Blog – Glenn Construction Inc

Essential Business Tools for a FL General Contractor – Part 3 of 3

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:59:00 GMT

1. Promotions and Networking

– Link dIn . A must for many professionals, LinkedIn allows people to recommend you, find you via your location and expertise, and prompts users to advertise their experience and education for potential clients and employers.

– CardMunch . A llows you t o photograph a business card, turn ing it into a contact on your phone. P owered by LinkedIn , it also shows you their profile and common connections . Others , like Cardcloud , geotag the location of the card upon scanning, so you remember where you met the contact.

– Professional On The Web . Add your profile and portfolio to Professional On The Web and become part of a growing number of agencies and freelancers connect ed over this network .

– GOQR.me . A free QR code generator. QR codes can publicize your site, special discounts via text message or a portfolio of your best contracting work.

2. Project and Document Collaboration Online

– PBWorks . Simple and free to use, you can upload custom pages with HTML. Their slogan is x “online team collaboration to get work done.”

– Wikispaces . Simplifying the process of making and using a wiki, Wikispaces allows anyone to create a public or private place for their content. Wikis are the original web 2.0 tools!

– Basec a mp . A web-based project management tool from from 37Signals. Organize projects, data and people (team, vendors, clients, subcontractors) with ease.

3. Website Creation

– WordPress . Considered to be the standard platform for new blog and website creation , it is simple and easy to use .

– KompoZer . This software makes it easy to create HTML web pages with a “ what you see is what you get ” interface.

4. Business Reputation Management

– Yelp . The easiest way for consumers to find, review and discuss what’s great -and not so great- in your ar ea. Proa ctive managemen t and engagement with your profile is essential to success .

– Citysearch . With reviews of just about everything, Citysearch is a great resource of information on businesses all over the United States. Like Yelp, be sure to claim, update and manage your profile.

– Technorati . One of the world’s leadin g providers of blog information. Monitor your links and reputation through the website to increase your visibility.

That’s it ! The final 12 in our list. These essential web-based tools can aid any contractor in edg ing out the competition . I n terms of business productivity, efficiency, client acquisition, profitability, and professional development, the sky’s the limit in 2016!

Contractors Reporting Services is your one-stop shop for assistance with obtaining a FL Contractors License, license renewal, corporation set-up or anything else related to the industry . W e are experts at what we do and we are here to an swer any questions that you may have. P lease give us a call. We are here to help you.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

Essential Business Tools for a FL General Contractor – Part 2 of 3

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:58:00 GMT

– BRL-CAD . A cross platfor m, open-source (OS) modeling system which features interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools.

– Archimedes . A free, OS computer-aided design (CAD) software that works with MAC or Windows . With a lightweight core and plug and play modules allowing a fully customizable experience, it can be as simple or complex as your needs demand.

– Inkscape . A free , OS illustration tool with a vector graphics drawing program that includes flexible drawing tools, broad file format capability, Bezier & spiral curves, a powerful text tool & a free-to-use clip art libr ary to enhance your drawings.

– Dia . M akes it easy to draw diagrams, organizational charts, flowcharts, systems diagrams, and many other types of charts and figures.

– Paint.NET . A lightweight , intuitive, and ultra fast image editing software. Similar to Photoshop, it features layers, history, and the abil ity to add brushes and plugins .

– Gimp . A free, OS image editor. Sophisticated, professional and comprehensive software offering image retouch, channels, layers, sampling, masks, animation, and file conversion tools , PLUS .

2. Documents and Forms

– PDFCreator . Turns any file into a PDF without having Acrobat installed on your system. The program can also create image files like PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PCX, PS and EPS files. You can protect your files with encryption; digitally sign your documents and much more.

– Wufoo . Create any kind of form you need. Take orders, administer surveys, collect payments, create event registrations and more. Data collected in each form is stored in the cloud and you can a ccess your data anywhere.

3. Online File Storage and Sharing

– Fluxiom . A file storage & sharing option s pecifically designed for small or m id -sized businesses .

– Google Drive . P rovides 30 gigabytes of free space of cloud file storage.

– Dropbox . A nother service that provides digital space and backup storage for critical files at a reasonable price (2 gigs free).

With 11 more tools in your web toolbox , you are well on your way to a comprehensive array of design, editing, creation and storage offerings, all with minimal or zero impact to your bottom line. The more services you are equipped to offer your clients, the more desirable you become as a contractor.

Your success as a contractor is directly related to the foundation you lay and maintain. At Contractors Reporting Services, we are experts at giving you the support and information you need to build a successful contracting business as we have been helping contractors dot “ i”s and cross “ t”s since 1965. If you have questions about obtaining a FL Contractors License, license renewal, corporation set-up o r anything else related to the industry, please give us a call. We are here to help you.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave,
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

Essential Business Tools for a FL General Contractor – Part 1 of 3

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:57:00 GMT

– Google Docs . Free document creation, storage & sharing within your Google account online.

– OpenOffice . Free open source software suite , comparable to the Microsoft & Apple “office” programs for documents, spread sheets, presentations and more.

– Zoho . Same as above, but it al so includes Wiki, Virtual Office, Show, Project management, Planner and a chat tool. Use them all or pick and choose.

– Thinkfree . Another “office” suit e option, with sharing ability , that offers cloud storage as well as mobile options to increase your flexibility .

2. Business Management (Project Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, Client Relationship Management, Accounting)

– GanttProject . A free, open source desktop tool for project management and scheduling. It runs on all the major oper ating systems and allows project sharing via WebDAV . Break down a nd assign tasks, milestones, manage human resources, c reate resource load, PERT and Gantt charts. Save charts as image files or export reports as PDF or HTML.

– dotProject. n et . A web-base d project management software, featuring a clutter free GUI, the ability to create discussion forums, task lists, charts and more.

– Imperium . A complete web-based accounting software solution with the functionality of commercial progra ms like Peachtee and QuickBooks, geared for use in smaller and m id-sized operations. Manage your business data with feat ures like CRM, project tracking & invoicing. Works with any operating system and integrates with Google Apps.

– FrontAccounting . A nother terrific web-based solution for enterprise reso urce planning. T rack purchase orders, invoices, accounts payable, stock, general ledger, budget and more.

– TurboCASH . A free option with comparable features to the above-named. S tock control, outstanding invoices, suppliers, ledger, balance sheet, income analysis and more. It can handle multiple users and sites.

– Salesforce.com allows you to start small and manage your business contacts or scale up to be a complete CRM solution for your entire business.

– Sugar Community Edition is a Client Relationship Management used by numerous major corporations. It supports your marketing and sales efforts, social media and social networking, email marketing, mobile messaging and reporting. You can use the open-source community version or pay for premium supported versions.

T ake some time to check out these first 11 web-based tools , and you are sure to find a few to suit your foundational busine ss needs. Office programs that aid in professional correspondence, invoices, expenses, supply tracking, etc., make the process of financial management much more … manageable . And with many of the free programs reducing initial out-of-pocket expenses, you r initial outlook is much more profitable.

At Contractors Reporting Services, we want to see you succeed and work hard to make the process better for you. If you have questions about obtaining a FL Contractors License, license renewal, corporation set-up o r anything else related to the industry, please give us a call. We are here to help you.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

Why Consider a Specialty License?

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 16:20:00 GMT

Many times, the decision to pursue the addition of a specialty license comes down the road a bit, after you’ve established a reputation in the industry and have a desire to branch out into a new direction. A General Contractors license allow s you to work and/or manage construction projects, but what if you started in a specialized area and have experience to broaden your scope? Think of the doors that might open up.

