How to Get a Contractor License in Walton County

Walton County runs from the Alabama line south to the Gulf beaches. Its Building Division, now centrally located at the main office at 117 E. Sloss Ave., DeFuniak Springs, issues building permits, reviews plans, performs electrical and building inspections, handles mobile home permits, and issues contractor licenses. The county's Freeport location has temporarily closed, so plan on DeFuniak Springs.

Certified vs registered in Walton County

Walton County's contractor page sets out two rules:

• Certified contractors are required to register their DBPR license with Walton County in order to work in the county.
• Contractors are required to obtain a certified or registered license from DBPR.

Licensing questions go to license@co.walton.fl.us or (850) 892-8160.

The local route and its tests

The county's checklist for a registered Walton County contractor's license contains an important rule: if you were grandfathered in with another county, you must take and pass the trade and Business and Law tests before applying to Walton County. In other words, a grandfathered card from elsewhere does not carry over; Walton expects tested competency.

The Competency Board

Walton County's Competency Board:

• accepts applications for certificates of competency as a contractor;
• reviews applicants' qualifications and approves certificates of competency;
• investigates complaints and violations of Ordinance 2003-16 or Chapter 489, F.S.; and
• holds disciplinary hearings and imposes penalties authorized by the ordinance and Chapter 489.

The board meets on an as-needed basis. Ordinance 2009-01 replaced the earlier Walton County Contractor Competency Ordinance (93-12) and sets the license fee schedule.

Who can pull permits on your license

The county's Letter of Authorization (LOA) form lists the employees, partners or officers who are "the only authorized personnel to purchase permits and/or call for inspections, and sign on my behalf." The license holder acknowledges responsibility for all permits purchased under the license. Update the LOA when staff change.

Business tax

According to the Walton County Tax Collector, under Resolution 74-29 (June 25, 1974), no county occupational license is levied in Walton County. Certain occupations, including building and electrical contracting, are still regulated by the state and the county, but those licenses are not issued by the Tax Collector. Check with the city if your business is located in DeFuniak Springs, Freeport or Paxton.

Coastal construction

Walton County is on the Florida DEP list of counties with a Coastal Construction Control Line. Work seaward of the CCCL on the Gulf beaches needs a DEP permit in addition to the county building permit.

State license pages

For homes and additions, look at the residential contractor, building contractor and roofing licenses, along with general contractor, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Every CILB category requires the Business and Finance exam.

FAQ

I have a grandfathered local license from another county. Can I transfer it to Walton? Not directly. The county requires grandfathered applicants to pass the trade and Business and Law tests before applying.

Do I need a Walton County business tax receipt? No county occupational license is levied, per the Tax Collector. A city may have its own requirement.

Is the Freeport permit office open? The county says the Freeport location has temporarily closed and the Building Department is at the main office in DeFuniak Springs.

Next step

A state certified license only needs to be registered in Walton. Every CILB license requires the B&F exam: Florida Business & Finance Exam Prep.