A person contracting in the unincorporated areas of Okaloosa County must hold a current Competency Card with the Okaloosa County Department of Growth Management. (County Ordinances 07-32 and 07-48).

Home Owners Information

Before signing a contract to build a home, remodel, or just have a few things fixed, there are some things you should know.

1. Ask the contractor;
   • Are you properly licensed to perform the work? (An occupational license is not sufficient in the construction trades.)
   • Is your liability and workers comp up to date?
   • Do you use your own employees? If not, are the subcontractor(s) properly licensed and insured?
2. Check with Contractor Licensing to make sure they are registered and if they have any complaints. (850) 651-7180
3. Check with local Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints.
4. Make sure the proper permits are obtained, if required.  Contact a permit technician for questions regarding permits (850) 651-7180
5. Do not make final payment until all final inspections have been completed.

Beware of Unlicensed Contractors

•     Beware of anyone that asks you to obtain the permit.
•     Beware of anyone asking for all the money up front.
•     For more tips visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).      

Building

To build or remodel a residential or commercial building, one must possess one of the following licenses: Residential Contractor, Building Contractor or General Contractor. The person must hold an Okaloosa County Competency Card and be a State Registered or State Certified Licensed Builder. Residential Contractor cannot do any commercial construction. (Florida Statutes 489)

Plumbing:

To contract to install, repair, and/or replace plumbing in a residential or commercial building the person must hold an Okaloosa County Competency Card and be a State Registered or State Certified Licensed Plumber.

Electrical:

To contract to install, repair, and/or replace electrical wiring or related equipment the person must hold an Okaloosa County Competency Card and be a State Registered or State Certified Electrician.

Mechanical:

(Air Conditioning & Heating): To contract to install, repair, and/or replace mechanical systems or components a person must hold an Okaloosa County Competency Card and be a State Registered or State Certified Mechanical Contractor.

Roofing:

To contract to install, repair, and/or replace roof a person must hold an Okaloosa County Competency Card and be a State Registered or State Certified Roofing Contractor.

To obtain licensure in Okaloosa County the individual has to document their experience, job knowledge, pass a written exam, and be of good moral character. In order to acquire and maintain a current competency card a person must have current workman’s compensation policy or workman’s compensation exemption, general liability insurance, a business tax receipt, and a state license if required.

There are many other local specialty licensing categories required in our area. To obtain further information regarding contractor’s current status after researching the yellow pages, want ads, flyers, notices, word of mouth, etc., please contact the Department of Growth Management, Licensing Division, at (850) 651-7180.