Here’s an example: You’ve had a successful business as a general contractor in FL for a few years and you have developed a crew that shares your standards of performance and integrity. Things are functioning well in your business, but you see a need for qualified roofing contractors in your area and , because you started out working on a roofing crew, you have the knowledge and expertise to branch out to meet that need. As your roofing jobs begin to pick up, you build a new team , committed to the same quality standards of your general contracting subs. Fast forward a few years and the real estate markets dips, leaving general contracting jobs sparse . If that was your only source of business or referral , things might become difficult; but standing structures would still need roof replacements or repairs and your reputation will keep your business booming. Another probable benefit is that, when an average homeowner is looking to replace their roof, they only think to hire a licensed, qualified roofing contractor. However, when you state that you are also a licensed General Contractor, it could open up additional business opportunities for remodeling or repair work on their home or the homes of friends. Cross-referrals are invaluable in sustaining business growth and development.

Contractors Reporting Services is equipped to help you obtain your FL General Contractor license, as well as any specialty contractor’s license in the state of Florida. Once the licensing requirements to become a General Contractor are completed, obtaining a specialty license would be a far simpler process. Specialty licenses would include, but are not limited to, Sheet Metal, Mechanical, Electrical, Drywall, Class A or B Air Conditioning, Roofing, Commercial Pool, Residential Pool, Marine, Gas Line, Solar, Underground Utilities and Excavation, etc. If you’ve had four or more years of experience working in any one or multiple areas of specialty contracting, you might want to consider pursuing a license in that area. Call Contractors Reporting Services to find out how to get started on your licensing requirements today.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave,
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

Contractor Test – October 13th & 14th

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:47:00 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

CONTRACTOR TEST – OCTOBER 13 ^th & 14 ^th

Osceola Heritage Park
Exhibition Building
1901 Chief Osceola Trail
Kissimmee, FL 34744-6112

Kissimmee, FL (October 5, 2015) – Contractors Reporting Services, a full-service agency that assists contractors with the complete licensing, Contractor Test and approval process, will be on-site to help you get your questions answered.

If you have not yet applied to take your Contractors Test and would like more information, visit this link:

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/servop/testing/exam.html

Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure that they are scheduled timely and the exam materials are accounted for.

Passing the Contractor Test is the first step in obtaining your Contractors License in Florida, but there are many other requirements that must also be met. Contractors Reporting Services can assist you with your contractor credit report, financial stability report, corporation set-up and so much more. They have been helping builders dot “i”s and cross “t”s since 1965.

If you are unable to sit for the exam on these dates, or if you have questions about the exam, please contact Contractors Reporting Services today.

How to Get an Electrical Contractors License in FL

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:44:00 GMT

At Contractors Reporting Services, we are exp erts in the field of contractor licensing and corporation set-up . It is our job to guide you through each step, answering your questions along the way, in order to expedite and simplify the licensing process. The requirements for becoming an Electrical Contractor in FL will vary slightly, depending on whether you cho ose to become registered (permitted to operate only within your city, county or municipality ) or certified (permitted to operate state-wide). Here are the general application requirements, according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation :

*If you do have a criminal history, you are not automatically disqualified from obtaining your license as a General Contractor in FL, but there are additional steps that you wi ll need to take to be eligible .

At Contractors Reporting Services , ou r licensing specialists are here to help you . Whether you are just getting started in the licensing process, or you are a seasoned veteran looking to broaden your scope of certification, we have answers to all of your questions. Call us today to see how we can help you get your Florida Electrical Contractors license .

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

General Liability Insurance and Your Florida Contractors License

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:15:00 GMT

Once you have passed your contractors exam, the process of compiling the necessary documentation begins. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, you must show documentation proving :

Although these requirements are fairly standard, the insurance requirement continues to raise questions among applicants. Many wonder why the state of Florida mandates that contractors carry minimum limits and furthermore, why it is a requirement at all. To give a better explanation, here is what www.ehow.com has to say:

Liability-insurance policies offer protection against claims made by third parties for injury or bodily harm, property damage, negligence and loss of life or limb. By having general liability insurance, contractors provide blanket coverage for both product and public liability. This means that the policy covers indirect or direct actions of the insured contractor and his employees, which may result in damage or loss due to the fault in the product.

… The majority of business owners today can benefit from having general liability insurance, because it protects the business owner from lawsuits should something happen while on the job.

It can sometimes seem as though required limits are restrictive or demanding, but in the case of liability and property damage coverage, those limits are in place to keep contractors protected from bogus or frivolous lawsuits that could cause their business to crumble.

Contractors Reporting Services has been assisting professionals in obtaining their Florida General Contractors License since 1965. We are passionate about the contracting industry and are diligent to stay up to date with state licensing and renewal requirements to give you the most accurate information possible. We are here to serve you, as we know how r ewarding it is to see your hard work and dedication pay off when you finally have your official license in hand . Call us to ask about how our services can streamline your licensing or renewal process.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

Florida’s surging construction industry faces worker shortage

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 17:07:00 GMT

This time, though, the recovery is playing out a different way. As both commercial and residential development picks up, construction managers are having a hard time filling their crews, particularly subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, drywallers and carpenters.

“We don’t seem to be bringing the workforce back in the market like we’ve typically seen in the past,” Ellison said. The shortage “is a little more profound now.”

Part of the problem is the loss of experienced workers who fled Florida to pursue the fracking boom in states like North Dakota and Texas. Part is tied to a demographic squeeze: Aging, experienced baby boomers are retiring and their younger comrades who have been shell-shocked by the recession aren’t embracing building trades as a career.

Steve Cona of the local chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors highlighted the trend line during a recent Tampa forecasting event. He noted that nearly 21 percent of skilled construction workers are 55 or older, and 29 percent are 45 to 54 years old. “We’re not replacing those people fast enough,” Cona said.

He expects the shortage will only worsen with major projects intensifying — from a $1 billion overhaul of Tampa International Airport to a $1 billion redevelopment of the southern edge of downtown Tampa, an effort led by Tampa Bay Lightning owner/budding real estate tycoon Jeff Vinik.

Florida is hardly the only place facing a shortage.

A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders found 46 percent of builders reported a worker shortage last year. That’s the highest across the nine trades surveyed since 2000, and even slightly higher than the peak of the housing boom in 2005 when housing starts were running at the pace of 2 million a year, or about twice the current rate.

Read the rest of the news here ..

How to Get Your Customers to Say “Yes” – Part 2

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 18:44:00 GMT

As you continue to work in the industry, your gained experience will increase your ability to accommodate the unique demands of prospective clients and gain the respect of industry peers. Furthermore, the longer you work your business, building on the foundation of honesty, integrity and flexibility, the more established you become and your reputation will preceed you. Today’s consumer is smart and they are diligent in researching before they “buy”. It is your job to ensure that they like what they read, trust what you tell them and love what you do. Then they will tell their friends!

At Contractors Reporting Services, we have been helping contractors dot “i”s and cross “t”s since 1965. If you have questions about obtaining a FL Contractors License, license renewal, corporation set-up o r anything else related to the industry, please give us a call. We are here to help you.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave,
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

How to Get Your Customers to Say “Yes” – Part 1

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:44:00 GMT

Check back soon for Part 2 of How to Get Your Customers to Say “Yes”. At Contractors Reporting Services, we have all the information to help you learn how to have contractors license FL. We can assist in all aspects of the process including obtaining your license, setting up your corporation, maintaining and/or renewing your license , annual reports and more. We want to see you succeed and can give you the tools to make it happen.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave,
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
http: / /activatemylicense.com

Why Do You Need a General Contractors License?

