summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to construction contracting; amending s. 489.111, F.S.; requiring an applicant for licensure to submit a specified notarized statement to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; subjecting a licensed contractor to disciplinary action under certain circumstances; amending s. 489.126, F.S.; requiring a contractor to return a contractee's deposit under certain circumstances; authorizing the contractor to retain a portion of the deposit under certain circumstances; subjecting a contractor to disciplinary action, including the suspension of his or her license, under certain circumstances; amending s. 489.127, F.S.; providing criminal penalties for certain violations; creating s. 489.1285, F.S.; requiring the department to create and adopt by a date certain a standardized disciplinary form for a certain purpose; providing requirements for local construction regulation boards; requiring the department to record each submitted form in a specified automated system; requiring a specified report by a date certain; amending ss. 1003.41 and 1003.4282, F.S.; requiring financial literacy standards to include specified content for consumer protection awareness relating to construction hb755-00 contracting beginning in a specified school year; amending ss. 489.119, 489.13, and 489.131, F.S.; conforming cross-references; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill introduces several comprehensive changes to construction contracting regulations in Florida. It requires applicants for contractor licensure to submit a notarized statement from a licensed contractor verifying their work experience, and establishes disciplinary actions for contractors who provide intentionally misleading statements. The bill mandates that contractors who receive deposits and cancel projects must return the deposit within 30 days, with the ability to retain portions of the deposit that have already been spent. It also establishes more detailed criminal penalties for unlicensed contracting, with penalties varying based on the total contract amount. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to create a standardized disciplinary form for local construction regulation boards. In an innovative educational approach, the bill also requires high schools to include a half-credit course on consumer protection awareness relating to construction contracting, beginning with students entering 9th grade in the 2025-2026 school year. This course will cover topics like construction contracts, construction fraud, deposit requirements, and homeowners' rights. The bill aims to improve transparency, consumer protection, and professional standards in the construction contracting industry.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/755 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/755/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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