“The purpose of the legislature in enacting this Chapter is the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of all those persons dealing with persons engaged in the contracting vocation, and the affording of such persons of an effective and practical protection against the incompetent, inexperienced, unlawful, and fraudulent acts of contractors with whom they contract.  Further, the legislative intent is that the State Licensing Board for Contractors shall monitor construction projects to ensure compliance with the licensure requirements of this Chapter.” 

Acts 1976, No. 82, Sec. 2; Act No. 559 of 1989.

A fifteen member board, appointed by the Governor regulates both commercial and residential contractors who bid or perform construction projects, whose value exceeds $50,000 or more for commercial projects, $10,000 or more for electrical or mechanical projects, $75,000 or more for residential projects, and hazardous material contractors on projects valued at $1.00 or more.

Agency staff receive and process applications for new contractor licenses, additional classifications, changes of license records, and annual license renewals.  The agency also administers business and law and trade examinations for contractor applicants and qualifying parties.  Administrative and disciplinary hearings are conducted monthly for alleged violations by both commercial and residential contractors.  Agency investigators conduct construction project investigations to determine compliance and enforcement of the contractor licensing law.   The agency maintains public records on these matters.  All board meetings and administrative hearings are conducted at the board’s Baton Rouge headquarters.

Fines and penalties levied against violators of the contractor licensing law are sent directly to the Contractors Educational Trust Fund (CETF), whose mission is to promote programs used for contractor educational purposes.

As of 6/18/2013, there are 17310 licensed commercial contractors, 2961 licensed residential contractors, 1303 registered home improvement contractors and 164 certified mold remediation certificate holders in Louisiana.