Ordinance 012-1973
ORDINN~CE #12-1973
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING CONTRACTORS, SUB-CONTRACTORS,
MASTERS, JOURNEYMEN AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO
OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF COHPETENCY PRIOR TO EN-
GAGING IN BUSINESS IN i'IONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA;
DEFINING THE OCCUPATIONS AND TRADES COVERED BY THIS
ACT; SETTING FORTH THE METHOD OF OBTAINING A
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY; CREATING AN EXAMINING
BOARD; PROVIDING FOR EXAMINATION FEES AND RENEWAL
FEES; REQUIRING SAID APPLICANTS TO PASS SAID
EXMHNATIONS BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OF SAID CERTIFI CATES
OF COMPETENCY; PROVIDING FOR THE METHOD OF APPOINT-
~1ENT OF SAID EXAMINING BOARD BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA; SETTING
FORTH THEIR TEm,IS OF OFFICE, ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS,
POWERS AND DUTIES; EXEMPTING CERTAIN PERSONS FROf1
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE; CREATING AN EX-
AMINERS MEDITATION BOARD AND DEFnHNG ITS FUNCTIONS,
POWERS AND DUTIES; AUTHORIZING DISCIPLINARY
PROCEEDINGS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR THE SUSPENSION OR RE-
VOCATION OF CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY ISSUED
IIEREUNDER; MAKING CERTAIN ACTS UNLAWFUL; GIVING
JURISDICTION OF VIOLATIONS OF TIlE PROVISIONS OF TIllS
ORDINANCE TO THE COUNTY COURT IN AND FOR MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA. REPEALING ALL LAWS OR PARTS OF
LAWS, WHETHER GENERAL, SPECIAL OR LOCAL, IN CON-
FLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE TO TIlE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED BY TilE COlUTY cmnnSSIO;,\J OF !'lONROE COUNTY,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. General: For the purpose of the administration
and enforceIilent of this Ordinance, and unless otherwise stated
in this Ordinance, the following words shall have the meanings
indicated herein.
Words used in the present tense shall include the future
tense; \vords used in the singular number shall include the
plural number shall include the singular number. The word
"shall" is manJatory; the word "may" is permissive.
Section 2. It shall be unlawful for any person or
firm to engage in the business or act in the capacity of
a contractor, sub-contractor, master, journeyman, or main-
tenance personnel, as hereinafter defined, anywhere witnin
the unincorporated areas of this county without a current
valid certificate of competency issued by the county examin-
ing board having jurisdiction over the several trades con-
cerned.
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Section 3. Definitions: (A) "Firm shall include
a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, aSSOCIa-
tion or any other type of business organization.
(B) "Contractor" is any person, firm or corporation
who engages in any business under an express or implied
contract in any of the trades hereinafter listed.
(C) "Subcontractor" is one who contracts with a
contractor to perform part or all of the latter's work.
(D) "Engage in Business" shall mean doing a trade
for any owner or any tenant of land or of a building or
of any part thereof, or for any person, firm or corpora-
tion in possession or in charge of the same or any part
thereof, or entering into a contract with any such owner,
tenant, person, firm or corporation for the doing of a
trade.
(E) "Trade" shall include but shall not be limited
to plumbing; electrical work; plastering, construction,
repair or removal of buildings, and any other dimilar oc-
cupation connected with the construction industry.
(F) "Building Contractor" is any contractor who
undertakes, or offers to undertake, or purports to have
the capacity to undertake or submits a bid or does him-
self or by or through others, to construct, alter, repaIr,
add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish
any building or other structure, to excavate, to commence
any project, development or improvement or do any part
thereof including the erection of scaffolding, or any
other structures or works in connection therewith or the
incorporation of labor or material therein.
(G) "General Contractor" is a contractor whose con-
struction work involves two (2) or more building trades
or crafts, who has financial means to undertake the work
and the knowledge gained by not less than ten (10) years
experience either as a superintendent for a general con-
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tractor or as a licensed building contractor for such
period (or has had an educational equivalent thereto) or
in any combination thereof, and has satisfactorily passed
a general contractor's examination, and has shown that
his scope of operation should be unlimited as to the
height and complexity of design of the construction he
undertakes . A General Contractor shall not be limited
in the scope of work he undertakes and he may contract
and take out permits for any and all work or trades con-
nected with the construction industry, except that in
those trades for which a "Master" is required he shall
sub-contract with a qualified contractor holding a cur-
rent Certificate of Competency in that field.
(H) "Sub-general Contractor" is a contractor whose
construction work involves tow (2) or more building trades
or crafts , who has financial means to undertake the work
and the knowledge gained by not less than five (5) years
experience as a superintendent for a general contractor
or a building contractor or has been a licensed sub-building
contractor for such period or has had the educational equiva-
lent thereto , or in any combination thereof, and has satis-
factorily passed a Sub-General Contractors ' examination and,
thus , has shown that his scope of operation should be per-
mitted for the construction or alteration of buildings of
not more than two stories in height , but this proviso shall
not prohibit him from engaging in the construction of a
structure of a greater height when he acts as a sub-contractor
under the supervision or responsibility of a general contrac-
tor.
(I) "Sub-Building"Contractor" is a contractor
whose construction work involves the use of two (2) or
more building trades or crafts , who has financial means
to undertake the work and has the knowledge gained by
five (5) years experience as a superintendent for a general
contractor or a building contractor (or has had experience
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In construction work or an educational equivalent thereto),
or in any combination thereof and has satisfactorily passed
a Sub-building Contractor's examination, and thus has shown
that he is qualified to engage in the business of a begin-
ning contractor in the construction of a simple one (1)
story design with load bearing walls which does not requIre
more advanced technical knowledge, and in the case of com-
mercial or industrial structures or buildings which shall
not exceed 1500 squre feet.