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 18:37:00 GMT

The best way to answer the question of “Why you need a license” is to explain what would happen if you attempted to operate a contracting business without the appropriate licensure and/or certificates. According to husseinandwebber.com,

In Florida, it is a criminal offense to engage in contracting work or to act in the capacity of a contractor without a valid contractor’s license. Unlicensed contracting is a serious crime carrying misdemeanor or felony penalties, depending on the number of prior convictions.

DEFINITION OF UNLICENSED CONTRACTING :

Under Florida law, the offense of “Contracting Without a License” can encompass a broad range of conduct related to the construction and home improvement industries. Section 489.127, Florida Statutes , provides as follows:

(1) No person shall:

(a) Falsely hold himself or herself or a business organization out as a licensee, c ertificate – holder, or registrant ;

(b) Falsely impersonate a certificate – holder or registrant ;

(d) Knowingly give false or forged evidence to the board or a member thereof ;

(e) Use or attempt to use a certificate or registration that has been suspended or revoked;

(f) Engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor or advertise himself or herself or a business organization as available to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor without being duly registered or certified ;

(g) Operate a business organization engaged in contracting after 60 days following the termination of its only qualifying agent without designating another primary qualifying agent, except as provided in ss. 489.119 and 489.1195;

(h) Commence or perform work for which a building permit is required pursuant to part IV of chapter 553 without such building permit being in effect; or

( i ) Willfully or deliberately disregard or violate any municipal or county ordinance relating to uncertified or unregistered contractors.

PENALTIES FOR UNLICENSED CONTRACTING :

In Florida, unlicensed contracting is generally charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail or 12 months of probation, and a $1,000.00 fine. However, if the accused has been previously convicted of contracting without a license, the offense may be charged as a third-degree felony, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison or 5 years of probation, and a $5,000 fine…

Aside from potential fines and jail sentences, a person convicted of or who pleads to a charge of Contracting Without a License will often be subject to court-ordered restitution. This occurs where the alleged victim claims that the defendant performed sub-standard work or used sub-standard materials and caused a loss.

As it’s been said , any job worth doing is worth doing right. Contractors Reporting Services is here to help you lay a strong and solid foundation for your contracting business and that begins with becoming a FL licensed contractor. We have the experience and expertise to answer all of your questions and keep you in compliance with Florida state regulations and requirements. Call us to find out how to get started.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave , Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

Do I need a Florida Contractor Credit Report for my Electrician License? — Contractors Reporting Services

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 19:04:00 GMT

The Financial Stability requirement for general contractors states that you must have a Contractor Credit Report showing you have a personal credit score of 660 or higher. While electricians are not required to prove their FICO credit score in order to obtain their license, they must prove that there are no outstanding liens or judgments against them. This is a requirement for electricians before you can earn your contractors license. Unfortunately, many electricians are not aware of the Florida contractor credit report requirement, and they find themselves in a tough position of not being able to prove their financial stability in order to obtain their license. For this reason, we are sharing the FL contractor credit report requirements and the most frequently asked questions surrounding this topic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida contractor credit report for electricians

Q: Do I need a FL contractor credit report if I am just getting my electrician license?

A: Yes, every contractor in Florida is required to obtain a Florida contractor credit report to prove financial stability. The other requirements for financial stability can be found at the FL License website . You can also contact our team for FL contractor credit report services to walk you through the process, obtain the credit report for you, and send in the required documentation for your contractor license.

Q: What happens if my FL contractor credit report shows that I have an outstanding lien or judgment against me?

A: If your personal credit report shows that you have a lien or judgment against you, you must have them satisfied before your electrician’s license can be issued.

At Contractors Reporting Services , we help electricians obtain their contractor license by guiding them through the application process and providing Florida contractor credit report services to help electricians prove their financial stability. If you need help obtaining your contractor credit report in Florida, please call our office. We are happy to help you build your contractor business in Florida.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Will a Low Florida Contractor Credit Report Prevent me from Obtaining my Electrician License?

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 18:58:00 GMT

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “ What does the Florida contractors credit report look at? ”

The Florida contractors credit report looks at your personal credit score to make sure that you have a 660 or higher FICO score. The reason for this is to determine whether or not you are financially stable. This is not required for electricians, but is required for general contractors in Florida.

Electricians do not have to provide their FICO credit score when applying for their Florida license. However, electricians have to prove their financial responsibility by proving that there are no liens or judgments against them when applying for their electrician’s license.

It can be assumed that when you are starting your electrician business, you will need to take out business loans for equipment, vehicles, and possible employee salaries. If you have a lien or judgment against you, you will not be qualified for business loans.

If you know that you have an unsatisfied lien or judgment against you that will prevent you from earning your electrician’s license, there is still a way to obtain your license and start your electrician’s business.

At Contractors Reporting Services , our team of skilled agents and consultants has been helping contractors start their own businesses since 1965. We know the contractor world and we are confident that we can help you establish your business with ease and efficiency. Once your business is established, we can advise you on jobs, bids, and various company decisions. Let us help you build your contractor business successfully.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

How to set up an electrical company in Florida – Contractor corporate/LLC services at Contractors Reporting Services

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:31:00 GMT

At Contractors Reporting Services , we offer contractors corporate and LLC setup services to help guide you through the process of starting your own electrician company in Florida. During this process, we will help you create future goals and benchmarks for your business and then build your underlying business structure to help you achieve those goals and move forward with business growth.

The Houston Chronicle states the first and most important step needed in order to form a successful electrician business:

Structure your electrical business. Choose your business structure with the aid of a Certified Public Accountant familiar with small service businesses. Visit your city or county clerk’s office to obtain a business license, and inquire about additional permits required in your jurisdiction. Consult with a commercial insurance agent about business liability and professional liability insurance. Finally, ask your state Department of Revenue if you need a sales tax number for your service business.

We have a team of dedicated consultants who have been helping contractors since 1965 set up successful businesses. Our contractors corporate or LLC setup services for Florida contractors includes a detailed consultation about the differences between corporations and LLC companies, and the benefits and risks of each type of business structure. We will work with you to help you decide the best business option for your future success.

If you are ready to start your electrician company today, call our office to schedule your appointment.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

How to start your plumbing company in Florida

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:16:00 GMT

The next step required to start your plumbing business in Florida is to decide what type of business structure best suites your future goals and vision for your company. There are two main options for business structures for Florida contractors: LLC or Corporation. Our Florida contractor corporate/LLC setup services help you determine the best course of action for your business in relation to the future goals that you want your business to achieve. The structure of your business should reflect your plans for growth and development. Some smaller contractor companies benefit from establishing an LLC, while some larger companies should have a corporation for tax benefits. Our contractor corporate setup consultants will help you decide which option is best for your business needs.

According to INC.com , both a corporation and a LLC for contractors have tax benefits:

Another common aspect of LLCs and S corps is that they help you avoid paying both personal and corporate taxes. The difference is that in an S corp, owners pay themselves salaries plus receive dividends from any additional profits the corporation may earn, while an LLC is a “pass-through entity,” which means that all the income and expenses from the business get reported on the LLC operator’s personal income tax return, says Ebong Eka, a CPA who also pens his own blog about the world of entrepreneurship at MoneyMentoringMinutes.com .

