At a Glance: Florida Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | $200,000 for state license requirement (below = local registration) |
| Application Fee | $249–$349 for state certification |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | Prometric |
| Exam Cost | $100–$225 |
| Experience Required | 4 years experience (at least 1 as supervisor) |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($300,000 per occurrence); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Biennial; $209–$309 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Florida Contractor License
- Choose between Certified (statewide) or Registered (local) license
- Document 4 years experience; 1 must be supervisory
- Pass CILB exam via Prometric (Business & Law + Trade)
- Obtain liability insurance and workers' comp
- Submit application through DBPR portal with fees
- License issued in 30–60 days
Exam Requirements
Provider: Prometric
Cost: $100–$225
Topics covered: Florida Building Code, Business & Finance, Trade Knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
General Liability ($300,000 per occurrence); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what Florida requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
Florida has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
- Louisiana
- North Carolina (limited)
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Florida licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Florida
Florida's CGC license works statewide. A Registered license works only within the jurisdiction that issued it. Most major commercial work requires CGC.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in Florida?Yes. In Florida, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at $200,000 for state license requirement (below = local registration). The licensing is managed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a Florida contractor license cost?The application fee for a Florida contractor license is $249–$349 for state certification. An exam fee of $100–$225 is also required for the Prometric exam. Renewal is Biennial; $209–$309.
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Is an exam required for a Florida contractor license?Yes. Florida requires passing the Prometric exam (cost: $100–$225) covering Florida Building Code and Business & Finance and Trade Knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a Florida contractor license?Florida requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($300,000 per occurrence); Workers' Comp required. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in Florida?Getting a Florida contractor license typically involves 6 steps: obtaining required experience (4 years experience (at least 1 as supervisor)), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.