

—

s. 1, ch. 80-139; s.

Fla. Stat. § 520.69 — Scope of license authority; scope of provisions

520.69

Scope of license authority; scope of provisions.

—

(1)

All persons engaged in the home improvement business as defined herein shall be required to obtain a license under this act as well as any other licenses required by law.

(2)

No mortgage broker’s license shall be required pursuant to chapter 494 of a person whose business is exclusively in home improvement contracts or related instruments.

(3)

This act may not be construed to limit or restrict the power of a city or county to regulate the quality, performance, or character of work of contractors, including requiring submission to and approval by the city or county of plans and specifications for an installation before commencement of construction of the installation, inspection of work done, and regulation by a system of permits and inspections which are designed to secure compliance with, and aid in the enforcement of, applicable state and local building laws, or enforcement of other laws necessary for the protection of the public health and safety.

(4)

Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize a city or county to enact ordinances or regulations relating to the qualifications necessary to engage in the home improvement business.

History.

—

s. 1, ch. 69-44; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; s. 21, ch. 80-256; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 35, 36, ch. 90-103; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

Contracting for repair, maintenance, remodeling, or improvement by any person licensed under part I of chapter 475 while acting as the owner’s agent pursuant to that license, where all work requiring a contractor is performed by a contractor who has a current, valid certificate or registration issued under this part to perform such work, and where the aggregate contract for labor, materials, and all other items is less than $5,000; however, this exemption does not apply:

(a)

If the maintenance, repair, remodeling, or improvement is a part of a larger or major operation, whether undertaken by the same or a different contractor, or in which a division of the operation is made in contracts of amounts less than $5,000 for the purpose of evading this part or otherwise.

(b)

To a person who advertises that he or she is qualified to engage in contracting.

(18)

Any one-family, two-family, or three-family residence constructed or rehabilitated by Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., or its local affiliates. Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., or its local affiliates, must:

(a)

Obtain all necessary building permits.

(b)

Obtain all required building code inspections.

(c)

Provide for supervision of all work by an individual with construction experience.

(19)

Fla. Stat. § 553.381 — Manufacturer certification

553.381

Manufacturer certification.

—

(1)

Before manufacturing buildings to be located within this state or selling manufactured buildings within this state, whichever occurs later, a manufacturer must be certified by the department. The department shall certify a manufacturer upon receipt from the manufacturer and approval and verification by the department of the following:

(a)

The manufacturer’s internal quality control procedures and manuals, including any amendments;

(b)

Evidence that the manufacturer has product liability insurance for the safety and welfare of the public in amounts determined by rule of the department; and

(c)

The fee established by the department under s. 553.37(8).

(2)

The department may revoke any certification upon the failure of the manufacturer to comply with the Florida Building Code or other requirements of this part.

(3)

Certification of manufacturers under this section shall be for a period of 3 years, subject to renewal by the manufacturer. Upon application for renewal, the manufacturer must submit the information described in subsection (1) or a sworn statement that there has been no change in the status or content of that information since the manufacturer’s last submittal. Fees for renewal of manufacturers’ certification shall be established by the department by rule.

History.

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Fla. Stat. § 634.317 — License and appointment required

634.317

License and appointment required.

—

No person may solicit, negotiate, or effectuate home warranty contracts for remuneration in this state unless such person is licensed and appointed as a sales representative. A licensed and appointed sales representative shall be directly responsible and accountable for all acts of the licensee’s employees. A municipality; a county government; a special district; an entity operated by a municipality or county government; or an employee or agent of a municipality, county government, special district, or entity operated by a municipality or county government is exempt from the licensing and appointing requirements under this section.

History.

—

s. 1, ch. 77-339; s. 3, ch. 81-148; s. 2, ch. 81-318; s. 3, ch. 83-265; ss. 16, 32, 33, 34, ch. 83-323; s. 1, ch. 84-94; s. 36, ch. 91-106; s. 142, ch. 91-108; s. 20, ch. 93-195; s. 5, ch. 95-245; s. 77, ch. 98-199; s. 32, ch. 2024-140.

