Georgia, the Peach State, the neighbor to our north. So close… yet your contractor’s license here in Florida does not reciprocate. Have you been thinking about going after some work there? Recently we helped with the application for a General Contractor’s license in Georgia and we wanted to share our experience with you.
What we found is that the two states are very similar in the need for information, but do things completely opposite as far as the order of processing. As we know, in Florida an applicant needs to take an exam and submit the passing test scores along with the application. In Georgia, an applicant submits the application in order to be able to take the General Contractor’s exam.
Once approved, each portion of Exam can be taken twice within a year. If an applicant fails one portion of the exam, they only need to retake that portion. If either portion is failed twice, then the application is null and void. The applicant must reapply with the Secretary of State after waiting for the one year eligibility period to expire. But if the exam is passed, the license is then automatically issued.
Application requirements to note for a GC qualifying a business:
- $200 application fee
- Experience requirements similar to Florida
- At least one letter of recommendation from a Licensed Engineer or Architect
- Must provide Authorization for Background Check
- Must list all persons & businesses affiliated with applicant (titles, contact info, etc.)
- CPA reference letter (reviewed or audited acceptable) showing the business has a minimum net worth of $150,000.
- Proof that the business has a $50,000 Line of Credit
- Proof of $500,000 GL insurance
- Must be registered with Secretary of State and able to find information on state’s website
- Owner/Officer/Partner must sign form stating that Qualifier is responsible for all construction work, contracts, contract performance and financial affairs. NO SEPARATE FRO ALLOWED.
Another noteworthy piece of information is that Veterans who served on active duty for at least 90 days during wartime or during any conflict where the President committed military personnel and served active duty for at least one year or were discharged for injury or illness incurred in the line of duty can get Preference Points on their examination.
Work in Georgia as a GC may not be on your radar, but if it is we can help. Call us to discuss these details in more depth. We are here to help… now even in the Peach State.