(J) "Specialty Contractor" is a contractor whose
operations consist of the performance of construction work
requiring special skills and whose principal contracting
business involves the use of specialized building trades
and crafts, usually a minor part of the complete structure.
Specialty contractors shall be classified as, but not limited
to, one of the following crafts:
Awning Erection
Cabinet and Millwork
Cement and Concrete
Demolition
Elevators
Fence Erectors
Flooring
Glazing
Gunite and Sandblasting
House Moving
Insulating
Masonry
Painting
Plastering
Roofing
Roof Waterproofing
Sign Erection
Sheet Metal
Steel Reinforcing and Iron
Structural Steel Erection
Swimming Pools (Construction
Only)
Termite Treating
Tile, Marble and Terrazzo
(K) "Engineering Contractor"
(1) Class I - General Engineering Contractor is a
contractor who does work such as, but not limited: to harbors,
docks, excavating, filling and grading, drainage, pile driving,
levees, pumping stations, and similar types of work in con-
junction with water power, water control, waterworks and water
supply, paving and sidewalks, curbs and gutters, streets
and roads, bridges and overpasses and under passes in streets,
roads and public thoroughfares, underground sewage collection
and disposal systems, bu1kheading and underground utility line
construction, both sanitary and storm sewer systems and similar
work.
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A Class I general engineering contractor may perform the
work of any or all Class II specialty engineering con-
tractor specialties and also that of a class III sub-
engineering contractor.
(2) Class II - specialty engineering contractor is
an engineer contractor, under the jurisdiction of the Monroe
county examining board, who specializes in one or more of
the following engineering crafts and whose scope of work
is so limited under his certificate of competency. His
principal contracting business is the execution of contracts,
in some instances sub-contracts, and possibly involving two
or more trades requiring the experience, financial means,
knowledge and skill, as herein set forth, to engage in the
business of the particular engineering specialty con-
cerned in such a manner as to comply with all plans,
specifications, codes, laws and regulations applicable.
A specialty engineering contractor (class II) may con-
tract for and take out permi~s for any and all work or
trades connected with his present project or with the
construction industry, except that in those trades for
which a "master" is specifically required, he shall sub-
contract with a qualified contractor holding a current
certificate of competency in that field. All permits for
soakage pits, dry wells, catch basins and connection pipes
or filled property shall be secured from the proper
authority and installations made in accordance with the
southern standard building code.
(a) A pipeline engineering contractor is an
engineering contractor qualified by the experience and
skill gained by not less than five years as a general
superintendent for a general engineering contractor or
pipeline engineering contractor or education equivalent
ther-to, or a combination thereof and certified to excavate,
construct, install, repair or alter pipe lines, such as
water and gas transmission and distribution lines, storm
and sanitary sewerage lines, force mains, outfalls, and
pumping facilities incidental to the collection or
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installation of pIpe line products including the equipment
and piping installation and placing within a structure which
is constructed for the purpose of pumping or processing
such pipe line products. A pipeline engineering contractor
may construct or install junction boxes, manholes, inlets,
valves, and similar components, in such amanner as to comply
with all plans, specifications, codes, laws and regulations
applicable. The work of the pipeline engineering con-
tractor shall be considered to stop at a point five (5)
feet from a building not specifically constructed for the
purpose of pumping or processing pipe line products.
(b) A seawall and small dock engineering contractor
is an engineering contractor, having the experience and
skill gained by not less than three years as a general
superintendent for an engineering contractor or education
equivalent thereto, or a combination thereof, and qualified
and certified to construct seawalls and small docks. A
seawall and small dock engineering contractor may drive
piling for one story building construction, seawalls and
small docks.
(c) A pile driving and foundation engineering con-
tractor having the experience and skill gained by not less
than three years as a general superintendent for a general
building or general engineering contractor or education
equivalent thereto, or a combination thereof, and qualified
and certified to drive piling including sheet piling and
construct foundations including the excavating, form-
ing and placing of reinforcing steel and concrete and
perform other work incidental thereto.
(d) A paving engineering contractor is an engineer-
ing contractor having the experience and skill gained by
not less than three years as a general superintendent for
an engineering contractor or education equivalent thereto
h
or a combination thereof, and qualified and certified to
construct roads, airport runways and aprons, parking lots,
sidewalks, curbs and gutters, property line walls, asphalt
paving, concrete paving, and to perform the excavating,
clearing and grading incidental thereto. A paving engineer-
ing contractor may not excavate for canals and lakes, or
construct storm drainage facilities.
(e) A concrete-work engineering contractor is an
engineering contractor, having the experience and skill
gained by not less than three years as general superinten-
dent for a business or engineering contractor, or education
equivalent thereto, or a combination thereof, and qualified
certified to construct concrete driveways, sidewalks, curbs
and gutters and related non-structural concrete com-
ponents.
(f) An excavating and grading engineering contractor
1S an engineering contractor, qualified by the experience
and skill gained by not less than three years as a general
superintendent for an engineering contractor or education
equivalent thereto, or a combination thereof, and qualified
and certified to make excavations, to obtain or remove
materials such as rock, gravel or sand, to construct or
excavate canals, lakes, levees, roadways, including land
clearing, filling and grading. An excavating and grad-
ing engineering contractor may do the work of a land
clearing and grubbing contractor.
(g) A fuel transmission and distribution line
engineering contractor is an engineering contractor,
having the experience and skill gained by not less than
three years experience in this field or education equivalent
thereto, or a combination thereof, qualified and certified
to excavate for and construct, alter, repair and maintain
transmission and distribution lines for liquid or gaseous
fuels under pressure in welded pipes, including pumping
and booster stations, valves, meters and similar components
incidental thereto and restoration of pavement.
