The formation of a not-for-profit
organization of all Florida Licensed Contractors was announced today
by Russell Colodny, the Executive Director of the Florida Licensed Contractors
Association. FLCA was founded by Mr. Colodny and Carmen Ciricillo. Mr.
Colodny is a State of Florida certified General Contractor with Excellence
Property & Lifestyle Management, LLC and Mr. Ciricillo of Contractor’s
Educational Services who, conducts the construction-comic continuing
education program.
The mission of the FLCA is to promote
to the public the benefits of hiring licensed contractors. The association
will be an advocate for the licensed contractor and represent its members
when new laws are being considered. The safety and welfare of the public
will be foremost in the interest of the association.
FLCA was formed to unite all licensed
contractors throughout the state. This will provide a means of networking
with other licensed contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers; create
a clearing house for owners to verify the status of a contractor;
promote the advantages of hiring Florida licensed contractors; keep
data of activity by unlicensed contractors; make licensed contractors
aware of new laws affecting their trade; and educate the public on
the pitfalls of using unlicensed people, among other services.
Like so many licensed contractors
and, partially because of the current economy, Mr. Colodny’s construction
company has to compete with un-licensed contractors. It is against
state, county and city laws for people to represent themselves as
a contractor. Chapter 489.127, Florida Statute: No person shall; Engage
in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor or advertise
himself or herself or as a business organization as available to engage
in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor without being
duly registered or certified or having a certificate of authority.
The association will continually promote and advertise the benefits
of using a licensed contractor; such as being insured; warrant their
work; and follow-up with service calls.
The law deals severely with unlicensed
contractors. Homeowners and customers that knowingly hire unlicensed
contractors are also violating the law. Chapter 455.227, Florida Statute:
Any person who knowingly aides, assists, procures, employs, or advises
an unlicensed individual can be charged with a first degree misdemeanor
and may face fines of up to $5,000 for each offence. “Stings throughout
Florida have accounted for the arrest of many unlicensed companies
and individuals” said Mr Colodny. The FLCA will maintain a list of
licensed contractor members that the public can access to determine
their status.
As a service to the public, the
FLCA will conduct seminars outlining the procedures to follow for
the coming hurricane season – what to stockpile; who to contact if
they suffer damage to their home or business; what pictures to take;
what options are available and many other tips that will ease the
pain of a hurricane.
Mr.
Colodny can be reached at 561-300-2700 for additional information
and literature.