Fla. Stat. § 489.131 — Applicability

489.131

Applicability.

—

(1)

This part applies to all contractors, including, but not limited to, those performing work for the state or any county or municipality. Officers of the state or any county or municipality shall determine compliance with this part before awarding any contract for construction, improvement, remodeling, or repair.

(2)

The state or any county or municipality shall require that bids submitted for construction, improvement, remodeling, or repair on public projects be accompanied by evidence that the bidder holds an appropriate certificate or registration, unless the work to be performed is exempt under s. 489.103.

(3)

Nothing in this part limits the power of a municipality or county:

(a)

To regulate the quality and character of work performed by contractors through a system of permits, fees, and inspections which is designed to secure compliance with and aid in the implementation of state and local building laws.

(b)

To enforce other laws for the protection of the public health and safety.

(c)

Fla. Stat. § 492.1165 — Construction of chapter

492.1165

Construction of chapter.

—

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the practice of any profession or trade for which a license is required under any other law of this state, or the practice by registered professional engineers.

History.

—

ss. 17, 19, ch. 87-403; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 65, ch. 2000-356.

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Fla. Stat. § 559.904 — Motor vehicle repair shop registration; application; exemption

No biennial registration fee is required for any motor vehicle repair shop which has a local municipal or county license issued pursuant to an ordinance containing standards which the department determines are at least equal to the requirements of this part, or for any motor vehicle dealer licensed pursuant to chapter 320.

(6)

The department shall issue to each applicant a registration certificate in the form and size as prescribed by the department in accordance with s. 120.60. In the case of an applicant with more than one place of business, the department shall issue a registration certificate for each place of business. The certificate must show at least the name and address of the motor vehicle repair shop and the registration number for that place of business. In the case of a mobile motor vehicle repair shop, the certificate must show the home address of the owner, if different from the business address.

(7)

Any person applying for or renewing a local business tax receipt to engage in business as a motor vehicle repair shop must exhibit an active registration certificate from the department before the local business tax receipt may be issued or renewed.

(8)

Manufacturer certification

553.381

Manufacturer certification.

—

(1)

Before manufacturing buildings to be located within this state or selling manufactured buildings within this state, whichever occurs later, a manufacturer must be certified by the department. The department shall certify a manufacturer upon receipt from the manufacturer and approval and verification by the department of the following:

(a)

The manufacturer’s internal quality control procedures and manuals, including any amendments;

(b)

Evidence that the manufacturer has product liability insurance for the safety and welfare of the public in amounts determined by rule of the department; and

(c)

The fee established by the department under s. 553.37(8).

(2)

The department may revoke any certification upon the failure of the manufacturer to comply with the Florida Building Code or other requirements of this part.

(3)

Certification of manufacturers under this section shall be for a period of 3 years, subject to renewal by the manufacturer. Upon application for renewal, the manufacturer must submit the information described in subsection (1) or a sworn statement that there has been no change in the statu

Fla. Stat. § 489.514 — Certification for registered contractors; grandfathering provisions

489.514

Certification for registered contractors; grandfathering provisions.

—

(1)

The board shall, upon receipt of a completed application, appropriate fee, and proof of compliance with the provisions of this section, issue:

(a)

To an applying registered electrical contractor, a certificate as an electrical contractor, as defined in s. 489.505(12);

(b)

To an applying registered alarm system contractor, a certificate in the matching alarm system contractor category, as defined in s. 489.505(2)(a) or (b); or

(c)

To an applying registered electrical specialty contractor, a certificate in the matching electrical specialty contractor category, as defined in s. 489.505(19).

(2)

Any contractor registered under this part who makes application under this section to the board shall meet each of the following requirements for certification:

(a)

Currently holds a valid registered local license in the category of electrical contractor, alarm system contractor, or electrical specialty contractor.

(b)

Fla. Stat. § 489.117 — Registration; specialty contractors

A county that includes an area designated as an area of critical state concern under s. 380.05 may offer a license for any job scope which requires a contractor license under this part if the county imposed such a licensing requirement before January 1, 2021.