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The scope of work of a fuel transmission and dis-
tribution line engineering contractor shall be considered
to stop at the metering device.
(h) A hydraulic dredging engineering contractor is
an engineering contractor having the experience in this field
or education equivalent thereto or a combination thereof,
qualified and certified to make submarine excavations, to
to remove from under water locations, materials such as rock,
gravel, silt, mud, marl or clav, to excavate canals, channels,
lakes, borrow areas, to construct fills, embankments or stock-
piles, using floating hydraulic dredging equipment.
(i) Equipment rental engineering contractor is an
engineering contractor whose primary business is the rental
and operation of equipment but who may engage ln hoisting,
excavating, pile driving and demolition work using boom-
type equipment provided he is not the prime or general
contractor for the work and is working as a sub-contractor
to a contractor who has a certificate of competency applicable
to the work to be performed, and is defined as an engineer-
ing qualified by the experience and skill gained by not less
than three years as a general superintendent for a general
building or general engineering contractor, or education
equivalent thereto, or a combination thereof, and qualified
and certified to use boom-type equipment in the driving of
piling, including sheet piling, in the making of excava-
tions, in the demolition of buildings and other structures,
in the hoisting, lifting and moving of any object or piece
of equipment.
(3) Class III - sub-engineering contractor.
(a) A land clearing and grubbing engineering con-
tractor is an engineering contractor having the experience
and skill gained by not less than one year as a general
superintendent for an engineering contractor or education
equivalent thereto, or a combination thereof, and qualified
and certified to clear land of surface debris and vege-
tation growth, including the grubbing of roots, the removal
of the debris therefrom and the general leveling of the
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surface thereinafter and work incidental thereto. A
class III engineering contractor may take out permits for
work falling within his particular specialty or specialties
except in those trades for which a master is specifically
required; he shall subcontract with a qualified con-
tractor holding a current certificate of competency in that
field. All permits for soakage pits, dry wells, catch
basins, and connection pipes or filled property shall be
secured from the proper authority and installation made
ln accordance with the sourthern standard building code.
(L) "Plumbing Contractor" is a contractor who main-
tains, repairs, alters or extends part or all of a plumbing,
septic tank, lvell, swimming pool or solar heating system
under the direct supervision of a Master Plumber. This work
may include installation of water, and sewer lines on
private and public property and for the mechanical installa-
tion within sub-station and plants, and a plumbing contractor
may contract therefor and will be issued permits for such
work by the administrative agency concerned. He may ex-
cavate as an incident to his work. A Specialty Contractor
Swimming Pool Piping may, without other certificate, install
residential swimming pool piping unconnected with a sewer
or residential plumbing and may be issued a certificate
without examination upon satisfactory proof of not less
than two (2) years' experience in such work.
un "Septic Tank Contractor" is a contractor who
does any work involving the construction, cleaning, repair,
alteration or extension of a septic tank or laundry waste
treatment system and all appurtenances, apparatus or equip-
ment used in connection therewith.
(N) "Well Drilling Contractor" is a contractor who
operates a well drilling machine, apparatus or appliance
in the drilling of water or drainage wells or who is en-
gaged in the installation, maintenance and repair of pump-
ing and piping incidental to a private swimming pool, not
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• • ,.
under the regulation of the State Board of Health, and hav-
ing a closed system not connected to a water supply used
for human consumption.
(0) "Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installation Contractor"
is a contractor who does work on any premises or in any
building or structure requiring the installation, maintenance,
repair, alteration or extension of piping or tubing , equipment ,
or appliances utilizing undiluted liquefied petroleum gas or
propane-air gas , or who furnishes the undiluted liquefied
petroleum gas or propane-air gas to the consumer and main-
tains the gas mains , lines , laterals , tanks , regulators ,
meters , and other paraphernalia in connection therewith.
(P) "Electrical Contractor" is a contractor doing
work on any premises or in any building or structure re-
quiring the installation, repair, alteration, addition or
changes to any system of electrical wiring, apparatus or
equipment for light , heat or power , and who is , or who em-
ploys , a supervising master electrician at all times . This
work may include all electrical installations for which he
holds a Certificate of Competency on private and public prop-
erty and within sub-stations and plants , and an electrical
contractor may contract therefor and will be issued permits
for such work by the administrative agency concerned.
(R) "Mechanical Contractor" is a contractor doing work
on any premises or in any building or structure requiring
the installation, repair, alteration, addition or change to
any system of refrigeration, air conditioning , heating , ven-
tilating , boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems , and
apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith , pro-
vided that this subsection shall not include installation or
repair of equipment , appliances , and containers utilizing or
storing liquefied petroleum gas or propane gas-air.
(S) "Master" shall mean any person who possesses the
necessary qualifications , training and technical knowledge
to do, plan, layout and supervise the work connected in his
in
particular trade. He must be a qualified contractor or work
for a qualified contractor, and hold a current certificate
of competency indicating his qualification, in order to work
in his trade.
(T) "Journeyman" shall mean any person who possesses
the necessary qualifications, training and technical knowledge
to do and supervise the work connected in his particular trade.
He must work for a qualified contractor and hold a current
certificate of competency indicating his qualification, in
order to work in his trade.
(U) "Maintenance Personnel" includes all maintenance
personnel who are regularly employed to maintain and make
minor repairs to systems, apparatus and equipment, such as
plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, air conditioning, boiler,
heating and ventilating, which is installed, contained in and
used upon premises or in buildings owned, occupied or con-
trolled by the person or firm by whom such personnel is em-
ployed. Such maintenance personnel must hold a current cer-
tificate of competency for maintenance work or as master or
journeyman in the trade or trades in which they are to engage.
