Pool Cleaning License Florida: Ultimate Guide to FL Licensing

Before we start, let me explain what a Florida pool and spa cleaning contractor does. If you're a contractor, you'll be in charge of servicing and cleaning private and public pools, spas, hot tubs, filters, and everything surrounding it.

You can also be in charge of draining the swimming pool or spa, housing the pool or spa equipment, and replacing or repairing its filters.

Now here's the big question. Do I need a Florida pool cleaning license or not? The answer is this:

Suppose you'll stick to pool cleaning and servicing ONLY. In that case, you don't need a license for a specific Florida pool cleaning license. You will just need your standard service business licensing and registration.

• Suppose you'll stick to pool cleaning and servicing ONLY. In that case, you don't need a license for a specific Florida pool cleaning license. You will just need your standard Florida pool cleaning service business licensing and registration.

• But, if you will provide other services aside from pool cleaning and servicing, you need to get a specific Florida pool cleaning license.

Provide other services aside from pool cleaning? What about that?

Good question! When we say "other services," you install, modify, disassemble, repair, or replace any type of equipment for a spa or pool. A license is required if you plan to offer and do these services aside from water treatment.

Water treatment? Wait, I'm still confused!

Here's a simple explanation about it, If you are treating water WITHOUT the use of any equipment, then this only tells one thing - NO FLORIDA POOL CLEANING LICENSE REQUIRED.

In addition to this, a pool license is not required if the person cleaning the spa or pool doesn't affect the associated equipment and structural integrity of the spa or pool. 

What if I decide to build a swimming pool?

If you're planning to build a swimming pool, you'll need to obtain a different license depending on what type of swimming pool you're planning to build.

Okay, I plan to offer more services aside from spa and pool cleaning. How can I get a pool cleaning license in Florida?

Great to hear that! If you want to become a licensed Florida pool contractor, here's what you need to look for:

1. Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old or older

2. Pool Cleaning Examination

All individuals must pass the pool and spa certification exams, including the Business and Finance and Service Pool exams. Once you've passed the exams, you can begin the application process.

3. Education/Experience

You must meet at least one of the following experience or education requirements:

• Complete at least 60 hours of pool and spa instruction in courses. The board must approve courses. Individuals must also have at least one full year of proven experience related to a pool and service spa contractor.
• One year of credits directly from accredited college courses, one year of experience working as a foreman, and two years of experience as a pool or spa worker
• Four years of experience working in the pool and spa field and one year must be working as a foreman.
• Two years of credits directly from accredited college courses, one year working as a foreman, and one year as an experienced pool or service worker
• Three years of college-accredited level courses and one year of experience as a pool or service worker
• One year of experience as a pool or service worker and a four-year accredited college degree

I'm a Military Veteran, how do I get my Florida pool cleaning license?

First of all, thank you for your service! To obtain your pool and spa contractor license, here are the criteria you must meet:

● Two years of experience as a foreman or worker in the pool or spa service field and one year of military service

● One year of experience as a foreman or pool or spa service work and two years of military service

● One year as a foreman in the spa or pool service field and three years of military service

All applicants who apply for the Contractor License must be qualified in the following areas:

● Trim work, coping, and tile

● Pool deck repair

● Pool heaters

● Repair and maintenance of pool shells

4. Credit/Financial

You need to submit your credit reports and other financial documents to prove your financial stability. All credit reports must be obtained from a nationally-acclaimed reporting agency to check the federal, state, and local records. If you have a credit below a 660 FICO score, you must submit a letter of credit or bond. Half of this requirement can be met by completing and passing a financial responsibility course.

5. Fingerprints

You must obtain property damage and public liability insurance approved by the board. Thirty days before the license issuance, you must obtain workers compensation insurance.

6. Contractor Examination for Florida Pool Service

You must pass both these exams:

1. Exams for Pool Service - The pool service exam contains 60 questions and covers safety procedures, maintenance and service, interior finishing and surface preparation, accessory work, trim and coping work, deck work, and plumbing work.

2. Finance and Business Exam - The business and finance exam has 60 questions and will take about three and a half hours to complete. The subjects in this test include: complying with required government regulations, managing HR responsibilities, performing accounting functions, managing trade, completing administrative duties, and starting a contracting company.