The list below provides information on the state boards that license or otherwise certify different professionals who can assist you with your rebuilding efforts. While a state license is a minimum requirement for the professionals listed below, additional local licenses are required for these professionals by some parishes and municipalities in Louisiana. Check with your building department to see if an additional local license is required in your area for the professional you are considering hiring.
Most licensing boards require that the professional carries both general liability insurance policies and worker’s compensation policies. When a professional loses one of these policies or lets it expire, the licensing board is automatically notified and the license is suspended. Thus, verifying the status of a professional’s license lets you know that the professional is also properly insured.
A Web site is provided for each of the boards listed. These sites provide a wealth of information on the exact requirements for licensure or certification and instructions on how to become licensed if you are seeking to provide professionals services. Most of the Web sites have a search feature where you can verify a professional’s licensure status. For the boards that do not have this search feature on their Web site, a phone number is usually provided that you can call to get help verifying that information.
Real Estate Appraisers Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board
http://www.reab.state.la.us/ Real Estate Agents
Louisiana Real Estate Commission
www.lrec.state.la.usMortgage Lenders Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions
www.ofi.state.la.usArchitects Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners
www.lastbdarchs.com
Interior Decorators & Designers Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Interior Design
www.lsbid.org
Home Inspectors Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors
http://www.lsbhi.com/
All Plumbing Related Professionals Except Sewerage Louisiana State Plumbing Board
www.spbla.com On-site Waste Water Treatment System Installers Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/627
Home Security and Sprinkler Systems
Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
www.dps.state.la.us/sfmHomeowner's and Builders Risk Insurance providers Louisiana Department of Insurance
www.ldi.state.la.us
Engineers and Surveyors Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board
www.lapels.com
Real Estate Lawyers Louisiana State Bar Association
www.lsba.orgLandscape Design, Installation, Maintenance State of Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
www.ldaf.state.la.usContractors and all other professional construction services Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
www.lslbc.state.la.us
Non-professional Services (that require only a business license):
Plan Books, Home Warrantee Providers, Consultants (Historic Preservation, Disability, Energy), Pest Control, Building Materials, Appliances, Furnishings, Tool & Equipment Rental, Storage Units, and Title Search Firms
For these service providers, corporation business licenses can be checked at
Louisiana Secretary of State
www.sos.louisiana.govSole practitioners are not required to be licensed by the state if they have not incorporated their business.