At Contractors Reporting Services , we offer Florida contractor corporate/LLC setup services for your Florida contractor application services to help you build your successful contractor business. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Types of contractors that can apply for the general contractor license

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:06:00 GMT

However, the Florida general contractor license is for more professionals than simply builders. Professionals such as HVAC specialists and electricians must also pass the Florida contractors exam to earn their professional license. Check out what the Houston Chronicle says about which professions require a general contractor license:

For example … contractors who fix work that requires special engineering knowledge are required to obtain a general engineering contractor license. This work is usually water piping, chemical or utility related and involves work near schools, chemical plants or on sewage or water pipelines. To obtain this license, contractors must have an understanding of concrete work, rough and finish carpentry, masonry, electrical and heating, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, work.

For contractors looking to pass the Florida contractor exam, remember to meet the general contractor license requirements before you take the exam. The requirements include proving financial responsibility, which also includes having a FICO credit score of 660 or higher, earning three to five years of experience in your field, and passing the exam.

At Contractors Reporting Services , we can help you prepare for the Florida general contractors exam so you can pass the exam and earn your general contractors license. Our consultants will also make sure that the documented proof that you’ve met each requirement is sent and received at the correct licensing agency. Call us today to schedule your appointment and discuss how our team can help you start your own general contractor business in Florida.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Steps for getting an HVAC license in Florida

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:56:00 GMT

When it comes to understanding the requirements for Florida’s HVAC license and the resources needed to start a successful HVAC business, we are your experts. Our team of skilled professionals can guide you through how to get your Florida contractors license so you can start your own HVAC company.

The first step to getting your HVAC license in Florida is to have years of experience. Most licensing requirements need three to five years of experience or apprenticeship in order to qualify for the contractors license. If you have not started on your HVAC experience, we strongly advise that you start now. There are even apprenticeship schools you can attend to be educated about the HVAC trade. Some of these schools even teach you some pointers on how to form your own business.

As you are earning your HVAC experience, you should be studying for the general contractors exam. In order to havea licensed contractor, you must pass the general contractors exam.

Here is what the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation says about the Florida HVAC exam:

Application requirements for HVAC license:

At Contractor Reporting Service, we can help guide you through the requirements to earn your HVAC or general contractor license in Florida. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our licensing consultants.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Contractor Credit Reports for HVAC specialists

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:46:00 GMT

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions about Florida contactor credit reports and contact our team with any questions:

Q: Why is a Florida contractor credit report needed?

A: Contractors must establish their financial responsibility with the state in order to prove that they are financially capable of opening a business and receiving the line of credit needed to build a successful company. Unfortunately, Florida has suffered from several “fly by night” contractors who have made significant errors on buildings and then went out of business before the client could have the problem corrected or get a refund. Establishing your financial responsibility is a way of determining your eligibility to earn your contractor license.

Q: What is the Florida contractor credit score requirement?

A: The Florida law states that contractors must have a FICO credit score of 660 or higher to establish financial responsibility.

Q: What if my credit score is below 660?

A: If your credit score is below 660, you may need to file other documentation to prove your financial responsibility. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation states that the following requirements must be met if you do not have a credit score of 660 or higher:

If an applicant does not have a 660 credit score at the time of application, the applicant may still establish financial responsibility by obtaining a licensing bond or letter of credit. The amount of the bond or letter of credit depends on the type of license sought: $20,000 for Division I contractors or $10,000 for Division II contractors.

The amount of bond can be reduced by 50 percent after the completion of a board-certified financial responsibility course.

If you have any questions about the Florida contractor credit report requirements, please call our team at Contractors Reporting Services to schedule an appointment and we will help you with specialist in HVAC.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

How to prove your financial responsibility with our Florida Contractor Credit Report service – Contractors Reporting Services

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:40:00 GMT

At Contractors Reporting Services, we offer Florida Contractor Credit Report services to help you organize and send the proper documentation and make sure you meet the requirements to be deemed financially stable. In order to receive your contractor license, you must have a FICO credit score of a 660 or higher. If you do not have a contractor credit score of 660 or higher, there may be different methods of proving your financial stability.

One way that our Florida Contractor Credit Score services can help you prove your financial stability is to walk you through the process of getting a surety bond, which is part of the financial stability requirement if you have a credit score lower than 660.

Here is what DBL Surety, LLC says about Florida contractor credit surety bonds:

Florida Division I and II Contractor License Bonds are a new requirement by the State of Florida for all Division I and II Contractors with FICO derived credit scores less than 660… Florida Division I and II Contractor License Bonds – Sub 660 FICO Score are required to demonstrate financial stability to the State of Florida

The bond amount needed for a Florida Division I Contractor with a sub 660 FICO score is $20,000 and the amount needed for a Florida Division II Contractor with a sub 660 FICO is $10,000.

At Contractors Reporting Services , we are here to help you establish financial responsibility and earn your general contractors license with our Florida Contractor Credit Score services. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our contractor consultants.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Which is the better option for your HVAC business: a LLC or S-corp setup?

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:35:00 GMT

Luckily, at Contractors Reporting Services, we offer Florida contractor corporate/LLC setup services to help guide you through the process of deciding which structure works best for you and then actually putting that structure into motion.

For most HVAC businesses just starting, we recommend that you choose a LLC setup. While this is not a blanket statement and is often determined by your ultimate business goals, a LLC setup usually works best for small businesses with only one employee. Here is what Mashable has to say about LLC setup for contractor businesses:

With its roots as a C Corporation, the S Corporation involves structure, formalities and compliance obligations, which can be too burdensome for the solo entrepreneur, in other words, a “payroll of one.” If you incorporate as an S Corporation, you need to set up a board of directors, file annual reports and other business filings, hold shareholder’s meetings, keep records of your meeting minutes, and generally operate at a higher level of regulatory compliance than your business might need or want to deal with. With the LLC, this isn’t the case. LLCs just use an informal operating agreement.

What to know: If you want less red tape and formality, the LLC can provide greater simplicity.

At Contractors Reporting Services , we have a team of specialist who offer Florida contractor corporate/LLC setup services. We can help guide you through the process of establishing a LLC or corporation as the foundation for your HVAC business. Our goal is to make setting up your business as simple as possible so you can start reaching your goals.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Three Tips to Become a Successful General Contractor in Florida

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:30:00 GMT

Before you start your general contractor business in Florida, read through these three tips on how to make your business successful:

1. Be passionate.
This tip may seem cliché, but the truth is that building a successful general contractor business in Florida takes time and energy. If you don’t have the passion to do this, or if you are just doing it for the money, you might find yourself lacking the strength to continue. Earning your general contractors license in Florida requires hours of studying and years of experience – and that’s just the first step to opening your business. You must have passion to make it in this industry.

2. Build a solid foundation of support.
Building your business is just like building a home – the most important part is the foundation. The foundation of your contractors business must be rooted in a solid group of friends and professional advisors to help you make the right choices to lead your business to success. Without a solid foundation of support, you might find yourself trying to carry the weight of the business on your own two shoulders.

3. Surround yourself with powerful, good people.
Along with your foundation of support, you must surround yourself with people who will advise you and lead you in the right direction with your business. Even when studying for your FL contractors license, you need people who will help you study and motivate you to do the best you can. The saying goes, “you will be as successful as your five closest friends.” Make sure the five people in your circle are helping you find the success you desire.

