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Contractor License in Florida

State license

Florida licenses contractors at the state level through the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). A 'Certified' license lets you work statewide, while a 'Registered' license only permits work in the specific local jurisdiction that granted you a competency card.

Quick facts

ExperienceAt least 4 years of experience for general/building/residential classes, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role; college credit and apprenticeship may count toward part of the requirement.
ExamYes. State contractor exam covering Business & Finance plus trade knowledge sections (e.g. Contract Administration and Project Management), administered via Professional Testing Inc. (PTI) and Pearson VUE.
InsuranceGeneral contractors must carry general liability coverage (commonly cited minimums of $300,000 bodily injury / $50,000 property damage). Workers' compensation is required if you have employees; proof of financial responsibility is also required.
FeesExam registration approximately $215 to PTI plus roughly $80 per exam section to Pearson VUE; state application fees vary by license type and timing in the biennium.
RenewalEvery 2 years. Both Certified and Registered contractors must complete 14 hours of continuing education per cycle (including 1 hr Florida Building Code, 1 hr workplace safety, 1 hr workers' comp, 1 hr business practices, remaining 10 hrs general electives).
ReciprocityFlorida has held reciprocal exam agreements with certain states (historically including Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, California, and others) for specific trades; scope changes over time, so verify current agreements with DBPR.
Main agencyFlorida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board
Official sitehttps://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Florida board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Florida

  1. Confirm the license type you need (Certified for statewide vs Registered for a single local jurisdiction) and the correct classification.
  2. Document at least 4 years of qualifying experience (with 1 year supervisory) using the DBPR application (e.g. Form CILB 5-A for a Certified individual).
  3. Register for and pass the state exam sections (Business & Finance plus the trade knowledge exams) through PTI / Pearson VUE.
  4. Obtain the required general liability insurance and workers' compensation (or exemption), and demonstrate financial responsibility.
  5. Submit the DBPR/CILB application with supporting documents and fees via the MyFloridaLicense online portal.
  6. Once approved and issued, renew every 2 years and complete the 14-hour CE requirement each cycle.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Certified and a Registered contractor in Florida?

A Certified contractor passes the state exam and can work anywhere in Florida. A Registered contractor qualifies through a local competency card and can only work within the specific city/county that issued it.

How many years of experience do I need?

Generally 4 years for general, building, or residential classifications, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or foreman role. College coursework and apprenticeship can substitute for a portion of the time.

Do I have to take an exam?

Yes. You must pass a Business & Finance exam plus the trade knowledge exam(s) for your classification before the state will issue a Certified license.

How often do I renew and is continuing education required?

Licenses renew every 2 years and require 14 hours of continuing education per cycle, including specific mandatory hours in building code, safety, workers' comp, and business practices.

Is workers' compensation insurance mandatory?

You must carry workers' compensation if you have employees, or file for a valid exemption. General liability insurance and proof of financial responsibility are also required.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Florida licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.