3.

A local government may continue to offer a license for veneer, including aluminum or vinyl gutters, siding, soffit, or fascia; rooftop painting, coating, and cleaning above three stories in height; or fence installation and erection if the local government imposed such a licensing requirement before January 1, 2021.

4.

A local government may not require a license as a prerequisite to submit a bid for public works projects if the work to be performed does not require a license under general law.

(b)

The local jurisdictions are responsible for providing the following information to the board within 30 days after licensure of, or any disciplinary action against, a locally licensed contractor who is registered under this part:

1.

Licensure information.

2.

Code violation information pursuant to s. 553.781.

3.

Disciplinary information.

The board shall maintain such licensure and disciplinary information as it is provided to the board and shall make the information available through the automated information system provided pursuant to s. 455.2286.

(c)

Providing discipline to such locally licensed contractors is the responsibility of the local jurisdiction.

(d)

Fla. Stat. § 163.083 — Qualifying improvement contractors

163.083

Qualifying improvement contractors.

—

(1)

A county or municipality shall establish a process, or approve a process established by a program administrator, to register contractors for participation in a program authorized by a county or municipality pursuant to s. 163.081. A qualifying improvement contractor may only perform such work that the contractor is appropriately licensed, registered, and permitted to conduct. At the time of application to participate and during participation in the program, contractors must:

(a)

Hold all necessary licenses or registrations for the work to be performed which are in good standing. Good standing includes no outstanding complaints with the state or local government which issues such licenses or registrations.

(b)

Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including obtaining and maintaining any other permits, licenses, or registrations required for engaging in business in the jurisdiction in which it operates and maintaining all state-required bond and insurance coverage.

(c)

File with the program administrator a written statement in a form approved by the county or municipality that the contractor will comply with applicable laws and rules and qualifying improvement program policies and procedures, including those on advertising and marketing.

(2)

Fla. Stat. § 471.003 — Qualifications for practice; exemptions

Any electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning, or mechanical contractor whose practice includes the design and fabrication of electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning, or mechanical systems, respectively, which she or he installs by virtue of a license issued under chapter 489, under former part I of chapter 553, Florida Statutes 2001, or under any special act or ordinance when working on any construction project which:

1.

Requires an electrical or plumbing or air-conditioning and refrigeration system with a value of $125,000 or less; and

2.a.

Requires an aggregate service capacity of 600 amperes (240 volts) or less on a residential electrical system or 800 amperes (240 volts) or less on a commercial or industrial electrical system;

b.

Requires a plumbing system with fewer than 250 fixture units; or

c.

Requires a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system not to exceed a 15-ton-per-system capacity, or if the project is designed to accommodate 100 or fewer persons.

(i)

Any general contractor, certified or registered pursuant to the provisions of chapter 489, when negotiating or performing services under a design-build contract as long as the engineering services offered or rendered in connection with the contract are offered and rendered by an engineer licensed in accordance with this chapter.

(j)

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

Licensed contractors are regulated by laws designed to protect the public. If you contract with a person who does not have a license, the Construction Industry Licensing Board and Department of Business and Professional Regulation may be unable to assist you with any financial loss that you sustain as a result of a complaint. Your only remedy against an unlicensed contractor may be in civil court. It is also important for you to understand that, if an unlicensed contractor or employee of an individual or firm is injured while working on your property, you may be held liable for damages. If you obtain an owner-builder permit and wish to hire a licensed contractor, you will be responsible for verifying whether the contractor is properly licensed and the status of the contractor’s workers’ compensation coverage.

Before a building permit can be issued, this disclosure statement must be completed and signed by the property owner and returned to the local permitting agency responsible for issuing the permit. A copy of the property owner’s driver license, the notarized signature of the property owner, or other type of verification acceptable to the local permitting agency is required when the permit is issued.

Signature:   (signature of property owner)   .

Date:   (date)   .

(d)