• General Info
• About CSLB
• Basic Facts About CSLB

Basic Facts About Contracting in California

• Anyone performing construction work in California on jobs that total $500 dollars or more in labor and materials must be licensed by CSLB. [exceptions]
• The construction industry is one the largest industries in California. www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
• Licensed contractors must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience/education in the field they are licensed, be fingerprinted, have a FBI Background check and be bonded.
• The CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) conducts stings and sweeps somewhere in California on a weekly basis and often more frequently.
• Unlicensed contractors are part of the $60-140 billion dollar underground economy that doesn’t pay taxes, insurance or follow safety laws. www.dir.ca.gov/EEEC/EEEC.html
• First time offenders are often given a Notice to Appear (NTA) for misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license or illegal advertising. The NTA carries a maximum six months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine.
• Additional convictions raise the penalties to a fine of 20 percent of the contract price for the work performed, (or a $4500 fine) shall be imposed along with a 90 day jail sentence.
• Top ten tips for hiring a contractor:
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