Stack Your Success: The Florida Structural Masonry License & Bond Guide

The Florida construction landscape is changing. With the recent legislative shifts (specifically House Bill 735 and its amendments), many local specialty licenses are being phased out in favor of statewide Certified Specialty Licenses. One of the most important new additions for concrete and block professionals is the Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor license.

If you are a masonry contractor used to working with a local competency card, or if you are looking to expand your business scope across the entire state of Florida, this new license is your golden ticket. At PassFLexam, we are here to guide you through the requirements, the exams, and the trade knowledge you need to succeed.

Below, we break down the license requirements and dive into a "Content Marketing" deep dive on Masonry Bond & Stack Types, essential knowledge for both your trade exam and your job site efficiency.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Structural Masonry Specialty License?

2. Why the Change? (From Local to State)

3. License Requirements & Exams

4. Mastering the Trade: Masonry Bond & Stack Types

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Structural Masonry Specialty License?

The Certified Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor license allows you to operate anywhere in the state of Florida, rather than being restricted to a specific county or municipality.

According to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), the scope of work for this license includes the ability to:

• Form, place, finish, install, repair, maintain, and replace concrete or masonry products.

• Batch and mix aggregates, cement, and water to specifications.

• Lay block, brick, and other masonry units.

• Work on foundations, slabs, footers, curbs, walls, columns, beams, and terrazzo.

Essentially, this license covers the "shell" work that is critical to Florida's structural integrity, especially given our hurricane codes.

Why the Change? (From Local to State)

Historically, many Florida counties issued their own "Concrete" or "Masonry" licenses. However, recent state laws preempted these local licenses, requiring the state to offer a certified category for these trades.

The Benefit: By obtaining the State Certified Structural Masonry License, you are no longer tied to one county. You can bid on projects in Miami-Dade, Duval, Orange, and Hillsborough counties with a single license. This significantly increases your earning potential and business flexibility.

License Requirements & Exams

To obtain this license, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

1. Age/Character: Be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.

2. Experience: Verify 4 years of field experience (with at least 1 year as a foreman). Note: College credits can sometimes substitute for part of this experience.

3. Insurance & Finance: Show proof of financial stability and liability insurance/workers' comp.

4. The Exams: You must pass two exams.

The Exams: Florida Structural Masonry License

• Business & Finance Exam: A computer-based, open-book exam covering lien law, accounting, safety, and business management.

• Structural Masonry Trade Exam: This specific exam tests your knowledge of code (Florida Building Code), reinforcement, concrete mixing, and masonry bonding methods.

Mastering the Trade: Masonry Bond & Stack Types

Whether you are prepping for the trade exam or training a new apprentice, understanding Masonry Bond Types (often called "stack types" or "bonding patterns") is critical. The "bond" refers to the arrangement of bricks or blocks in a wall. The right bond ensures structural strength by distributing loads evenly, while the wrong one can lead to cracks or structural failure.

Here are the most common bond types you will encounter in Florida construction and on your exams.

1. Running Bond (Stretcher Bond)

This is the most common bond used in modern construction, especially for single-leaf walls (half-brick thick) and cavity walls.

• How it works: Bricks are laid lengthwise (stretchers). Each joint is offset by exactly half the length of the brick above and below it.

• Pros: Easy to lay, minimal waste, and structurally stable for simple walls.

• Exam Tip: Know that this is the standard for most veneer work.
  

2. Stack Bond

The Stack Bond is unique because it is one of the few "weak" bonds structurally, yet it is popular for its aesthetic.

• How it works: Bricks or blocks are stacked directly on top of one another, with all vertical joints aligned perfectly in a straight line.

• Pros: visually striking; creates a modern, grid-like look.

• Cons: Very weak structurally because there is no overlapping to distribute the load. It almost always requires rigid metal ties or horizontal reinforcement (ladder wire) in every course to stay stable.

• Exam Tip: If a question asks which bond requires the most horizontal reinforcement, the answer is usually Stack Bond.
  

3. Flemish Bond

A classic, historic bond often seen in high-end aesthetic work.

• How it works: Each course (row) consists of alternating headers (short end) and stretchers (long side). The headers in one course are centered over the stretchers in the course below.

• Pros: Very strong and aesthetically pleasing.

• Usage: Common in "double brick" thick walls.
  

4. English Bond

Considered one of the strongest bonds for solid masonry walls.

• How it works: It consists of alternating courses. One full row of headers, followed by one full row of stretchers.

• Pros: excellent load-bearing capabilities.

• Usage: Heavy civil engineering projects, bridges, and retaining walls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a new license if I already have a county masonry license? A: Eventually, yes. Most local licenses are being phased out due to Florida Statute changes (HB 735). Transitioning to the State Certified Structural Masonry license now ensures you can continue working legally and allows you to work statewide.

Q: Is the Structural Masonry exam open book? A: Yes, the Florida exams are open book. However, "open book" does not mean "easy." You need to know exactly where to find answers in the Florida Building Code (Building & Residential), OSHA standards, and the Concrete Masonry Handbook. Time management is key.

Q: What is the difference between a "Stretcher" and a "Header"? A: A Stretcher is the long face of the brick. A Header is the short end of the brick. The arrangement of these two faces determines the bond type (e.g., Flemish vs. Running).

Q: Does PassFLexam offer books for this license? A: Yes! We offer the complete set of reference books, pre-tabbed and highlighted, to help you navigate the exam quickly.

Ready to Get Licensed?

Don't let the new regulations slow down your business. Upgrade your career with the Florida Structural Masonry License.