INTRODUCTION
A Qualifying Agent isn’t just a signature—they’re your legal lungs. Choose poorly and projects suffocate under stop-work orders. Below: seven hiring hazards we see weekly—and bullet-proof fixes.
MISTAKE 1 — OVER-EXTENDED AGENTS
Florida flags QAs trying to qualify three or more active entities; the agent must face CILB and justify supervision plans. Expect 30–60 day delays. My Florida License
Fix – Ask for CILB appearance history and current entity count before signing.
MISTAKE 2 — VAGUE SITE-VISIT SCHEDULES
No written rule = inspectors question “direct supervision.”
Fix – Contract a bi-weekly site-visit schedule with signed logs stored in the cloud.
MISTAKE 3 — FRO GAP
Ignoring who posts the $100 k bond leaves suppliers unpaid and the license suspended.
Fix – Designate a Financially Responsible Officer and include bond-renewal reminders.
MISTAKE 4 — COMPENSATION AMBIGUITY
Success fees without milestones breed disputes.
Fix – Tie retainer to permit issuance, bonus to final inspection.
MISTAKE 5 — NO EXIT STRATEGY
A QA quitting mid-project freezes permits.
Fix – 90-day notice clause for QA, 30-day for company, and a backup QA shortlist.
MISTAKE 6 — INSURANCE OVERSIGHTS
Not adding the QA to GL & WC policies risks claim denials.
Fix – Amend COIs before first permit.
MISTAKE 7 — PAPERWORK PROCRASTINATION
DBPR demands notice of QA change within 30 days; miss it and pay.
Fix – Calendar alerts + delegate responsibility to office manager.
CASE STUDY—MIAMI MID-RISE MELTDOWN
Fact Pattern – Developer hires a QA already linked to three businesses. Board appearance drags 45 days; loan interest clock ticks.
Cost – $62 k carry costs + bad press.
Save – Florida Contractor Qualifier screens QA databases for entity counts up front.
FAQ FAST FIVE
- Can I pay a QA per permit instead of retainer? – Yes, but lenders prefer guaranteed retention.
- Do I need a shadow QA? – Smart practice; designate an “alternate” in the agreement.
- What’s a fair notice period? – Industry norm: 90 days QA, 30 days company.
- Who keeps original permits? – QA, but scan copies to cloud storage accessible to PMs.
- Are digital site logs acceptable? – Yes, if time-stamped and geotagged.
CONCLUSION & CTA
Great QAs are growth partners; bad ones, bankruptcy accelerants. Avoid all seven snares by booking our “Qualifier Quality Audit”—free for first-time clients.
