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1. What's the purpose of a Contractor Tracking Certificate?

In order to protect City residents from acts of illegal contracting such as unlicensed contractors, uninsured contractors and contractors that have not complied with the States workers compensation laws, the ordinance establishes specific requirements that all contractors must adhere to in order to do business in the City.

2. Where does the authority to require registration come from?

Per City Code 13-26 (a) and Florida Statute 489.127 (1)(i), all service contractors, specialty contractors and construction industry contractors, whether state certified or not, shall be required to purchase a city tracking certificate and obtain the necessary permits from the building official or his agent prior to commencement of any work within the City.

3. Which contractors require registration?

Any contractor doing business in the City limits must be registered. Examples of contractors include but are not limited to:

• Air conditioning
• Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
• Electrical and alarm systems
• Fire sprinkler installation
• General, building, residential, and specialty contractors
• Grading, paving, asphalt and concrete
• Landscaping and lawn maintenance
• Mechanical
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Pressure washing
• Roofing
• Sheet metal
• Siding and window replacement
• Swimming pool and spa
• Underground utility
• Well drilling and lawn sprinkler systems
• All other contractors
  
  
  

4. How much does it cost to register for a Contractor Tracking Certificate?

The registration fee is $20 each year and must be renewed by September 30th. Please make checks payable to City of Mary Esther.

5. What are the penalties for not registering?

The fine for unregistered contracting practices is $250.00. A contractor found operating without registration is subject to an immediate citation and may also be summoned to appear before the City’s Special Magistrate and face additional fines up to $2,000.00 per offense, administrative fees and other enforcement actions.

Additionally, any person found in violation for unregistered contracting is subject to enforcement under Florida Statute 489.127 and may be charged with a First Degree Misdemeanor for a first offense and a Third Degree Felony for a repeat offense.  

Per City Code 13-26 (a) and Florida Statute 489.127 (1)(i), all service contractors, specialty contractors and construction industry contractors, whether state certified or not, shall be required to purchase a city tracking certificate and obtain the necessary permits from the building official or his agent prior to commencement of any work within the City. Contractor tracking certificates expire on September 30 of each year.

6. How can I verify if a contractor is registered with the city?

You may verify a contractor registration by viewing our List of Current Registered Contractors or calling 850-243-3566, ext.10. The registered contractor list is updated as new contractors become registered or expired contractors renew their registrations. While every effort is made to keep the registration list current, if you believe there is an error or you do not see a contractor listed, please call us for verification.

7. How can one register for a Contractor Tracking Certificate?

Please complete and return the Contractor Tracking Certificate (PDF) to the Business Tax Receipt Administrator. Documents needed to process the application are

• A copy of your current driver’s license or other State or government issued ID
• A copy of your current State issued license(s) in your respective trade (if applicable)
• A copy of your current workers compensation certificate or exemption
• A certificate of liability insurance with the City of Mary Esther listed as the certificate holder
• A copy of your Okaloosa County Competency License if you are a State Registered Contractor or hold a local competency license.