Here's the side-by-side most tech-heads actually want: what does each Florida pool license actually let you do, and — more importantly — where are the lines you can't cross?
The scope chart
| Task | CPC | Servicing Contractor | Residential Specialty | CPO only | No license |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build a new pool | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Structural pool work | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Replace a pool pump | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (residential only) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Replace a heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (residential only) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Repair plumbing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (residential only) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Resurface plaster | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (residential only) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Install salt system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (residential only) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Work on commercial/HOA pool | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ (water care only) | ✗ |
| Commercial water care / chemistry | ✓* | ✓* | Residential only | ✓ | ✗ |
| Residential cleaning & chemistry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (w/ BTR) |
| Vacuuming / skimming | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (w/ BTR) |
*Water care on commercial pools: most counties still want a CPO-certified person responsible even if you hold a contractor license.
Gray areas where techs get in trouble
1. “I can swap a pump, I'm just a cleaner”
False. Replacing equipment is contractor-scope work. A residential cleaner with only a Business Tax Receipt cannot legally swap a pump, filter, or heater. That's unlicensed contracting.
2. “I have a CPC so I don't need a CPO for my commercial accounts”
Maybe false. CPC gives you authority to repair and construct. Commercial water operations often require a CPO-certified operator of record. Check your county.
3. “I do residential repairs — I only need a Residential Specialty”
True, but watch your accounts. The moment you take on an HOA clubhouse pool or a vacation rental that's technically “commercial,” you're out of scope. Upgrade to the full Servicing Contractor first.
4. “I'm working under a licensed contractor's supervision”
OK for employees. Not OK if you're operating as a separate business. An “independent subcontractor” using someone else's license is a common setup — and a common source of DBPR complaints.
5. “It's a small repair, nobody checks”
Florida actively enforces unlicensed contracting. First offense is a misdemeanor with fines that start around $500 and go up. Second offense becomes a felony. The homeowner who hired you has no liability insurance coverage either.
What the homeowner is supposed to check
Most Florida homeowners don't verify a license before hiring — but they're supposed to. When they do (usually after something goes wrong), the fastest way is:
- Look at the company's truck, ad, or contract for a license number
- Go to myfloridalicense.com → License Search
- Enter the number — you'll see active/inactive status, scope, and any disciplinary history
Put your license number on every truck, ad, and contract. It builds trust and it's required by statute anyway.