HOW TO GET A GLASS AND GLAZING CONTRACTOR LICENSE IN FLORIDA

A Florida Glass and Glazing Contractor is a specialty contractor whose scope of work is limited to the installation and attachment of all types of windows and glass, whether fixed or movable; the installation of swinging or sliding glass doors to existing walls, floors, columns or other structural members of the building; the installation of glass holding or supporting mullions or horizontal bars; the installation of structurally anchored impact-resistant opening protection attached to existing building walls, floors, columns or other structural members of the building; and the cutting and installation of glass and mirrors. A glass and glazing specialty contractor may also install prefabricated glass, metal or plastic curtain walls, storefront frames or panels, caulking incidental to such work and assembly, and installation of shower tub enclosures and metal fascias. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classifications.

 

Licensing Requirements for Glass & Glazing Contractors

Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Glass and Glazing Contractor in the State of Florida:

Age

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Examination

Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Glass and Glazing & Business and Finance). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.

Experience / Education

A person will qualify for a Certified Glass and Glazing Contractor’s license by meeting one of the following requirements:

• Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years’ experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• One year experience as a worker, one-year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• Two years’ experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• Four years’ experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.

Military Veterans

• A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting on of the following:
• Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.

Glass and Glazing Experience

Applicants for the Certified Glass and Glazing Contractor License must have experience in the installation and attachment of:

• Windows and Glass
• Swinging and Sliding Glass Doors
• Glass Holding or Supporting Mullions or Horizontal Bars
• Cutting and Installation of Glass and Mirrors

Financial / Credit

Applicants will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched. Credit report containing a credit score (FICO derived) on applicant from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. If credit score is below 660 (FICO derived) applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Note that Fifty percent (50%) of the bond or letter of credit requirement may be met by completion of a 14-hour financial responsibility course.

Fingerprints

An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.

Insurance

Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain workers compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.

To download the different application forms related to the Glass and Glazing Contractor’s License, you may visit the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board’s site.

Florida Glass and Glazing Contractor Exams

Florida Glass and Glazing Contractors must pass two exams prior to obtaining their license. 

Glass and Glazing Exam

This 80-question open-book test covers the following subjects: Pre-Construction, Fabricating Product, Transporting Product, Installing Product, and Servicing Product.

Business and Finance Exam

This is a separate test which lasts 6.5 hours, and contains 120 questions. Some of the subjects included in this test are: Establishing the Contracting Business, Managing Administrative Duties, Managing Trade Operations, Conducting Accounting Functions, Managing Human Resources, and complying with Government Regulations.

Experience does not have to be gained in Florida or even the USA so long as it can be verified and notarized by a State Certified Florida Licensed Glazing or General Contractor, Architect, or Engineer that will attest to the fact that they personally know you, and have direct knowledge of your involvement on glazing projects for at least a one year period. This verifier does not have to be your employer.

You do not have to have the necessary experience before you take the exam. In fact, after passing the state exam you have up to 4 years to gain the necessary experience to become a licensed Glazing Contractor.