How to Get Your Florida Contractor License in 5 Easy Steps

Do you want to start a construction business in Florida?

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To become a contractor in the Sunshine State, you’ll have to get a Florida contractor license. The state manages contractor licensing for all specialties. You may also need a license on the local level in some cases.  

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Find out how to get your Florida contractor license in this easy guide.

#1. Decide on the Type of Contractor License

You can become either certified or registered as a Florida contractor. Your licensing authority is the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 

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If you want to work across the entire state, you’ll need to get state-certified. If you want to work only on the local level, then you’ll have to become registered. You’ll also need a certificate from your local authorities. 

The types of contractor licenses on the state level include:

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• General
• Building
• Residential
• Sheet Metal
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• Air Conditioning (HVAC — Classes A, B, and C)
• Mechanical
• Swimming Pool and Spa
• Underground Utility and Excavation
• Solar (only certification) 
• Pollutant Storage System (only certification) 
• Specialty Contractor (only certification) 
• Precision Tank Tester (only registration) 
• Tank Lining Applicator (only registration) 

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If you need licensing on the local level, you’ll have to find out the license types required from your city or county authorities too. 

#2. Get to Know the Licensing Requirements 

You can apply for a Florida contractor’s license as an individual or as a qualifying business. 

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If you need licensure as a business, you’ll first need to set up a business entity in the state of Florida. For a corporation, LLC, or partnership, you’ll have to register with the Florida Division of Corporations. Small businesses will need to register with the Department of Revenue.  

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The licensing requirements for both state certification and registration include:

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• Proof that you’re 18 years of age or older
• Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification (ITIN)
• Four years of relevant education, or two years of education and two years of experience at a relevant job (military experience counts too)
• Additional education requirements for general and residential contractors 
• Personal credit report and company financial statements to prove financial stability 
• Electronic fingerprinting 
• Insurance coverage: General and building licenses—$300,000 liability insurance and $50,000 property damage insurance; Other license types—$100,000 liability and $25,000 property damage insurance‍
• Surety bond (if your FICO credit score is less than 660): General, building and residential licenses—$20,000; Other license types — $10,000‍
• Workers’ compensation insurance if you’re planning to hire employees (though you may be able to file for an exemption if you don't have many employees)

#3. Pass the State Exam

To become a certified contractor, you’ll have to pass the Florida contractor license exam. To become a registered contractor, you have two options. You can either pass the exam or show a Certificate of Competency from your local licensing authority. 

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The contractor exam covers topics like building expertise, finances, legal aspects, and safety. Check out the exam content for the different types of contractor licenses. 

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The exam fees include:

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• $135 registration fee — payable to Professional Testing 
• $80 exam site administration fee — payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation 

#4. Apply for Your Contractor License 

Once you’re ready with your documents and license application form, mail them to the licensing office:

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Department of Business and Professional Regulation 

Construction Industry Licensing Board

2601 Blair Stone Road

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791

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You’ll have to pay these licensing fees:

‍Certified Contractors:

• $149 if applying from September 1st of an odd year to April 30th of an even year 
• $249 if applying from May 1st of an even year to August 31st of an odd year

Registered Contractors:

• $209 if applying from September 1st of an even year to April 30th of an odd year 
• $309 if applying from May 1st of an even year to August 31st of an odd year

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Veterans can get a waiver for a fee exemption. 

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The licensing process usually takes about two to three months, depending on the available state exam dates. Licensed contractors can manage their licenses via the Department’s Licensing Portal. 

#5. Keep Your License Active

You’ll have to renew your Florida contractor license every two years. You may be required to get continuing education. 

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The renewal deadlines are:

• If you’re a certified contractor — August 31st of each even-number year 
• If you’re a registered contractor — August 31st of each odd-numbered year 

Time Tracking and Payroll for Your Contracting Business 

Running a construction business is a complex process. Besides being a qualified specialist, you’ll need to tackle day-to-day tasks as well. 

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Hourly is here to make your employee time tracking and payroll management a breeze. You can easily link your workers’ comp to payroll as well, which will save you money at the end of the day. 

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Want to give it a go? Just download the Hourly payroll app today and get started.