On Might 11, 2026, Governor Brian Kemp signed into regulation SB553, a invoice that prohibits unlicensed contractors in Georgia from promoting themselves as a plumber, HVAC contractor, electrician or utility contractor except they’re licensed as a Grasp Plumber, Conditioned Air Contractor, Electrical Contractor or Utility Contractor, respectively.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR OUR INDUSTRY?
Till SB553 turned regulation, unlicensed entities in Georgia may promote themselves as performing plumbing or HVAC companies or different expert work, main shoppers to consider these people or firms are skilled contractors when in actual fact they don’t seem to be certified to carry out the companies marketed. This usually ends in the completion of service, set up, restore or utility work that’s defective or substandard, or in any other case not carried out as much as present constructing codes, resulting in expensive property harm and subsequent repairs.
With the passage of SB553, as of July 1, 2026, solely these licensed as a Grasp Plumber, Conditioned Air Contractor, Electrical Contractor or Utility Contractor can promote the companies they supply. For instance, an unlicensed entity can not current itself as “Bob’s Plumbing” or promote plumbing companies and not using a Grasp Plumber license issued by the state. Owners in Georgia can now choose a contractor with the boldness that the entity they’re hiring to carry out work is licensed and certified to supply the companies they promote.
MORE DETAIL
Earlier within the legislative session, stakeholder organizations representing numerous expert trades have been approached by Governor Kemp’s workplace and members of the legislature to solicit suggestions on how greatest to write down laws defending Georgians from the scourge of unlicensed entities promoting themselves as skilled tradespeople.
Along with PHCC of Georgia, organizations representing electricians, utility contractors and different specialty building trades helped the Governor and lawmakers craft a invoice offering a easy resolution: if you don’t maintain a sound Grasp Plumber, Conditioned Air Contractor, Electrical Contractor or Utility Contractor license, you can’t proclaim to be knowledgeable in any of these licensed trades nor are you able to promote the companies they supply: violators are topic to hefty fines along with potential prison penalties.
The laws handed on a near-unanimous bipartisan vote in each chambers of the Georgia State Legislature earlier than getting signed into regulation by the Governor. At this time, a house owner in Georgia can now rent “Bob’s Plumbing” realizing that entity is precisely what it claims to be and relaxation simple realizing the largest funding of their lives is within the fingers of a certified skilled.