Licensing Guides
State Contracting License: How to Become a General Contractor in Florida
General, FL
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Florida?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Florida?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Florida
What Are the Requirements of a Florida Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Florida?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Florida?
Florida Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Florida Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Florida?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Florida?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives, and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these men and women to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Florida employs 26,720 managers and 69,690 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033; 8% for laborers and helpers. In Florida, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is double the national number at 16%; for managers, it’s also almost double the national number of 9% at 16%. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Florida?
The state of Florida requires contractors to hold a state contractor license. The state regulates licenses for several construction industry professions, including general contractors and building contractors. These two license types cover different types of work.
General contractor: A contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work.
Building contractor: A contractor whose services are limited to the construction of commercial buildings, single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, and accessory structures. The buildings cannot exceed three stories in height. This license also covers remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building, if the services do not affect structural elements.
Contractors may also choose between certified or registered licenses. Certified licenses require a state examination and enables the contractor to contract in any jurisdiction in the state. Those holding registered licenses may contract only in the jurisdictions where they hold a local license.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Florida?
The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for licensing and regulating professionals in the construction industry.
The application process for certified and registered contractors is similar. The main difference between the two is that certified contractors complete a state examination process, while registered contractors show proof of a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority.
For certified and registered contractors, applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Certified contractors must meet experience requirements and pass a state examination, while registered contractors must show proof of a local license.
Both licenses require applicants to complete a criminal background check, show proof of financial stability and responsibility, obtain liability and property damage insurance, and meet workers’ compensation insurance requirements.
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Florida
In Florida, general contractors and building contractors must be licensed.
The state has 17 license classifications, including:
General Contractor
Building Contractor
Residential Contractor
Specialty Contractor
The state provides two types of contractor licenses:
Certified Contractor: A contractor who possesses a certificate of competency is allowed to legally perform commercial or residential contracting work in any jurisdiction in the state, whether that be initial construction, service, or replacement to properties.
Registered Contractor: A contractor who meets competency requirements for a specific jurisdiction is allowed to legally perform commercial or residential contracting work only in that jurisdiction, whether that be initial construction, service, or replacement to properties.
According to the CILB, a contractor is “the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others.”
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is that you need to be licensed to do any kind of initial residential or commercial construction, repair, or maintenance work in Florida. Here’s how you go about getting licensed.
Certified General Contractor (CG) and Certified Building Contractor (CB)
To obtain a Certified General Contractor or Certified Building Contractor license, follow these steps.
MEET EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have four years of work experience or a combination of college and experience. This includes:
A four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college, which is equivalent to three years of experience, and one year of experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
One year of experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
One year experience as a worker, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
Two years of experience as a worker, one year of experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
Four years of experience as a worker or foreman, of which at least one year was as a foreman.
A certified residential or building contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of four years in the classification in which they are certified.
Military experience may also be used to meet licensure requirements.
PASS EXAMINATION: Applicants must pass a state certification examination. Applicants may apply online to take the examination. The CILB lists examination instructions here. The DBPR contracts with Professional Testing Inc. to register applicants and develop and score examinations. Examination topics and costs vary based on the license. Those seeking to sit for certain parts must apply directly with Professional Testing Inc. This includes construction trade knowledge, contract administration, project management, and business and finance.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Applicants must complete a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit fingerprints immediately after submitting your application. The department lists more information about fingerprinting here.
PROOF OF FINANCIAL STABILITY: Applicants must show proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting a personal credit report. Credit reports must include a FICO-derived credit score indicating local, state, and federal records have been searched. Applicants with a FICO-derived credit score of less than 660 must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course from an approved course list. Applicants must submit proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and discharge of bankruptcy if these are shown on the credit report. The Department lists more information about financial responsibility and stability in this PDF.
OBTAIN INSURANCE: Applicants must attest they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance. General and building contractors must obtain a minimum of $300,000 in public liability insurance and $50,000 in property damage insurance.
APPLY FOR CERTIFIED CONTRACTOR LICENSE: Applicants may apply for a certified license in two ways.
Online: Create an account with the Florida DBPR to apply online, submit documentation, and pay. The department offers a short application guide here.
PDF: Print the application. Mail the application, documentation, and fees to the DBPR in Tallahassee.
PAY FEE: Applicants must pay an application fee to the DBPR. The fee amount depends on the current fee schedule and when you submit the application, such as an odd or even year. Application fees range from $95 to $245. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. Those mailing applications should send a check. Military veterans, spouses, and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, or fee discount. Visit the department’s military services page for more information.
Registered General Contractor (RG) and Registered Building Contractor (RB)
A Registered General Contractor or Registered Building Contractor is allowed to work only in certain jurisdictions. Follow these steps to meet licensing requirements.
LOCAL LICENSE: In lieu of a state certification examination, applicants must possess a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority. The certificate must bear the applicant’s name and must match the licensure category sought.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Applicants must complete a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit fingerprints immediately after submitting your application. The department lists more information about fingerprinting here.
PROOF OF FINANCIAL STABILITY: Applicants must show proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting a personal credit report. Credit reports must include a FICO-derived credit score indicating local, state, and federal records have been searched. Applicants with a FICO-derived credit score of less than 660 must also take a 14-hour financial responsibility course from an approved course list. Applicants must submit proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and discharge of bankruptcy if these are shown on the credit report. The Department lists more information about financial responsibility and stability in this PDF.
OBTAIN INSURANCE: Applicants must attest they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance. General and building contractors must obtain a minimum of $300,000 in public liability insurance and $50,000 in property damage insurance.