At Contractors Reporting Services , we offer support and counsel for people building and expanding their general contractors businesses in Florida. We offer licensing services, as well as business set-up and advisory services. If you are ready to start building your dreams, give us a call.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Don’t make the biggest mistake that most HVAC new businesses make

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:08:00 GMT

Most contractors think that making the decision between incorporating the new HVAC new business or going the route of an LLC is the hardest decision they will have to face. However, you can make that decision with a team of advisors. Our Florida contractor corporate/LLC setup services can help advise you on the best path to take to reach your future business goals. We can set you up on the proper foundation, but you have to avoid this one big pitfall to actually reach the business goals you have laid out:

Trying to be the lowest bidder ( source )

The race to the bottom results in everyone being a loser. The ones who don’t get the contract lose. The one who gets the contract can’t do the work properly because they have to scrimp on labor and materials. And the homeowner loses because, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

When contractors try to get low-bid work, they have to keep all their costs as low as possible. They hire poorly trained techs and then don’t do enough—or anything—to get them trained properly and keep them updated. They use equipment that won’t last. They do the least work they possibly can on the distribution system.

This is no way to run a business. Because there are so many companies willing to do this, though, there will always be room for smart contractors to come in and do things right.

At Contractors Reporting Services , we have a team of skilled advisors who can walk you through the process of establishing your HVAC business. We offer Florida contractor corporate/LLC setup services to make sure that the foundation to your business is solid. We will even advise you along the way to reaching your business goals to ensure that you don’t fall into the most common mistake HVAC contractors make: bidding too low on a job.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

How to Earn the Trust of your New Clients as a General Contractor in Florida

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:03:00 GMT

We’re not saying it’s not important to build a solid foundation for your contractor business. You must earn your contractors license in Florida by passing the state exam and meeting the requirements for your FL contractors license. After you’ve established your business, you must go out and seek clients before you can find success.

Here are three tips on how to earn the trust of new clients:

At Contractors Reporting Services , we help people build successful general contractors companies in Florida. We specialize in general contractors, electricians, HVAC specialists, and other licensed general contractor in Florida. If you need help applying for your contractors license or need advise on how to build a successful business, please give us a call.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Consulting Services for your General Contractor License in Florida

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 01:27:00 GMT

At Contractors Reporting Services, our goal is to help people achieve their dream of becoming a successful general contractor in the state of Florida. Our services don’t end after you obtain your Florida General Contractor license. On the contrary, our services only begin there. We have a highly trained and specialized staff that is ready to help you through the process of creating your contractor company and also stay on board as a consultant for any business decisions you approach.

We’ve been helping contractors in Florida since 1965, so we are well versed in the legal and construction portion of owning your own contractor business. After we help you through the requirements to obtain your general contractors license, we will sit down and discuss with you the options for your general contractor business. Our goal is to help guide you through the professional decisions that will shape your career, such as whether or not to invest in a new project or what to do about a staffing issue. Our knowledge and experience will work to benefit you and make sure that you are making wise choices as you build your foundation for success.

Build your business on solid ground

When you allow our staff at Contractors Reporting Services to help you build your career as a general contractor, you are ensuring that your business will be built on a solid foundation. As a contractor, you understand the importance of making a blueprint for your design and then building from the ground up. We apply that same concept to building your business. When you first walk into Contractors Reporting Services, we will create a blueprint of your career path with you to make sure that we are working toward the same goals.

One of the first services we offer is an application service for your Florida general contractor license. We offer resources to help you study for the test and we explain the requirements to obtain your general contractor license in Florida.

After you meet the Florida contractors license requirements and you receive your contractors license, we will help you create a plan for how you want to build your business. We offer LLC and Corporate Setup services to help you find the business plan that fits your needs.

Once you decide on the right foundation for your business, we help you build your career by offering advice on projects and logistical business concerns. We make sure that you are moving in the right direction throughout your career path.

Where to begin

The first place to begin in your career as a general contractor is to obtain your general contractors license in the state of Florida. You must pass the exam (we have study resources to help you), and then complete the application to obtain your license. There are additional requirements to earn your contractors license in Florida, such as providing proof of financial responsibility, carrying adequate insurance limits, and providing a FICO credit score. All of these requirements are listed in detail in our previous blog post.

If you are ready to start planning the blueprint to your career as a general contractor in Florida, call our office and schedule an appointment with one of our consultants.

Contractor Reporting Service
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Corporate/LLC Setup Services for Florida Contractors

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 03:14:00 GMT

At Contractors Reporting Services, we have a team of experts who can help you make this logistical decision about your new career. Our staff has been helping contractors create their businesses successfully since 1965, which means that we have 50 years of experience to pass along to you. Our Florida Contractor Corporate/LLC Set up Service will help you determine the right business plan to fit your individual needs and goals for your career.

Our goal is to help you build your business with structural integrity. As a contractor, you understand that the structural integrity of your projects is one of the most important aspects of the building. Likewise, the way your business is set up, as either an LLC or an S-Corp, is one of the most important structures on which to build your career.

What are the advantages of incorporating your Florida general contractor business?

There are several advantages to both LLC and S-Corp structures. The bottom line depends on your goals for your business and how you want your internal operations to run. Our Florida Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup team will help you determine the best option for you.

Below are some of the advantages of incorporating your business, as listed on our website:

Our goal is to help you find the path for your business that brings you the most success. When you begin to create your business, you will sit down with our expert staff and discuss your goals and expectations of your new business. From that information, our staff will determine what type of corporation would work best for your business.

If you are ready to move forward with your career as a general contractor in Florida and you would like to learn more about our Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup Services, please call our office and schedule an appointment.

Contractor Reporting Service
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Credit Reports Florida Contractor and why it is Important to have a Good Credit Score

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 08:30:00 GMT

As a matter of fact, Florida requires more than simply a credit report to prove your financial responsibility before you can earn your general contractor license. According to Florida law, there are several components needed in order to prove your financial responsibility before you can move forward with your career as a general contractor. Here is the list of requirements needed to prove your financial responsibility from the official Florida state general contractors website:

Without a good FICO credit score of 660 or higher, there are more requirements to meet before you can obtain your Florida general contractor license. There are still ways to prove your financial responsibility, but having a low FICO credit score adds more steps to the process.

Contractors Reporting Services Credit Report Service

When helping you build your career as a successful general contractor in Florida, we like to make sure that we have all of our bases covered. That means that we have services in place to help you not only prove your financial responsibility in order to obtain your license, but also to proactively make sure that you meet the financial requirements before the application process begins. Just because you have a credit score of lower that 660 doesn’t mean that you can’t obtain your Florida general contractor license.

Our team of experts at Contractors Reporting Services has been helping contractors earn their license and build successful careers since 1965. We proactively work to make sure that you can meet all of the requirements for your general contractors license. In the event that you don’t meet one of the requirements for financial stability, we create an alternative plan to avoid unnecessary obstacles and make sure that you receive your license in a time-efficient manner.

What happens if your credit score is below 660?

In the event that we pull your general contractor credit reports and your FICO score is lower than 660, there is an alternative route to establish your financial responsibility. Our team of experts will help you decide on a new route so you can obtain your Florida contractors license.