A master or a journeyman will automatically qualify, without
further examination as maintenance personnel in their particu-
lar trade. The word "maintenance" as used in this paragraph
in not intended to include operators of appliances or equip-
ment.
(V) "Apprentice" shall mean a person learning a craft
under a skilled worker; hence, a beginner.
Section 4. In any and all trades in which a Master or
Journeyman Certificate of Competency is required said trades
shall be limited to not more than two (2) apprentices per
skilled craftsman.
Section 5. The provisions of this Act do not apply to
the following:
(A) An owner of residential property altering, or
repa1r1ng his own home if occupied by the owner and not in-
tended for sale. An owner of residential property may
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construct one (1) single family residence for his own use
and occupancy without qualifying for a certificate of compe-
tency, but the application for a building permit for construc-
tion of more than one (1) single family residence in a year's
time shall be construed as engaging in the construction business
and such owner must secure a certificate of competency before
the permit will be issued. Nothing herein shall release an
owner-builder from the requirement of obtaining apermit.
Section 6. (A) The following Examing Board is hereby
created:
(1) One person holding an Engineering I Card.
(2) One person holding a Contractors I Card.
(3) One person holding a Master Plumbers Card.
(4) One person holding a Master Electricians Card.
(5) One person holding a Master Mechanical Card
,(6) One person holding a Master LP Gas Card.
(7) The County Engineer or his authorized representative.
(B) The Board shall consist of (7) voting members
appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe
County, Florida. The Director of the Zoning and Building
Department shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall
have no vote. The secretary shall be permitted to designate
a staff member to serve in his stead. The members of the
Board shall be proportionately representative, of the trade
or trades related to the subject matter concerned in the
examination and qualifications, and professions within and
connected with the particular trades concerned shall be
represented. No member of the Examining Board shall receive
any compensation for duties involved.
(C) Terms of Office--Removal--Vacancies.
(1) Each member appointed to the Board referred to
1n Section 6 hereof shall hold office at the pleasure of the
majority of the County Commissioners. Each member shall hold
office until his successor has been duly appointed and has
qualified.
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(2) Any member of the Examining Board may be removed
from office by a majority vote of the complete Board of County
Commissioners.
(3) Any vacancy occurring during the unexpired term
of office of any member of the examining board shall be
filled by the Board of County Commissioners for the unex-
pired term within thirty (30) days after such vacancy occurs.
(D) Organization of Boards.
(1) The Director of the Zoning and Building Depart-
ment shall serve as Secretary of the Examining Board, The
Secretary shall be permitted to designate a staff member
to serve in his stead.
(2) The Board shall elect a Chairman and such other
officers as may be necessary from among their members. Terms
of all officers shall be one (1) year beginning with their
election, with elections to be held the first meeting in July
of each year.
(E) Meetings.
(1) The Board shall hold not less than four (4) regular
meetings each fiscal year, the 4th Saturday in October,
January, April and in July.
(2) Meetings shall be called by the Chairman of the
Board, and his absence by the Vice Chairman of the Board.
(3) All minutes of Board P~etings shall be public
records, except those portions of which are of a con-
fidential nature. All minutes shall be kept in the office
of the Zoning and Building Department, except the records
of the Engineering,Contractors' Board which shall be kept
1n the County Engineer's Office.
(4) Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum
at any meeting, and a majority vote of those present shall be
required to make any decision.
(F) For the purpose of administering this Ordinance
the Examining Board may call on the County Commission to
furnish such employees as may be necessary to carryon or
assist the Board in performing its duties.
1,
(G) The Board may make such rules and regulations as
are consistent with the general policies of this Ordinance
as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this
Ordinance. including the power to administer oaths and subpoena
witnesses in the manner provided for subpoenaing witnesses in
the County Court of Honroe County. Florida.
(H) Powers and Duties of the Examining Board.
The Examining Board shall have the power to determine if
a license or certificate of competency of any contractor
should be suspended for any violation of this Ordinance
and to fix the length of time for such suspension or to
revoke the license or certificate under the provisions of
this Ordinance. or to appoint an employee from the County
Commission to investigate any complaints made against the
licensed contractor and determine whether it shall take
administrative action against the contractor or direct the
investigator to file a complaint for prosecution for the
violation against the contractor; to call upon members of
the industry to advise and assist them.
Section 7. Mediation Board The Examiners Mediation
Board is hereby created. the membership of which shall be
made up of the members of the Examining Board. The Director
of the Zoning and Building Department shall serve as Secre-
tary and shall have no vote.
(A) The Examiners Mediation Board shall meet at the
call of the Chairman and shall make such rules and regula-
tions. and keep such records as are consistent with the re-
quirements and policies of this Ordinance. Four (4) members
shall constitute a quorum. and decisions shall be made by
majority vote. Members shall not receive any compensation.
eB) The Examiners Mediation Board shall be empowered
to decide questions arising which pertain to or are applic-
able to this Ordinance.
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(C) Matters to be considered by the Examiners Mediation
Board may be referred to it by the Secretary of the Board,
or the matter may be initiated by the Examiners Mediation
Board.
(I) Disciplinary Proceedings.
(1) The Secretary of the Examining Board may, upon
his own motion, or shall upon a sworn complaint in writing
of any person investigate or cause to be investigated by
a special investigator appointed by the Board, the charges
against any contractor qualified hereunder and submit a
written report to the Examining Board. Upon the filing of
Petition of Bankruptcy or against a qualified contractor
under this Act, or if a qualified contractor fails to keep
in force the insurance policy required in Section 15 of this
Ordinance, the Secretary of the Board shall immediately
suspend the Certificate of Competency and report the matter
to the Examining Board for revocation action.
