A contractor fails to obtain a building permit before starting a $75,000 addition project. Under Florida Statute 455.228, what action can the licensing board take?
Correct Answer
A) Suspend or revoke the contractor's license
Florida Statute 455.228 gives licensing boards authority to suspend or revoke licenses for violations of applicable laws and regulations, including failure to obtain required permits.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Florida Statute 455.228 grants licensing boards broad disciplinary authority to suspend or revoke contractor licenses for violations of applicable laws and regulations. Failure to obtain required building permits before starting construction constitutes a serious regulatory violation that directly undermines public safety and the permitting process. This statute specifically empowers boards to take severe disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation, for such violations.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option C: Issue a warning letter only
Additional continuing education is typically used for minor infractions or knowledge deficiencies, not serious regulatory violations. Failure to obtain required permits represents a willful disregard for construction law that warrants more severe disciplinary action under Florida Statute 455.228.
Option D: Require additional continuing education
While fines may be imposed, Florida Statute 455.228 authorizes more severe penalties including license suspension or revocation for permit violations. A $1,000 fine alone does not reflect the full disciplinary authority available to licensing boards for serious regulatory violations.
Memory Technique
Remember 'PERMIT PERIL' - serious Permit violations Equal Revocation/suspension under statute 455.228, not Minor penalties.
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