On the “Florida Contractor Credit Report” page of our website, we explain the alternative route to proving your financial responsibility if your credit score is lower than 660:

In the event that you do not have a 660 or higher FICO credit score, you may still prove financial stability by obtaining a licensing bond or letter of credit in the amount of $20,000 for Division I Contractors or $10,000 for Division II contractors ( source: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation) .

If you are ready to discuss the requirements to prove your financial responsibility for your Florida general contractors license, give us a call today!

13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

A Good Credit Score can Help You Obtain your Florida Contractor License

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 01:27:00 GMT

In order to obtain your Florida contractor license, you must prove that you are a financially responsible individual. There are several factors that must be met to prove your financial stability, including providing your Florida Contractor Credit Reports. Here is the full list of requirements to prove your financial responsibility, based on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation :

If you do not have a Florida Contractor Credit Report showing a FICO score of 660 or higher, there are some ways to still obtain your contractor license. Our Florida Contractor Credit Report services can help you prove your financial stability through more ways than simply your FICO credit score. While the process might take a little longer, we can help you still prove your financial stability and continue on your path to become a licensed Florida contractor.

Our Florida Contractor Credit Report services provide guidance to make sure that you have the proper documentation to prove your financial responsibility. We will handle everything from start to finish to make sure that the right documentation gets into the right hands so you can receive your general contractors license.

If you have any questions about our Florida Contractor Credit Report services, please give us a call today and schedule a consultation.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

How to Form an LLC for your Contractor Company

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 09:37:00 GMT

At Contractors Reporting Services, we offer a Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup service that will walk you through the process of establishing your business in Florida. Our team will help you through the guidelines to form an LLC or Corporation for your contractor company. Part of the consultation will be to determine whether your best option is with an LLC structure or a Corporate structure. To learn the difference between the two, please read our previous blog discussing the difference between an LLC and an S-Corp.

Our Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup services will help you establish a business with the right structure to fit your goals and your projected income. Here are some of the steps that we will go through with you while we set up your new Contractor LLC in Florida:

Our Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup services will help you choose a professional, memorable name for your business. We will also check all of the state databases to make sure that the name you choose is not already taken by another company.

The application for a Contractor LLC or Corporation setup can be daunting. Our team will not only fill out the application for you, but we will also make sure that the completed application reaches the proper destination and gets filed correctly. We will take care of the entire application process for you.

Once our Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup services complete your LLC listing, we will provide you with all of the documentation you need to purchase your required insurance policy. We will make sure that your insurance policy is up to standards so that you have no trouble moving forward with your contractor career.

If you have any questions about our Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup services, please call us to schedule a consultation.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

How to “grandfather” your Registered Contractors License in Florida

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 07:47:00 GMT

House Bill 897, which passed during the 2012 legislative session, was approved by Governor Rick Scott on May 4, 2012. This bill will re-open and extend the time period for contractors to request that their registered contractors license be grandfathered to a state wide certified contractor’s license. The time period requesting grandfathering of registered licenses has been extended until November 1, 2015. (FloridaContractor.com)

The application to start this process can be found on our website at www.activatemylicense.com. At Contractors Reporting Services, we will schedule a consultation with you to decide if grandfathering your registration to an active Florida contractor’s license is the best move for your career. If the answer is yes, we can help you through the application process and handle all of the follow up work to make sure that you have registered contractors license and that you have met the requirements for your Florida general contractors license.

Below are the requirements needed to “grandfather” your registration to a Florida general contractor license:

If you have any questions about how to start the application for your Florida general contractors license , please call our office today.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

How to Improve your Florida Contractor Credit Report Score

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:58:00 GMT

Here is a list of the financial requirements needed to obtain your Florida general contractors license, provided by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:

Our Florida Contractor Credit Report services can help you make sure that you have the proper documentation to improve Florida contractor credit report to prove your financial stability and move forward on your path to becoming a licensed general contractor. Notice that the last requirement on the list is a credit score of 660 or higher. Because this tends to be the most difficult requirement for people to meet, our team has compiled a list of tips on how to increase your credit report to obtain your general contractor license.

Try these tips to increase your credit score, found on FICO.com:

For more tips on how to improve Florida contractor credit report and what our Florida Contractor Credit Report services can do for you, call our office to schedule a consultation.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Tips to Help You Study for your Florida Contractor License

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 04:32:00 GMT

At Contractors Reporting Services, we help you earn your Florida general contractors license by informing you of the license requirements and making sure that you meet those requirements in order to begin your career. While we pride ourselves on helping you study Florida contractor license to meet the requirements to get your contractor license, we cannot control whether or not you pass the general contractor exam. That is why we are sharing some really important tips to help you pass the Florida general contractor exam with flying colors and move one step closer to achieving your dream of owning your own contractor business.

Here are some tips to help you study for the general contractor exam:

Think about the exam just like you would approach a sporting event. When you attend a baseball game, you know what to expect: nine innings. When you attend your exam, you need to know what to expect in the layout of the test so that you can plan your time during the exam appropriately. Here is the layout of the exam:

The Florida contractors exam is an open-book exam that is given in a two-day time period. One day is a computer based testing for Business, Accounting and Project Management. This is given at an approved computer testing facility at any time of your choosing.

The other day is administered by the State of Florida, Bureau of Education and Testing approximately every six-weeks, and in three (3) locations in Florida (Miami, Kissimmee, and Tallahassee) at the same time. This is often called the Technical part of the exam. It will cover plan reading, math, estimating and technical construction knowledge.

If you are interested in studying Florida contractor license about how to prepare for the exam and what the requirements are for your Florida general contractor license , call our office to schedule a consultation.

Contractors Reporting Services

13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613

1.800.487.2084

Contractor Corporate Setup Services – Setting up your S-Corp

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 04:27:00 GMT

Our Florida Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup services start with a consultation to establish whether you should choose an LLC or a Corporation (most likely an S-Corp) to best meet your business needs. The difference between the two lies in the structure of the business and the tax setup. Your consultant will help you determine the right business structure to meet your goals and position you for future success.

What is a S-Corporation and how does the Florida Contractor Corporate Setup service decide what is the right structure for my business?

In our years of Florida Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup services, we have run into several questions about the structure of an S-Corp. The most common question is, of course, what is a S-Corp and how do I know if this is right for my business. In order to save some confusion, we are going to give you the same answer that is provided by the state of Florida :

A S corporation is also called a standard business corporation. This tax status allows the corporation not to be a separately taxable entity. Instead, the income of the corporation is treated like the income of a partnership or sole proprietorship. Instead of the corporation being taxes, the income is passed to the shareholders who are taxed on individual tax returns.

The articles of incorporation that are filed with the state are same whether a corporation is a C or S Corporation. Both a S and C corporation protect the owners from personal responsibility for debts and liabilities of the business. Both a S and C corporation are required to hold an annual meetings with their shareholders and directors. Corporate meeting minutes must be kept with the corporate records.

If you have questions about our Florida Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup services, or if you would like to learn more about the difference between a S-Corp and a LLC, please call our office to schedule your consultation.

Contractors Reporting Services

13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613

1.800.487.2084

Building Your Dream – Contractor Corporate/LLC Setup Services

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 03:17:00 GMT

After you pass the general contractor examination and provide the necessary financial requirements to become a licensed contractor in Florida, you can start focusing on building your business. The most important aspect of starting your business is making sure that you incorporate your business correctly, depending on your needs and goals. Our team can help you identify the best route for your contractor business, whether you would benefit more from an S-Corporation or an LLC (Limited Liability Company). Our contractor Corporation/LLC setup services help you set the right foundation for your career.