(2) The Examining Board, upon receipt of such report,
shall decide if the report makes a prima facie showing of
a violation of this Act, and if so, shall take one or both
of the following actions:
(A) Instruct the Secretary to send, by Registered Mail,
a letter to the qualified contractor to his last known address,
as shown by the Board's records, setting out the name of the
complainant, the time of commission of tIle alleged offense,
and the section of this Ordinance alleged to be violated,
and notifying the qualified contractor to appear before the
Board at a time and place fixed, not sooner than twenty (20)
days from the mailing of the registered letter, to show cause
why his certificate of competency should not be suspended or
revoked.
(B) Instruct the investigator or complainant to file
a sworn affidavit for the arrest of the qualified contractor
if he has violated any of the provisions of this Ordinance.
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(3) The administrative hearing provided for above shall
be open to the public.
(A) The proceedings at the hearing shall be recorded
and may be transcribed at the expense of the party requesting
the transcript.
(B) The hearing need not be conducted according to
technical rules relating to evidence and \vitnesses. Any
relevant evidence shall be admitted if the Board finds it
competent and reliable, regardless of the existence of any
common law or statutory rule which might make 1mproper the
admission of such evidence. I~arsay evidence may be used
for the purpose of supplementing or explaining any direct
evidence but shall not be sufficient in itself to support
a finding unless it would be admissible in civil actions.
The rules of privilege shall be effective to the same extent
that they are now or hereafter may be recognized 1n civil
actions. Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence shall
be excluded.
(C) Each party shall have these rights: To call and
examine witnesses; to introduce exhibits; to cross-examine
opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues even
though that matter was not covered in the direct examina-
tion; to impeach any witness, regardless of which party
first called him to testify; and to rebut the evidence
against him.
(D) A decision shall be made by the Examining Board
by a majority of the entire Board within five (5) days
after the close of the hearing. The decision shall be
one of the following:
(1) Not Guilty.
(2) Suspension of certificate of
competency, stating time.
(3) Revocation of certificate of
competency, naming effective
date.
(E) An Appeal from the decision of the Board may be
made by the contractor involved, to the Circuit Court of the
Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida,
within twenty (20) days, but not thereafter.
lh
Section 8. The Certificate of Competency issued by
the County to a contractor may be suspended for a fixed
term or revoked by the Contractors Examining Board's
determination only by a majority vote of the entire Board
after hearing if the contractor as an individual or the
firm by its officers, directors, or qualified repre-
sentatives has violated any of the provisions of this Ordinance.
The suspension or revocation of a Certificate of Competency
shall automatically suspend or revoke as the case may be
any occupational license issued by the County. It shall
be unlawful for any contractor, as defined by this Ordinance
operating anywhere within the County, licensed individually
or as a firm contractor, officers, directors or qualified
representative of a firm contractor, to commit anyone or
more of the following acts or omissions:
(A) To contract or do any work outside of the scope
of operation, as set out in the definition of the particular
type of contractor for which he is qualified; or to perform
or offer or purport to perform any architectural or englneer-
lng or surveying services in violation of Florida Statutes.
(B) Abandon without legal excuse a construction project
or operation in which he is engaged or under contract as a
contractor.
(C) Divert funds or property received for the execution
or completion of a specific construction project or operation,
or for a specified purpose to any other use whatsoever.
(D) To depart from or disregard in any material respect
the plans or specifications of a construction job without the
consent of the owner or his duly authorized representative.
(E) To disregard or violate, in the performance of this
contracting business, any of the building, safety, health
insurance or Workmen's Compensation Laws of the State of
Florida, or Resolutions of the Board of County Commissioners
of Monroe County, Florida, concerning same.
17
(F) Misrepresent any material fact in his application
and supporting papers in obtaining a license under this
Ordinance.
(G) To fail to fulfull his contractural obligation
through inability to pay all creditors for material fur-
nished or work or services performed in the operation of
his business for which he is licensed hereunder.
(H) To aid or abet an unlicensed person to evade the
provisions of this Ordinance or allow his license to be used
by any unlicensed person or to act as an agent, partner or
associate of an unlicensed person with the intent to evade
the provisions of this Ordinance.
(I) To do any fraudulent act as a contractor by which
another is substantially injured.
The Examining Board shall suspend or revoke a contractor's
certificate of competency if after hearing it is found that
the contractor:
(A) Has been adjudicated bankrupt.
(B) Fails to maintain at all times with an insurance
company, authorized to do business in the State of Florida,
the limits of insurance required by any other applicable
law or authority having jurisdiction but not less than bodily
injury liability insurance with the minimum limits of fifty
thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for one (1) person and one
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for more than one
person in anyone (1) accident, and property damage insurance
with a minimum limit of not less than five thousand dollars
($5,000.00) for anyone (1) accident, including any damage
to public rights-of-way or shrubbery and to file certificates,
signed by the qualified agent of the insured, with the Secre-
tary of the Contractors Examining Board showing the type of
policy number, the name of the insurer, the effective date
of the policy, an agreement by the insurer to give a thirty
(30) days' written notice by registered mail to the Secre-
tary of the Examining Board, of the intent to cancel the
policy for any reason.
18
The Examining Board may reinstate such revoked certificate
of competency at such time as the contractor again supplies
full insurance coverage as required by this Ordinance.
(C) Violated any of the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 9. Where a certificate has been revoked or has
expired or lapsed for any reason, the board may requIre comp-
lete re-examination before a certificate of competency is
renewed or re-instated.
