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Does your license number go on your business card? Put it on
Florida Statute 489.119(5)(b) says the contractor's registration or certification number shall appear in each offer of services, business proposal, bid, contract, or advertisement, regardless of medium. Board rule 61G4-12.011(3) says “advertise” applies to business cards. But statute 489.119(5)(d) says “advertisement” does not include business stationery. We don't decide which one controls (we are not lawyers): our advice is to put the number on the card, because it's one more line.
Video coming this week
What the official text says
“shall appear in each offer of services, business proposal, bid, contract, or advertisement, regardless of medium”
In plain words: the registration or certification number goes in each offer of services, proposal, bid, contract or advertisement, regardless of medium, as the Board defines it.
“shall apply to business cards, business proposals, contracts, construction site signs”
In plain words: “advertise” and “advertises” apply to business cards, proposals, contracts and job-site signs, and the same rule also mentions Internet sites and signs on vehicles. Effective 5/16/2023.
“does not include business stationery or any promotional novelties such as balloons, pencils, trinkets, or articles of clothing”
In plain words: for this part of the law, “advertisement” does not include business stationery or promotional novelties like balloons, pencils, trinkets or clothing.
“a notice of noncompliance for the first offense” · “within 30 days”
In plain words: the first time the Board issues a notice of noncompliance, and it may assess a fine or issue a citation if you don't fix it within 30 days or if you repeat it.
Two texts that don't read the same
Statute 489.119(5)(d)
“Advertisement” does not include business stationery or promotional novelties.
Rule 61G4-12.011(3)
“Advertise” applies to business cards, contracts, proposals, Internet sites and more.
Our advice
Put the number on the card. It's one more line and the doubt is gone. It's advice, not a legal opinion.
No promises
We don't know how the Board would see your case. Ask a lawyer or the Board.
A sample card (fictional)
Front: the usual
EXAMPLE · YOUR COMPANY ROOFING · John Example, owner · (305) 555-0147 · yourcompanyroofing.com.
Back or next to the name: one line
EXAMPLE · “Lic. # CGC1234567” (made-up number, not real). Easy to read, no fine print.
Match your website
The rule also mentions Internet sites: the same number next to the phone on your site.
Confirm the number
Look up your number on the state's public portal (DBPR) to make sure it's written right.
Summary
- Number on the card
- Same number on your site and ads
- Proposals and contracts too
- Number confirmed on the state portal
What counts and what doesn't, per the texts
Counts (rule 61G4-12.011)
Business cards, proposals, contracts, construction site signs, newspapers, Internet sites, phone directory and signs on vehicles.
Doesn't count (statute and rule)
Business stationery (statute) and promotional novelties such as balloons, pencils, hats, clothing or shirts (statute and rule).
Your truck
If it bears the contractor's name, the number must be displayed with it. The statute says it doesn't create a mandatory vehicle signage requirement.
Electrical and alarm
Statute 489.521(7) is similar and talks about a fine of not less than $100 or a citation when the number is missing from an advertisement for publication, broadcast or printing.
Free check: your card, website and ads
We look at whether your license number shows up where it should: your card, your website and your ads. Free.
- We tell you where the number is missing
- We look at your card, website and ads
- Free, no strings attached
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to put my license number on my business card?
Board rule 61G4-12.011(3) says “advertise” applies to business cards, and statute 489.119(5)(b) wants the number in each advertisement. But statute 489.119(5)(d) says “advertisement” does not include business stationery. Our advice: put it on, it's one line.
Is a business card “stationery”?
The texts don't answer it in one sentence and we are not lawyers. The statute excludes “business stationery” and the Board's rule names business cards. For your case, ask a lawyer or the Board.
What happens if my card doesn't have the number?
Statute 489.119(5)(e) says the first time the Board issues a notice of noncompliance, and may assess a fine or issue a citation if it isn't fixed within 30 days or for a later offense. That covers advertisements for publication, broadcast or printing.
What about pens, hats or shirts with my name?
Statute 489.119(5)(d) excludes promotional novelties such as balloons, pencils, trinkets or clothing, and the rule also lists pens, hats and shirts.
Does it also go on my website and ads?
Rule 61G4-12.011(3) mentions Internet sites, and the statute wants the number in each advertisement regardless of medium. That's why we put it at the top next to the phone. That's our advice.
Is it the same for electrical and alarm contractors?
Statute 489.521(7)(b) wants the number in each offer of services, proposal or advertisement regardless of medium, and (7)(c) talks about a fine of not less than $100 or a citation when it's missing from an advertisement for publication, broadcast or printing.
Official sources
- Florida Statutes 489.119
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-12.011 (Cornell LII copy)
- Florida Statutes 489.521
- DBPR: license lookup
We are not lawyers. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws can change: check the official source. The rule comes from a Cornell LII copy (flrules.org links the text only as a separate document). For your case, talk to a lawyer or the Contractors Board.