We want to make sure that your career in general contracting and construction reaches it full potential. By establishing you in the most beneficial business structure, we are setting you up to take full advantage of the construction market. Check out this excerpt from the Small Business Association (SBA.gov) published just last month:

The construction business is booming once more.

In fact, the residential building construction industry was the number one fastest-growth industries for small businesses in recent years (source: Sageworks ) thanks an increase in housing demand, lending activity and real estate values.

In addition, six of the 10 fastest-growing industries among small businesses are tied to construction – including contractors, real estate agents and architects.

If you are ready to start your career as a general contractor, call our team and ask about our contractor Corporation/LLC setup services.

Contractors Reporting Services

13795 N Nebraska Ave

Tampa, FL 33613

1.800.487.2084

Florida Contractor Credit Report – Establishing Financial Responsibility

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 03:16:00 GMT

Your Florida contractor credit report shows your financial stability – a requirement for earning your general contractors license. The state wants to be sure that you have never filed bankruptcy, been sued, or had any credit defaults. The Florida contractor credit report also searches your public records to show any arrests or warrants before approving your general contractors license.

Additionally, when your Florida contractor credit score is reviewed, you must have over a FICO score of 660 in order to be deemed “financially responsible.” However, if you have a score under 660, you can take other routes to still receive your general contractors license. The Florida General Contractor Exam Prep explains some of the options available to contractors with a FICO score of less that 660:

If an applicant has a FICO credit score lower than 660, he/she will be requested to provide a licensing bond or letter of credit to obtain licensure. Please review the Department’s Financial Responsibility and Stability website for additional information on the Board’s requirements. The amount of the licensing bond or letter of credit is based on the type of license requested: $20,000 for Division I contractors and $10,000 for Division II contractors.

If you are interested in learning more about the requirements for your contractor credit report Florida, please contact our office. We are ready to help you through the process of earning your Florida general contractor license .

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Insurance Requirements for your General Contractors License in Florida

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 03:14:00 GMT

In order to receive your general contractors license in the state of Florida, you must carry a minimum general liability insurance of $300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage.

Part of our services at Contractors Reporting Services is to educate our clients on how to successfully operate a general contractors business. Therefore, we would like to take the time to educate each client on what it means to carry general liability insurance and why it is important for earning and keeping your general contractors license and your reputation in Florida.

Here’s a definition of general liability insurance from Progressive:

As a contractor or small business owner, you need some form of general liability insurance to safeguard your livelihood. A single accident could result in a lawsuit that you might not be able to handle. A great way to protect against this type of situation is to make sure you carry enough general liability insurance.

If you’re a contractor, we understand you might only need general liability insurance – not a BOP. For example, you might not own any commercial buildings that require property insurance, or need to cover payroll or other operating expenses. However, you’re still exposed to liability risks in your job.

So, remember – in order to earn your general contractors license in Florida, you must carry the required insurance at all times. If you need any help or have any questions about obtaining your contractors license in Florida , give us a call.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Contractor Corporate LLC Setup Services – What’s the difference between an S-Corp and an LLC?

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 03:12:00 GMT

That being said, let’s take a closer look at the difference between an LLC and an S-Corp so you can decide which option is better for your ultimate business goals.

Here is the definition of an LLC , taken from the Small Business Association (sba.gov):

An LLC is a business structure similar to a sole-proprietorship or a general partnership. According to the IRS , ‘It is designed to provide the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership.’

One of the features that distinguishes the LLC from an S-Corp is its operational ease. There are far fewer forms required for registering and there are fewer start-up costs. Filing taxes is a once-a-year affair on April 15: a single-member LLC files a 1040 and Schedule C like a sole proprietor; partners in an LLC file a 1065 partnership tax return like owners in a traditional partnership.

Our contractor corporate LLC setup services can help you decide if an LLC is the best option for your new contracting and construction business.

In comparison, here is the SBA’s definition of a Corporation :

An S-Corp is a corporation that has received the Subchapter S designation from the IRS. A business must first be chartered as a corporation in the state where it’s headquartered then file to be considered an S-Corp. According to the IRS, S-Corporations are ‘considered by law to be a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it.’ This allows for a limit on the financial liability for which an owner (aka ‘shareholder’) is responsible. Nevertheless, liability protection isn’t perfect. The plaintiff may be able to ‘pierce the corporate veil’ and go after your personal assets in a lawsuit.

One of the best features of the S-Corp is the tax savings for you and your business. Recall that members of an LLC are subject to employment tax on the entire net income of the business. Conversely, only the wages of the S-Corp shareholder who is an employee are subject to employment tax. The remaining income is paid to the owner as a ‘distribution’ which is taxed at a lower rate if at all!

Our team at Contractors Reporting Services can help you decide if a Corporation is the best route for your business. Our contractor corporate LLC setup services are designed to find the most economically beneficial options for your beginning contractor business.

Call our team to set up a meeting today.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

What to do if your Florida Contractor Credit Report is Lower than 660

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 03:10:00 GMT

To ensure that you understand the Florida general contractor requirements for proving financial responsibility, here is a list of what is needed from the state before your license is approved:

Florida Law requires all construction contractor applicants to establish that they are both financially responsible and financially stable prior to issuance of their licenses. The Construction Industry Licensing Board has determined a contractor will be deemed financially responsible and stable if the following items are established:

If your Florida contractor credit report shows that you have a FICO score of less than 660, there are other options to prove your financial responsibility and continue forward with the licensing process :

Licensing Bonds and Letters of Credit: If an applicant does not have a 660 credit score at the time of application, the applicant may still establish financial responsibility by obtaining a licensing bond or letter of credit. The amount of the bond or letter of credit depends on the type of license sought: $20,000 for Division I contractors or $10,000 for Division II contractors. These amounts may be reduced to $10,000 for Division I contractors and $5,000 for Division II contractors by completing a board-approved financial responsibility course.

If you have questions about the requirements for your Florida contractor credit score, contact our office and we can walk you through the process to help you with lower Contractor Credit Report to obtain your general contractors license.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

Preparing for your General Contractors License in Florida

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:39:00 GMT

We’ve given brief overviews of the steps to become a general contractor in Florida in previous blogs. Now, we want to take a moment and really dive into the steps required for you to start your career as a licensed general contractor.

The first step to earn your contractors license in Florida is to have at least four years of experience. We can’t help you with that, but we can advise you that you won’t be able to apply for your license without showing proof that you have worked in the industry for at least four years. So, start calling past employers and updating your resume, because you won’t be able to take the test without that proof.

The next step is to take the two exams: one in business and finance, and the other in trade. Please note that electrical contractors have different requirements and examinations than general contractors in Florida.

Taking the exam is where we want to step in and give you some advice. We can take over your license application after you complete the exam, but we need to make sure that you survive the general contractors exam first. There are several study programs in place to help you pass the test, such as Contractors Classes and many other learning programs.

Once you pass the exam, we can help you apply in preparing general contractors license and take everything from there. If you have any questions about the requirements of obtaining and maintaining your Florida General Contractors License, call our office.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613
1.800.487.2084

What can you do with a Florida Contractors License?

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:38:00 GMT

For starters, let’s define a contractor .

A Contractor is someone who demolishes, subtracts from, builds or improves any building or structure for compensation. Examples of compensation are cash, goods, services, etc.

Now that we have defined a contractor, let’s look at the types of jobs that do and do not require licensing in the state of Florida. This chart is provided by My Florida Licensing , a great reference source for contractor information in Florida.

