(1) The department shall provide a method by which honorably discharged veterans may apply for licensure. The method must include a veteran-specific application and provide:
(a) To the fullest extent possible, credit toward the requirements for licensure for military experience, training, and education received and completed during service in the United States Armed Forces if the military experience, training, or education is substantially similar to the experience, training, or education required for licensure.
(b) Acceptance of up to 3 years of active duty service in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of duty or training, to meet the experience requirements of s. 489.111(2)(c). At least 1 additional year of active experience as a foreman in the trade, either civilian or military, is required to fulfill the experience requirement of s. 489.111(2)(c).
The board may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this subsection.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning October 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the department, in conjunction with the board, is directed to prepare and submit a report titled “Construction and Electrical Contracting Veteran Applicant Statistics” to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report must include statistics and information relating to this section and s. 489.5161 which detail:
(a) The number of applicants who identified themselves as veterans.
(b) The number of veterans whose application for a license was approved.
(c) The number of veterans whose application for a license was denied, including the reasons for denial.
(d) Data on the application processing times for veterans.
(e) Recommendations on ways to improve the department’s ability to meet the needs of veterans which would effectively address the challenges that veterans face when separating from military service and seeking a license regulated by the department pursuant to this part.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2016-242.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations
Part I - Construction Contracting (Ss. 489.101-489.147)
489.107 - Construction Industry Licensing Board.
489.108 - Rulemaking authority.
489.111 - Licensure by examination.
489.113 - Qualifications for practice; restrictions.
489.1131 - Credit for relevant military training and education.
489.1136 - Medical gas certification.
489.114 - Evidence of workers’ compensation coverage.
489.115 - Certification and registration; endorsement; reciprocity; renewals; continuing education.
489.116 - Inactive and delinquent status; renewal and cancellation notices.
489.117 - Registration; specialty contractors.
489.118 - Certification of registered contractors; grandfathering provisions.
489.119 - Business organizations; qualifying agents.
489.121 - Emergency registration upon death of contractor.
489.124 - Business records requirements; address of record; service.
489.125 - Prequalification of certificateholders.
489.126 - Moneys received by contractors.
489.127 - Prohibitions; penalties.
489.128 - Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable.
489.129 - Disciplinary proceedings.
489.132 - Prohibited acts by unlicensed principals; investigation; hearing; penalties.
489.133 - Pollutant storage systems specialty contractors; definitions; certification; restrictions.
489.134 - Authority of licensed job scope.
489.140 - Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund.
489.1401 - Legislative intent.
489.1402 - Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund; definitions.
489.141 - Conditions for recovery; eligibility.
489.142 - Board powers relating to recovery; conduct of hearings and service.
489.1425 - Duty of contractor to notify residential property owner of recovery fund.
489.143 - Payment from the fund.
489.144 - Investment of the fund.
489.145 - Guaranteed energy, water, and wastewater performance savings contracting.
489.1455 - Journeyman; reciprocity; standards.