Still figuring out the Florida contractor license application process? No need to worry, the team at Licensing Connection sorts it all out for you. Be it identifying the right license category or understanding exactly what Florida’s DBPR requires at every stage of the application, we make sure nothing gets missed, and nothing slows you down. With a compliance-focused process, a nationwide qualifier network across 50+ states, fast turnaround, and flexible engagements, you’re never in this alone. Most clients are matched or assisted within 48 hours. So, don’t wait on paperwork; instead, get moving with us!
Types of Florida Contractor Licenses and Who Needs to Apply
Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), under DBPR, issues two broad license types:
- Certified: which is valid anywhere in the state of Florida.
- Registered: which is valid only in specific cities or counties.
The main contractor categories under Chapter 489, Part I, Florida Statutes are:
Division I: General Contractors
- General Contractor: who have unlimited scope of construction work.
- Building Contractor: someone who can do commercial and residential buildings up to three stories.
- Residential Contractor: handling one-, two-, or three-family homes up to two stories.
Division II: Specialty Contractors
- Roofing Contractor: who can do all roofing, waterproofing, and coating work
- Plumbing Contractor: handling all plumbing installation, repair, and design.
- Class A/B Air-Conditioning Contractor: dealing with HVAC systems; Class B limited to 25 tons of cooling.
- Mechanical Contractor: managing central HVAC, refrigeration, and ventilation systems.
- Commercial/Residential Pool-Spa Contractor: who handles pool and spa construction and repair.
- Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor: someone who deals with sewer, water, and storm systems.
- Solar Contractor: managing your solar water heating and photovoltaic systems.
- Pollutant Storage Systems Contractor: Handling the installation and maintenance of pollutant storage tanks.
- Specialty Contractor: who deal with limited scope trades like drywall, glass and glazing, marine, irrigation, and others.
Ideal for: Anyone who, for compensation, contracts to construct, repair, alter, remodel, demolish, or improve any building or structure in Florida must hold the appropriate state license before performing or bidding that work.
Required Documents, Fees, and Exam Requirements
When you begin the florida contractor license application process, there are certain requirements you must follow:
Documents Required
- A completed DBPR/CILB application form.
- Proof of four years of field experience in the license category, with at least one year of supervisory experience.
- Credit report from a nationally recognized agency showing a FICO score of 660 or higher.
- Proof of liability insurance, which is $300,000 liability and $50,000 property damage for General and Building contractors.
- For all other categories, $100,000 liability and $25,000 property damage.
- Proof of workers’ compensation coverage or a valid exemption from Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. Exemption must be obtained within 30 days of licensure.
- Electronic fingerprints submitted to the FDLE and the FBI through a DBPR-approved electronic fingerprinting site.
- Any criminal history disclosure.
Fees
- Examination application fee, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. It varies by category.
- The initial licensure application fee varies by license type.
- An endorsement application fee of $350.
Exam Requirements
- Anyone who’s applying for certified contractor licenses must pass the Florida contractor’s examination, which includes a Trade Knowledge exam and a Business and Finance exam.
- These exams are open-book and computer-based through Pearson VUE. Keep in mind that the Plumbing Trade Knowledge exam follows a separate schedule.
- Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in building construction from an accredited four-year college with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are exempt from the Trade Knowledge portion, effective July 1, 2020.
- All exam scores must be completed within four years of the first attempt, and the initial licensure must be applied for within four years of passing.
Step-by-Step Florida Contractor License Application Process
- Determine Your License Type: First, identify whether you need a Certified or Registered license, and confirm the correct contractor category.
- Register for and pass the Examination: For certified licenses, download the Initial and Retake Examination Application (CILB 1) from myfloridalicense.com and submit it along with the applicable exam fee. Then, schedule your computer-based exam through Pearson VUE. You must pass both the Trade Knowledge and Business and Finance portions.
- Gather All Required Documents: Compile all the needed documents and then complete electronic fingerprinting at a DBPR-approved site.
- Select the Correct Application Form: Download the applicable CILB application from myfloridalicense.com based on your license type and business structure. For e.g., CILB 5-A for a Certified General Contractor as an individual, CILB 6 for qualifying a business. Complete all required sections properly.
- Qualify Your Business: Under Florida law, contractors must qualify their construction business with their individual license. Submit the qualifying agent information, provide background documentation for the business, and ensure the business name will be reflected on your license.
- Submit Your Application: All you have to do is submit the application online through DBPR Online Services at myfloridalicense.com.
- Board Review and License Issuance: Most additional business applications and select initial licensure applications require review by the CILB board. You will receive notice approximately 14 days before your scheduled board meeting. Once approved, licenses are typically issued within two weeks of the board meeting. Certified contractor licenses expire August 31 of every even-numbered year and require 14 hours of continuing education for renewal.
Get ready to skip the licensing maze? Reach out to us for more inform