APPLY FOR REGISTERED CONTRACTOR LICENSE: Applicants may apply for a registered license in two ways.
Online: Create an account with the Florida DBPR to apply online, submit documentation, and pay. The department offers a short application guide here.
PDF: Print the application. Mail the application, documentation, and fees to the DBPR in Tallahassee.
PAY FEE: Applicants must pay an application fee to the DBPR. The fee amount depends on the current fee schedule and when you submit the application, such as an odd or even year. Application fees range from $155 to $305. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. Those mailing applications should send a check. Military veterans, spouses, and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, or fee discount. Visit the department’s military services page for more information.
Getting a residential or specialty license
Florida also provides Certified Residential Contractor or Registered Residential Contractor licenses for contractors who construct, remodel, repair, or improve only one-family, two-family, or three-family residences not more than two stories high and accessory use structures. This license is different from the general contractor and building contractor licenses listed above. The license application process is the same as above.
In addition, other Florida contractor licenses include:
Sheet metal contractor
Roofing contractor
Air-Conditioning Contractor (Class A, B, C)
Mechanical Contractor
Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor
Residential Pool/Spa Contractor
Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing Contractor
Plumbing Contractor
Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor
Solar Contractor
Pollutant Storage Systems Contractor
Specialty Contractor: A Certified Specialty Contractor license is for contractors whose scope of work is limited to a particular phase of a construction project, such as drywall or structural masonry. For swimming pool contractors or subcontractors, the state also offers several certified specialty licenses for pool construction, such as layout, excavation, piping, decking, and trim work.
While the CILB issues regulatory licenses for mechanical and plumbing contractors, the state Electrical Contractor Licensing Board issues licenses for electrical contractors.
For more information, you can also consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumbing license, or electrical license in Florida.
What Are the Requirements of a Florida Contractor License?
Florida sets licensure requirements for contractors to ensure individuals serving the public are properly prepared to do the job right. To that end there are age, experience, and financial prerequisites.
You must be 18 years of age.
You must be of good moral character.
For a certified license, you must have four years of work experience or a combination of college and experience.
For a certified license, you must pass a state examination.
For a registered license, you must have a local license.
Complete a criminal background check.
Submit a credit report.
Take a 14-hour financial responsibility course if you have a FICO-derived credit score of less than 660.
Submit proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and discharge of bankruptcy if these are shown on your credit report.
Obtain liability and property damage insurance.
Meet workers’ compensation insurance requirements.
Apply for a contractor license.
Pay fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Florida?
The length of time it takes to get a contractor license in Florida depends on the license requirements. For instance, a certified license requires four years of work experience or a combination of work experience and college. Those seeking a registered license must first meet the requirements of the local license before applying with the state.
Once you’ve submitted your contractor application, Florida contractor licenses are issued within two weeks after the conclusion of the board meeting in which the application was approved, according to the CILB. The CILB posts upcoming board meeting information on its website.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Florida?
The cost to get a contractor license in Florida depends on the type of contractor license and the year in which you’re applying for the license. Cost for a Certified Contractor license ranges from $95 to $245. Cost for a registered contractor license ranges from $155 to $305. A registered contractor license also requires a local license. Cost varies by jurisdiction.
If you’re applying for a certified license, you’ll also pay a fee to take a professional examination.
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Florida Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
If you seek a Certified Contractor license in Florida, you’ll need four years of work experience or a combination of work experience and college to meet state licensing requirements. If you’re looking for additional training, many programs throughout the state can help you prepare for a career in construction.
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout the Sunshine State that offer these types of programs.
The following schools offer a Construction, Building Construction, or Construction Management Bachelor of Science degree.
There are also Florida technical colleges throughout the state that offer degrees and diplomas in the areas of construction and the trades.
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. Find registered apprenticeships in the construction field through Florida Department of Education’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
Other resources for finding Florida apprenticeships in the skilled trades include:
Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program.
Does Florida Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Yes. Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board has reciprocal licensing agreements with Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi for general, building, and residential licenses. The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) General Contractors Exam is substantially similar to all Florida Division 1 license trade knowledge exams, according to the CILB. Contractor applicants may apply for reciprocity if the current credential was granted by taking the NASCLA exam, but the transcript must be released to the CILB.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Florida?
Yes, Florida contractor licenses must be renewed. The CILB lists license renewal information here. The DBPR emails license holders a notification when the renewal period opens, which is 90 to 120 days before expiration. Licenses may be renewed online or by mail.
Renewal of general and building contractor licenses require 14 hours of continuing education, listed in more detail below.
Certified licenses: Renewed by Aug. 31 every even year. Renewal cost: $205, plus $50 per qualified business.
Registered licenses: Renewed by Aug. 31 every odd year. Renewal cost: $205, plus $50 per qualified business.
The CILB lists additional renewal information FAQS here.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Florida?
Yes. Unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor, according to state law. The violator also may be fined civil penalties for each day of the violation. In addition, local county or city governing bodies may enforce codes and ordinances against unlicensed contractors, including civil penalties.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
Florida requires general contractors and registered contractors to complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education before renewing their license.
Continuing education requirements for both licenses include a one-hour minimum of the following:
Advanced module building code
Business practices
Laws and rules
Workplace safety
Workers’ compensation
Wind mitigation
The remaining hours can be any board-approved, construction-related instruction. The CILB lists continuing education FAQs here.
Contractors will also want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards, and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option to stay in the know is continuing education courses with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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