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Sebastian council updates contractor licensing to align with new Florida law
Summary
Council unanimously approved Ordinance O-25-16 to amend local contractor licensing rules so they conform with recent Florida statutory changes; staff said existing locally licensed contractors will be reclassified without additional testing, while new entrants must meet state licensing tests.
The Sebastian City Council on Dec. 3 approved Ordinance O-25-16, rewriting the city's contractor licensing rules to conform with recent changes in Florida law.
City Attorney Bob Stokes read the ordinance language and staff attorney Bob Esselstyn told council the amendment updates Chapter 26 of the city code to reflect state preemption established by Senate Bill 1142 and related changes to Florida Statutes. Esselstyn said the ordinance removes obsolete local definitions, adds state preemptions and maps the city's existing license categories to the state contractor categories.
"Essentially the state has preempted the occupational licensing to the state, which supersedes any local government licensing requirements," Esselstyn said, noting the city will notify affected contractors.
Council asked whether current local contractors would be required to take state exams. Esselstyn replied, "No, they don't have to do any additional testing. They'll be reclassified into those categories," while new applicants would need to meet state testing requirements.
With that clarification, a council member moved approval; the motion was seconded and the ordinance passed by roll call with all members present voting in favor.
The ordinance cites Florida Statute 163.211 and sections of Chapter 489 relating to contractor licensing and will take effect as provided in the ordinance.
Council members and staff said they will send notices to locally licensed contractors to explain how the reclassification will work and to publish definitions that correspond to state categories.