Section 10. Any person or firm not possessing a current
certificate of competency and holding themselves out as plain-
tiff or defendant in any court of this State or advertising
in a newspaper or therwise to be a contractor shall be sub-
ject to the provisions and penalties of this Ordinance and a
certified copy of such court records or a copy of the news-
paper or other advertising making such an assertion shall be
prima facie evidence in Court or in any other proceeding au-
thorized by this Ordinance that the person or firm purported
to have the capacity to act as a contractor.
Section 11. A Contractor's certificate of competency
shall be obtained in the following manner. (A) Any person
or firm required or desiring to be qualified as a contractor
shall make application on a form prescribed by the Building
& Zoning Department at the office of the Building Division
of the Zoning and Building Department.
(B) Should the applicant be a firm, the application
shall be executed by the President or one legally qualified
to act for the firm shall show his authority to so act on
the application, and shall name an authorized agent on be-
half of the firm showing his authority: (1) To act for
the firm in all matters In any manner connected with the con -
tracting business; (2) To supervise the construction under
the occupational license issued to the firm; and (3) To take
the qualifying examination for the firm, unless holding a
current certificate of competency of the class and type neces-
sary. The firm shall be qualified only through the qualifica-
tions of such agent taking the examination, or through an
agent currently qualified, and if the agent (qualifier) shall
19
sever his affiliation with such firm, the certificate of com-
petency held by SUCll firm shall be automatically cancelled.
An agent (qualifier) shall be registered to the work of the
firm he is currently qualifying.
(C) No application shall be considered unless the
applicant gives all information required on th~ form, which
shall include:
(1) A statement of applicant's proposed contracting
business.
(2) The type of certificate being applied for.
(3) Name, residence, business address of applicant.
(4) If applicant is a firm, the name and business ad-
dress of the firm and the name, residence of all directors
and officers of the firm and their interest therein, and the
name, residence of the applicant's qualified representative
and information contained above; if applicant is a corporation,
a certificate of incorporation.
(5) A sworn financial statement of the applicant, a
credit report, and an agreement authorizing the Director of
the Building & Zoning Department to obtain from any source
dealing with the applicant, even though confidential, such
additional information concerning the applicant's financial
condition as the secretary deems necessary.
(6) A sworn list of all businesses owned, operated,
or managed by applicant or ln which the applicant has had
an interest of any kind during the past five (5) years, and
the addresses of these businesses.
(7) Receipt from the Building & Zoning Department show-
lng the fee for the examination and qualification of the ap-
plicant has been paid.
(8) Three (3) letters of recommendation from reputable
business or professional men, not related by blood or marriage
to the applicant, of this county, or the county of applicant's
last business venture, vouching for the applicant's reputation
as to honesty, integrity and good character.
20
(9) A sworn statement, stating under oath that the ap-
plicant has not been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony
during the past five (5) years, and that he is not presently
charged with committing a felony or misdemeanor. If this is
not the case applicant shall specify the details of the con-
viction or charges.
(D) The Director of the Building & Zoning Department
shall notify the applicant of the next regular examination
and shall notify the board of the application prior to its
next regular meeting and make such additional investigation
as may be directed by the board.
(E) Examinations shall be a type as furnished by II & R
Block & ASSC of Gainesville, Florida, except examinations
pertaining to any and all Engineering or Sub Engineering.
These examinations will be made up and given by the County
Engineer or his authorized representative.
(F) The Director of the Building & Zoning Department
shall not issue a certificate of competency unless, he finds:
(1) That the applicant, or if applicant is a firm
then the qualified representative, has made a passing grade
75% or higher on the written examination and has the necessary
experience for the type of certificate applied for.
(2) That the credit report and financial statement of
the applicant shows that the applicant is financially able
to engage ~n the contracting business for which the license
is requested so that the public will be protected.
(3) That the applicant and each member of the firm
possesses a reputation for honesty, integrity, and has a
good character, has not been convicted of a misdemeanor or
a felony in the past five (5) years, and at the time of the
application is not charged with committing a misdemeanor or
a felony. This shall be determined by the Director from the
information contained 1n t~e letters of recommendation sub-
mitted by the applicant and any other statements submitted
to or obtained by the Director of the Building & Zoning
Department or his investigators. The lack of honesty, in-
tegrity or good character may be established by competent
21
evidence that:
(A) Applicant has committed an act within the past three
(3) years which, if committed or done by a licensed contractor
would be grounds for suspension or revocation of a contractor's
license.
(B) Applicant has committed an act within the past three
(3) years involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or lack of in-
tegrity whereby the applicant has been benefited or whereby
some injury has been sustained by another.
(C) Applicant has, in the past five (5) years, refused
to pay valid bills of at least five (5) different persons or
firms or has been adjudged bankrupt.
(D) Applicant is presently charged with commission of
a misdemeanor or felony.
(E) Applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor or
felony during the past five (5) years.
Section 12. (A) Every person, who, under the terms of
this Ordinance, is required to hold a certificate of competency,
and who, upon the effective date of this Ordinance, holds a
current certificate of competency issued by Monroe county,
shall be be entitled to a certificate of competency without
examination, but such certificate shall be subject to any
restrictions and limitations carried by the current County
certificate and shall entitle the holder of such certificate
to do business only in the unincorporated areas of Monroe
county. Evidence to be considered to warrant such entitlement
shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to: (1)
Proff that a written examination given by Monroe County was
successfully passed by the applicant.
Section 13. A Certificate of Competency for Masters,
Journeymen, Maintenance Personnel and Apprentice shall be
obtained in the following manner: (A) Any person required
or desiring to be qualified as a Master, Journeyman, Main-
tenance Personnel or Apprentice shall make an application on
a form prescribed by the Building & Zoning Department at the
office of the Building Division of the Zoning and Building
Department. TIle application shall be retained by the Depart-
22
ment together with all supporting papers.
