Handy, you are correct on GA licensing laws. They are minimal requirements. I often say in presentations it is like swiss cheese with exemptions for specialty contractors and others that you can drive a truck through. And yes, "grandfathering" -- or really exam exemption -- was done at first but that was necessary to even get the law passed. Now everyone takes the exam. The law stops some of the serial bankrupts.
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Overall residential or licensed contractors can help themselves by making their state license numbers part of their marketing and advertising. I have requested rules from the Board regarding "licensed and insurad" claims but so far still stuck in committee. The Board does recognize that specialty contractor exemption is a huge hole in the law and consumers are confused but it requires a legislative change and the current political makeup may preclude an attempt at a legislative fix for some time. But consumers can make their voices heard at the state legislature.
Overall residential or licensed contractors can help themselves by making their state license numbers part of their marketing and advertising. I have requested rules from the Board regarding "licensed and insurad" claims but so far still stuck in committee. The Board does recognize that specialty contractor exemption is a huge hole in the law and consumers are confused but it requires a legislative change and the current political makeup may preclude an attempt at a legislative fix for some time. But consumers can make their voices heard at the state legislature.