1. (1) Scope of Rule. The purpose of this rule is to provide for the certification of rooftop solar heating installation contractors, formally known as residential solar heating specialty contractors.

2. (2) Definition. A rooftop solar heating installation contractor is a specialty contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the skill, knowledge, ability and experience to size, install, alter, repair, maintain, relocate, replace, or use residential domestic potable solar water heating systems to include solar heating panels and all appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith. The scope of work of such contractor is limited to solar domestic hot water systems for one-family, two-family, or three-family residences, not exceeding two stories in height and solar swimming pool heaters for residential swimming pools. Such contractor may tie into the existing pool pump or other equipment, but may not install, alter, repair, maintain, relocate, or replace any pool equipment, including but not limited to the pool pump. The residential solar water heating contractor must subcontract any work for which a local certificate of competency is required unless such contractor is state certified in the respective trade category or is licensed in such category by the appropriate local authority.

   Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the legal authority of certified mechanical contractors, certified Class A and B air conditioning contractors, or certified plumbing contractors to install residential solar water heating systems.

3. (3) Certification Procedures.

   1. (a) Qualifications.

      1. Any person who desires to become a certified residential solar water heating contractor shall apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in writing to take the certification examination.

      2. A person shall be entitled to take the certification examination if the person:

      a. Is eighteen (18) years of age;

      b. Is of good moral character; and

      c. Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the criteria established in section 489.111(2)(c)1., 2., or 3., F.S.

   2. (b) Other Certification Procedures and Fees. Other certification procedures and fees for rooftop solar heating installation specialty contractors shall be the same as those provided for the certification of other contractors as defined in Part I, Chapter 489, F.S. The amount of liability insurance required for rooftop solar heating installation specialty contractors shall be as follows: $100,000 public liability insurance and $25,000 property damage insurance.
4. (4) (a) All Residential Solar Water Heating Specialty Contractors whose certification or registration was issued pursuant to this part and is valid on July 1, 1994 shall be able to renew and otherwise continue business as is set forth in Chapter 489, F.S., and this part. No person not previously certified or registered as a Residential Solar Water Heating Specialty Contractor as of July 1, 1994, shall be certified or registered after July 1, 1994. However, the board shall continue to license and regulate those contractors who held said licenses in good standing prior to July 1, 1994.
5. (b) Only solar contractors who meet the qualifications for certification as set forth at section 489.105(3)(o), F.S., and Rule 61G4-15.012, F.A.C., may lawfully contract after July 1, 1994.
6. (c) Any contractor certified pursuant to this rule who has maintained his license in good standing, and who has not been disciplined by the Board, will not be required to sit for the business portion of the Solar Contractor Certification examination.
7. (5) Any person holding a Residential Solar Water Heating Specialty Contractor license shall continue to practice as a Rooftop Solar Heating Installation Specialty Contractor and shall not be required to reapply until such time as their license is renewed in the usual course of business.

Rulemaking Authority 455.217(1), 489.105(3)(q), 489.113(6), 489.115(4) FS. Law Implemented 455.217(1), 489.105(3)(q), 489.113(6), 489.115(4) FS. History– New 10-8-81, Formerly 21E-15.12, Amended 6-1-88, 4-20-93, Formerly 21E-15.012, Amended 11-13-97, 5-5-24.