A general contractor's license expires on March 31st. If they submit their renewal application on April 15th, what additional fee must be paid?
Correct Answer
A) Late fee equal to the renewal fee
Florida requires a late fee equal to the renewal fee when a license renewal is submitted after the expiration date. This doubles the cost of renewal and emphasizes timely compliance.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
According to Florida Statutes Chapter 489, when a general contractor submits their license renewal application after the March 31st expiration date, they must pay a late fee equal to the full renewal fee amount. This means the contractor pays double - the original renewal fee plus an additional late fee of the same amount. The 15-day delay from March 31st to April 15th triggers this penalty regardless of how brief the delay might seem.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Late fee of $50
Florida does not provide a grace period for late renewals, even within 30 days. Any renewal submitted after March 31st immediately triggers the late fee requirement, regardless of how soon after expiration it is submitted.
Option D: Late fee equal to half the renewal fee
Florida law does not provide for a reduced late fee equal to half the renewal fee. The statute specifically requires the full renewal fee amount as the late penalty, not a partial amount.
Memory Technique
Think 'April Fools' - if you miss March 31st, the joke's on you because you pay DOUBLE (renewal fee + equal late fee)
Reference Hint
Florida Statutes Chapter 489 - Contracting, specifically the sections on license renewal and fees
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