(B) The Director of the Building and Zoning Department
shall notify the applicant of the next examination.
(C) Temporary certificates: Any person who has in his
possession a current license or certificate as a master or
journeyman issued by and State, County, or Municipality In
the United States certifying that the holder has been examined
and found competent to perform the work of a master or journey-
man, shall, after making application for the next examination,
be issued a temporary certificate by the Director of the
Building and Zoning Department, authorizing such master or
journeyman to work in the capacity of a journeyman. Such
certificate shall be issued only upon written request of the
employing contractor. Failure to take or pass the examination
shall automatically terminate such certificate and the employing
contractor shall return the Certificate to the Director of the
Building and Zoning Department. No further certificate shall
be issued to the applicant unless he shall take and pass an
examination.
Section 14. Definitions of Class 1, 2 and 3 as pertain-
ing to Building Contractor's certificate of competency:
Class 1: General contractors are those whose services
are unlimited with respect to the type of structure on which
such contractors may work.
Group A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H (Southern Standard Building Code)
A - Residential
C - School
E - Assembly
G - Industrial
B - Business
D-- Institutional
F - Storage
H - Hazardous
Class 2: General contractors are those whose services
are limited to Group A, B, F and G Occupancy and Use, defined
above.
Group A - Residential: Up to but not to exceed two (2)
stories in height.
(Structure of ordinary and frame) Class
5 and 6, Southern Standard Building Code 1957-58.
23
Group B - Business
Group F - Storage
Group G - Industrial.
Group B, F, G not to exceed one (1) story in height
and not to exceed 5,000 square feet of floor space, and
accessory use structure in connection therwith, in ad-
dition to work falling under the Class 3 category.
Class 3: General contractors are those whose services
are restricted to one and two family dwellings and accessory
use structures for such dwellings.
Section 15. Whenever a county occupational license is
required of any contractor, sub-contractor, Master, Journeyman,
Mainteneance Personnel and Apprentice, no such occupational li-
cense shall be issued unless the applicant shall first procure
from the Building and Zoning Department a current certificate
of competency and shall present a copy to the license division.
Section 16. Persons seeking certificates of competency
as engineering contractors shall first make application for the
certificate desired to the office of the Monroe county-building
and zoning office. lbe Director of the Building and Zoning
Department will advise the applicant regarding fees, the written
administrative and technical examination, financial statement,
credit report, and references required unless the applicant
has demonstrated sufficient ability, knowledge, integrity and
experience to prove his competency. The entire examination of
the applicant's competency includes verification of the applicant's
financial capabilities by means of a satisfactory financial state-
ment his credit by means of a staisfactory credit rating, his
general reputation by means of letters of reference or statements
from responsible citizens, attesting to the applicant's general
character, reputation, responsibility, integrity and experience
in the contracting business, and satisfactory passage of a
written examination designed to verify the applicant's adminis-
trative and technical capability. The passage of the written
examination IS only a part of the entire examination and such
passage is not sufficient In itself to permit or reqUIre the
issuance of a certificate of competency.
24
Section 17. Fees: Examination fees and annual renewal
fees are as follows:
General Contractor Class I
Engineering Contractor Class I
General Contractor Class II
Engineering Contractor Class II
General Contractor Class III
Engineering Contractor Class III
Plumbing Contractor
Electrical Contractor
Mechanical Contractor
Septic Tank Contractor
Well Drilling Contractor
LP Gas Contractor
Electrical Sign Contractor
Specialty Contractors
Masters
Journeyman
Maintenance
Apprentice
100.00
100.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
50.00
25.00
25.00
5.00
Section 18. Any person, member of a firm or firm violating
any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall, upon conviction in
the County Court in and for Monroe County, Florida, be guilty of
a misdemeanor, for each offense.
Section 19. If any section, sub-section, sentence, clause or
phrase of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining por-
tions of this Ordinance. The County Commission hereby declares
that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, sub-
section, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the
fact that anyone or more sub-sections, sentences, clauses or
phrases be declared invalid.
Section 20. Chapter 63-1654, Laws of Florida, 1963 and
67-1727 Laws of Florida, 1967 and all laws or parts of laws,
whether general, special or local, in conflict with the pro-
visions of this Ordinance, are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict.
Section 21. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately
upon its becoming a law.
~
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION
OF COUNTY ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on
Tuesday, October 30, A. D. 1973, at 2:00 P. M. in the Monroe County Court-
house, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe
County, Florida intends to consider the adoption of the following County
Ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO.
-1973
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING CONTRACTORS, SUB-
CONTRACTORS, MASTERS, JOURNEYMEN AND MAIN-
TENANCE PERSONNEL TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE
OF COMPETENCY PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN BUSINESS
IN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA; DEFINING THE OCCU-
PATIONS AND TRADES COVERED BY THIS ACT; SETTING
FORTH THE METHOD OF OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE
OF COMPETENCY; CREATING AN EXAMINING BOARD;
PROVIDING FOR EXAMINATION FEES AND RENEWAL
FEES; REQUIRING SAID APPLICANTS TO PASS SAID
EXAMINA TIONS BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OF SAID CER TIF-
ICATES OF COMPETENCY; PROVIDING FOR THE METHOD
OF APPOINTMENT OF SAID EXAMINING BOARD BY THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,
FLORIDA; SETTING FOR TH THEIR TERMS OF OFFICE,
ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES;
EXEMPTING CER TAIN PERSONS FROM THE PROVISIONS
OF THIS ORDINANCE; CREATING AN EXAMINERS MEDI-
TATION BOARD AND DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS, POWERS
AND DUTIES; AUTHORIZING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDI-
NANCE; PROVIDING FOR THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCA-
TION OF CER TIFICATES OF COMPETENCY ISSUED HERE-
UNDER; MAKING CERTAIN AC TS UNLAWFUL; GIVING
JURISDICTION OF VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
ORDINANCE TO THE COUNTY COUR T IN AND FOR MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA; REPEALING ALL LAWS OR PARTS OF
LAWS, WHETHER GENERAL, SPECIAL OR LOCAL, IN CON-
FLIcT WITH THIS ORDINANCE TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
DATED at Key West, Florida this 2nd day of October, 1973.
e
RALPH W. WHITE
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe
County, Florida and ex officio Clerk
of the Board of County Commissioners
of Monroe County, Florida.
