Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)

Your contractor license is your livelihood connecting you to your passion and projects. Our goal is to make obtaining, protecting, and keeping your license a priority. With vast experience as professional license attorneys, Howell, Buchan, & Strong represents contractors in the State of Florida with these licensing needs and more.

• Applications for Contractor Licensure
• Contractor Licensure Renewals
• Delinquent Licenses
• Defense against Administrative Complaints
• Representation before the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Licensing Boards
• Construction Industry Licensing Recovery Fund Cases

Howell, Buchan & Strong and Your Contractor Licensing Needs

Contractors are governed by the rules and regulations of Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) are responsible for the licensing and regulation of Contractors.

Howell, Buchan & Strong has experience in representing contractors throughout the State of Florida, with knowledge of state government, state regulations, administrative law, and licensing law.

Applications for Licensure

Our Firm will guide you in meeting the specific requirements for attaining a contractor’s license. The application process is a nuanced and sometimes difficult process, and the assistance of experienced counsel can increase your chances of success. The Attorneys at Howell, Buchan, & Strong can help you submit an accurate and complete licensure application to DBPR, communicate with the DBPR analyst reviewing your application, and help explain why you meet the legal qualifications for licensure. 

If you have a criminal history or other background problems, we can assist in providing the necessary documentation to DBPR. If you have been convicted of a felony, the CILB may deny licensure based on:

• The severity of the crime
• The relationship of the crime to contracting
• The potential for public harm

Additionally, the CILB must consider the length of time since the offense occurred and any rehabilitative evidence provided by the applicant. A thorough and articulate explanation could mean the difference between your license being granted or denied.

Licensure Renewals

Is your license currently active but up for renewal? Have you let your license go inactive, and are trying to get it reinstated? We can assist you with renewing or reinstating your license. To maintain your General Contractor license, you must comply with post-licensing requirement such as renewal fees and continuing education. In Florida, licenses are almost never a one and done process. You are required by law to meet the requirements to renew your license every two (2) years. Let our attorneys provide you with guidance on renewing or reinstating your license.

Defense against Administrative Complaints (AC)

The AC process is not easy and can be very daunting for contractors. As a contractor, your license is your livelihood. That is why when a complaint against your license is submitted to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation you need to take it seriously. Failing to timely respond to an AC can result in waiver of rights and possibly revocation of licensure. Our attorneys can assist you with defending against an AC.

Dig Deeper: Read our latest blog on Investigation Letters and Your Construction Contractor License.

Learn more about administrative complaints against your license in our blog entitled, What happens if the Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues an Administrative Complaint against my construction license?

Representation before the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Construction Industry Licensing Board are responsible for licensing and regulating many types of contractors. In some cases, you may be called to testify before the Board. The attorneys at Howell, Buchan & Strong have over 30 years of combined experience, and understand the intricacies and decorum of the Board. DBPR has attorneys on its side; you deserve to have an experienced attorney advocating for you too.

Construction Industry Licensing Recovery Fund

DBPR receives Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund Claims from disgruntled consumers. When they do, DBPR opens an investigation and seeks information from the claimant and the contractor. Eventually, your case may be scheduled for a hearing before the Construction Industry Licensing Board. This is your opportunity to appear and give your side of the story. If the Claim is denied, the case will be closed and there should be no consequences on your license. If the Claim is successful, however, it can result in your license being suspended until the amount granted to the claimant is paid in full.

We can help defend your license in recovery fund cases. We invite you to read more in our latest contractor blog about How the Recovery Fund Impacts Contractors with Claims Filed Against Them.

Our Firm helps Contractors in all areas of construction and mechanics, including:

General Construction, Building, Residential, Roofing, Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning, Mechanical, Swimming Pool & Spa, Plumbing, Underground Utility & Excavation, Septic Tank, Alarm Systems, Fire Alarms, and Electrical Contractors.