At Contractors Reporting Services, we want each of our clients to be educated in the requirements of the Florida contractors license. We walk our clients through every step of the process to obtain and maintain a contractors license in the state of Florida.

Most clients don’t know that Florida requires all general contractors to complete at least fourteen hours of continuing education courses to maintain an active contractors license. A great option for the continuing education courses is through Gold Coast Schools, who offers at home courses for general contractors in Florida.

We want each of our clients to have a worry-free experience obtaining and maintaining their Florida contractors license. Our staff will handle all of the paperwork and red tape, so you can focus on your next big project.

If you have any questions regarding obtaining your Florida contractors license, or if you need to check the status of your license, please contact our office.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave.
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084

How to Renew your General Contractors License in Florida

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:35:00 GMT

You should renew Florida general contractors license when pursuing a career as a general contractor in the state of Florida, sometimes getting licensed is not the hardest part. Florida construction is expanding at a rapid rate, which will leave most contractors with a full schedule of projects at the end of the day.

Florida is a great place to build a career as a general contractor. However, it’s also a place to keep your schedule busy. That is why we created Contractors Reporting Services. Our experienced staff steps in when your construction schedule is filled to take off the unnecessary burden of paper work and bureaucratic licensing issues.

One of the biggest struggles we see occurs at the two-year license renewal. Usually about two years into business, general contractors are in the depths of large projects, and their sole focus is on completing the project with quality and efficiency. We understand that. After all, quality and efficiency are the qualities that will make you stand out as a great general contractor in Florida.

However, in the midst of the projects and busy schedules, many contractors forget to renew their license. We don’t want that to happen to you. Our team has created a layout of how to renew Florida general contractors license, and what requirements need to be met in order to keep your license active. The worst thing that could happen would be to have your general contractors license suspended in the middle of a huge project. Let us help you avoid that catastrophe by offering our guidelines and services to help you renew your general contractors license in Florida.

Renewing General Contractor License in FL

Your general contractors license in FL is up for renewal every two years. You will receive a letter 31 days before your date of renewal, with information about payments and requirements to keep your license active.

There are five sections of information that you must complete in order to renew your general contractor license in Florida: personal information, address changes, email, business information, and payment. Failure to complete any of these sections with accurate information will prevent your general contractor license from being renewed.

After you complete the mailed form, you must include a few pieces of information about your business. According to Broward County in Fl, you must include the following pieces of information in order to renew your general contractors license:

In order to qualify a business, you must submit proof of Insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000 for public liability and $50,000 for property damage. The certificates must be issued in the name of the applicant and include the name(s) of qualifying agent(s). Certificate holder on the Certificate of Liability must read:

Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division 1 . University Dr, Box 302 Plantation, FL 33324

At Contractors Reporting Services, we want to make your job as a general contractor in Florida just a little easier. We offer complete licensing services that will help you keep your license and your career active in Florida. We keep up with your continuing education credits and your approaching renewal deadlines. When it comes time to renew your license, we take care of the paper work so you don’t have to break momentum on your projects.

If you have any questions about our services on how to renew Florida General Contractors License, please contact us at:

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave.
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084

Are you Eligible to be a General Contractor in Florida?

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:32:00 GMT

We’re going to take you through the requirements for getting your general contractors license in Florida so you know what to expect every step of the way.

General contractors in Florida are required to pass two exams – one on business and finance, and the other on the specific trade. The exam lasts several hours and tests your in depth knowledge about building codes and the financial aspects of completing projects. There are several study guides to help you through the process.

The application to become a general contractor is where we step in. You provide us with your information, and we take over the bureaucratic work of filing the papers and meeting deadlines. We follow up with the agency to make sure that your license is being processed in a timely manner.

More than anything, we take the stress out of the application process. You have already stressed enough to meet the first requirement for your general contractors license (the exam). Let us take over so you can have a moment to relax before you start your first huge project as a licensed general contractor.

Before you can become eligible Florida general contractor, you are required to provide documentation of at least four years of experience in the field. This experience validates your ability to lead a team of workers through a project and manage a project, start to finish. You can provide this documentation to our office and we will ensure that it is filed properly with the state of Florida so you can obtain your contractors license.

This is the requirement about which most eager general contractors are unaware. The state of Florida requires each contractor, before licensing, to provide a full credit report and a credit score of at least 660. This demonstrates your financial responsibility and gives the state of Florida the confidence to license you to take our large loans and direct big projects in the state, which the security that you are not likely to bankrupt.

The state of Florida requires each general contractor to carry general liability insurance to protect themselves, others, and the project in the event of an accident. The state law requires contractors to carry at least $300,000 bodily injury liability insurance, which protects workers in the event of an accident, and at least $50,000 property damage insurance, which protects to property in the event of damage during the project.

For example, if one of the workers falls and breaks an arm, the bodily injury insurance will pay for his medical expenses, up to the limit of the insurance. Likewise, if a worker falls off a ladder and breaks his arm, and lands on the client’s mailbox and destroys the mailbox, the property damage insurance will pay to fix the mailbox.

Don’t forget that once you obtain your Florida general contractor license, you must complete at least 14 hours of continuing education courses to keep your license active.

If you have any more questions regarding the requirements to become eligible Florida general contractor, please do not hesitate to call our office.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave.
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084

Navigating the Red Tape – How to Become a Contractor

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:29:00 GMT

Over the years, we have had several questions continually asked to our staff. We would like to take a moment to walk you through some of the most frequently asked questions about how to become a general contractor and what it means to have your contractor’s license.

Passing the Exam

Before you can become a general contractor, you must pass two exams: a business and finance exam and a trade exam. Please note that electrical contractors have a separate exam from general contractors in Florida.

If you are concerned about your test-taking ability, rest assured that there are several exam study courses available online. You can study from the convenience of your own home, on your own schedule, so you can Ace the general contractor exam and obtain your license. Check out one of the great study guides here .

Initial Applications

We can’t take the general contractor exam for you, but we can help you become a licensed general contractor after you pass the examination. This is where our years of experience start to show. After you pass the general contractor exam, we take care of filling out the paperwork and the application to obtain your general contractor license. We will handle all of the bureaucrat paperwork and deadlines so you can focus on starting your first licensed project.

This is what you gain when you let us take over your general contractor license application process:

Application service helps you obtain this license in a timely manner and avoid costly delays. If time is money, this service saves you BOTH.

Requirements to Obtain your General Contractors License

Becoming a licensed general contractor is not as simple as passing an exam – and, trust us, that exam is NOT simple. There are several steps to becoming a licensed contractor, and we aim to walk you through the process. In addition to passing the contractor exam, you must also have at least four years of documented experience. You must produce a credit report and have a net worth between $2,500 – $20,000, depending on your desired classification.

In addition to these requirements on how to become contractor, each general contractor must carry a MINIMUM of $300,000 general liability insurance for bodily injury and at least $50,000 insurance for property damage.

DO NOT FORGET that each general contractor is required to take at least 14 hours of continued education courses during each two-year period to maintain an active license.

Let’s recap those requirements for you:

At Contractors Reporting Services, we understand the importance of making sure that your license application is filed correctly and all of the requirements to obtain a general contractors license are met. We walk each of our clients through the steps of how to become a general contractor, and we make sure that your process to becoming a licensed general contractor is both cost and time effective.

If you have any questions about how to become contractor, please feel free to contact our office.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave.
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084