(SEAL)
Publish: Thursday, October 4, 1973.
• •
PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Ohr Well vi est alttizctt
Published Daily
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
NOTICE OF INTENTION STATE OF FLORIDA
TO CONSIDER ADOPTION
COUNTY OF MONROE f ss.
OF COUNTY ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM Before the undersigned authority personally rson appeared _J
ohn E. SW er
---- ------- a—�—
T MAY CONCERN that on Tuesday, '
aber 30, A.D. 1973, at 2:00 P.M. in the who on oath says that he is the _______.__________�..___-______.-_....___ —__ ,
Aonroe County Courthouse, Key West,iiA The Key West Citizen
"lorida,the Board of County Commissioners Advertising Manager of
f Monroe County, Florida intends to con-
fider the adoption of the following County a daily newspaper published at Key West in Monroe County, Florida; that the attached copy
Ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO.-1973 of advertisement, being a Notice of Intention to consider
•
1N ORDINANCE REQUIRING CON.1 Adoption of County Ordinance
'RACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS,
RASTERS, JOURNEYMENSONNEL ANDB MAIN in the matter of Ordinance No. 1973
'ENANCE PERSONNEL TO OBTAIN A
:ERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY PRIOR And Ordinance requiring contractors,
'0 ENGAGING IN BUSINESS IN MONROE
:OUNTY, FLORIDA; DEFINING THE subcontractors, masters, journeymen etc.
ICCUPATIONS AND TRADES COVERED
IY THIS ACT; SETTING FORTH THE
AETHOD OF OBTAINING A CER.
'IFICATE OF COMPETENCY;
TREATING AN EXAMINING BOARD;
'ROVIDING FOR EXAMINATION FEES
iND RENEWAL FEES; REQUIRING
AID APPLICANTS TO PASS SAID
:XAMINATIONS BEFORE THE
SSUANCE OF SAID CERTIFICATES OF;
:OMPETENCY; PROVIDING FOR THE;
AETHOD OF APPOINTMENT OF SAID{
'XAMINING BOARD BY THE BOARD O�F,t{t
OUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROHt
OUNTY, FLORIDA; SETTING FORTH!
HEIR TERMS OF OFFICE;(
ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS, POWER$t
ND DUTIES; EXEMPTING CERTAIN:
'ERSONS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF
:HIS ORDINANCE; CREATING ANC{
:XAMINERS MEDITATION BOARD AND,I
)EFINING ITS FUNCTIONS, POWERS'
1ND DUTIES: AUTHORIZING
)ISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS FOR
'IOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF
'HIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR
'HE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF
'ERTIF--IC ATE" OF COMPFTFNry
SSUED INNER; MAKING A.D. 1973
ERTA!N ACTSCTSNOctober UN
LAWFUL; GIVING was published in said newspaperin the issues of 4th
URISDICTION OF VIOLATIONS OF THE
'ROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE TO
-HE .OUNTY COURT IN ANU rum
AONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA;
1EPEALING ALL LAWS OR PARTS OF
.AWS, WHETHER GENERAL, SPECIAL -
OR LOCAL, IN CONFLICT WITH THI
TO THE EXTENT nF s!!N Affiant further says that the said The KeyWest Citizen is a newspaper ublished at
:ONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR A YP
EFFECTIVE DATE. a Key West, in said Monroe County, Florida, and that the said newspaper has heretofore
DATED at Key West,Florida this 2nd day been continuously published in said Monroe County, Florida,each day(execpt Saturdays)
October,1973.
and has been entered as second class mail matter at the post office in Key West,in said
RALPH W.WHITE
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida,for a period of one year next preceeding the first publication of
Monroeiolerkof FloridaeBoard
and
of the attached copyof advertisement; and affiant further says that he has neither paid nor
ex offic!o Clerk of the Board of Y
County CommissionersCounty,Flora of promised anyperson,firm or corporation anydiscount,rebate,commission or refund for
Monroe County,Florida:, P
October 4, 1973 the purpose of securing this advertisement for publication in the said newspaper.
•
(SEAL)
Sworn to and subseri.-. ore me this
9,
day of et./
d.
NOTARY PUBLIC STAT!OF FLORIDA AT LARGE
•
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES SErrT. �� 197b
- -. GENERAL INSURANCE UNDERWRITERS,INC.
~ttrtta11! of ~fatt
STATE OF FLORIDA
THE CAPITOL
TALLAHASSEE 32304
(904) 488-3918
HICIL'>..:m (DICK) STONE
S~-CR'CT"'RY OF STATE
November 5, 1973
Honorable Ralph W. White
County Clerk
Monroe County
Key West, Florida
Dear Mr. White:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 125. 66, Florida Statutes,
this will acknowledge your letters of October 31 and certified copies
of Monroe County Ordinances Nos. 73-12 and 73-13, which were filed
in this office on November 5, 1973.
Kindest regards.
Cordially,
RICHARD (DICK) STONE
Secretary of State
7/1
'/
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By J
(Mrs. ) Nancy Kavanaugh
Chief, Bureau of Laws
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