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Commission approves lower passing score for county contractor licensing; trustees say state standard is acceptable
Summary
After staff briefings, the board voted to adopt changes to local contractor licensing procedures including lowering the passing test score from 75 to 70 and adding proof-of-financial-security requirements. Supporters said inspections and the Florida Building Code still apply.
Putnam County commissioners approved revisions to the county contractor-license procedures after hearing a staff presentation comparing the local testing regimen to state standards.
Planning and Development contractor-administration staff and Leo Waitson of Planning and Development explained the differences between the state and county contractor tests and noted the county’s testing format has fewer questions but a higher pass threshold than many neighboring counties. Waitson characterized the choice as a local “policy decision.” He told commissioners: “So, really, it's just a policy decision on your part.”
Under the changes discussed at the meeting, staff proposed dropping the county passing score from 75 to 70 and adding proof-of-financial-security as part of the packet for local licensing. Commissioners noted that state-licensed contractors are still subject to the Florida Building Code and county inspections; several board members said inspections and enforcement processes apply regardless of the local test score.
Following discussion, a motion to approve the contractor-license changes (lower passing score to 70 and adopt recommended application updates, including financial-security proof and application vetting) passed by voice vote.
Why this matters: Contractors who start at the local level can expand into state licensing; lowering the threshold aligns Putnam’s passing score with neighboring counties and reduces a barrier for local firms while keeping inspection and code enforcement protections in place.
What’s next: Staff will implement the updated passing threshold and update the candidate packet and contractor-review procedures. The county will continue to inspect construction work under the Florida Building Code regardless of the applicant’s original licensing route.
