Licensing

How to Get a General Contractor License in Florida: Complete 2025 Guide

January 14, 2025•12 min read
Florida contractor licensing

Getting your general contractor license in Florida opens doors to lucrative construction opportunities in one of the nation's fastest-growing states. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Florida's licensing requirements, exam preparation, and application process for 2025.

Florida General Contractor License Types

Florida offers several types of general contractor licenses based on project scope and value:

  • Certified General Contractor (CGC) - No monetary limits on projects
  • Certified Building Contractor (CBC) - Buildings up to 3 stories or 35 feet
  • Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) - Residential structures only
  • Class A General Contractor - County-level licensing
  • Class B General Contractor - City-level licensing

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Florida General Contractor License Requirements

Experience Requirements

To qualify for a Florida general contractor license, you must demonstrate:

  • 4 years of construction experience - Must be verifiable
  • Direct supervision experience - Managing construction projects
  • Progressive experience - Increasing responsibility over time
  • Relevant experience - In the type of work you plan to perform

Education Requirements

You can substitute education for experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in construction-related field - 2 years experience credit
  • Associate's degree - 1 year experience credit
  • Technical school completion - Up to 2 years credit
  • Apprenticeship programs - Credit varies by program
Florida contractor exam preparation

Financial Requirements

  • Net worth of $10,000 - For CGC license
  • Credit report review - Good financial standing required
  • Surety bond - Amount varies by license type
  • Business liability insurance - Minimum coverage requirements

Florida Contractor License Exam

Exam Structure

The Florida contractor license exam consists of two parts:

  • Business & Finance portion - 50 questions (2.5 hours)
  • Trade Knowledge portion - 50 questions (2.5 hours)
  • Passing score - 70% on each portion
  • Total time allowed - 5 hours

Business & Finance Topics

  • Construction contracts and law
  • Project management and scheduling
  • Safety regulations and OSHA standards
  • Business practices and accounting
  • Workers' compensation and insurance
  • Lien law and collections

Trade Knowledge Topics

  • Building codes (Florida Building Code)
  • Construction methods and materials
  • Blueprint reading and specifications
  • Structural systems and foundations
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing basics
  • Estimating and cost control

💡 Exam Tip

Most candidates find the Business & Finance portion more challenging. Focus extra study time on Florida construction law, lien procedures, and workers' compensation requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather Documentation

  • Experience verification forms - Signed by supervisors
  • Official transcripts - If claiming education credit
  • Financial statements - Proof of net worth
  • Credit report - Within 60 days of application
  • Birth certificate or passport - Proof of identity

Step 2: Submit Application

  • Complete application form - Available online at MyFloridaLicense.com
  • Pay application fee - $300 for initial application
  • Submit all documentation - Include notarized forms
  • Wait for review - 2-4 weeks processing time
Florida construction licensing office

Step 3: Schedule and Take Exam

  • Receive approval to test - From Florida Department of Business
  • Schedule exam appointment - Through Pearson VUE
  • Take examination - At approved testing center
  • Receive results immediately - Pass/fail notification

Step 4: Complete Licensing

  • Submit insurance proof - General liability coverage
  • Obtain surety bond - Amount based on license type
  • Pay licensing fee - $300-500 depending on license
  • Receive license certificate - Valid for 2 years

Florida Contractor License Costs

Total Licensing Costs

  • Application fee: $300
  • Examination fee: $175
  • Initial license fee: $500
  • Surety bond: $500-2,000 annually
  • Insurance: $2,000-5,000 annually
  • Exam preparation: $300-1,500 (optional)

Total first-year cost: $3,775-9,475

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License Renewal Requirements

Florida contractor licenses must be renewed every 2 years. Requirements include:

  • 14 hours of continuing education - Every renewal cycle
  • 1 hour of advanced building codes - Required course
  • 1 hour of hurricane mitigation - Florida-specific requirement
  • Renewal fee payment - $125-275 depending on license
  • Proof of insurance - Current coverage verification
  • Workers' compensation compliance - If applicable

Common Application Mistakes

Experience Documentation Errors

  • Incomplete verification forms - Missing signatures or dates
  • Insufficient detail - Vague job descriptions
  • Overlapping dates - Experience periods that conflict
  • Non-qualifying experience - Handyman work vs. general contracting

Financial Documentation Issues

  • Outdated credit reports - Must be within 60 days
  • Insufficient net worth - Not meeting minimum requirements
  • Incomplete financial statements - Missing required documents
Florida contractor business planning

After Getting Licensed

Business Setup Requirements

  • Business registration - Register with Florida Department of State
  • Federal EIN - Obtain from IRS
  • Workers' compensation insurance - If hiring employees
  • Business bank account - Separate business finances
  • Accounting system - Track income and expenses

Marketing Your Licensed Business

Today's homeowners and commercial clients research contractors online before making hiring decisions. In fact, 97% of potential clients will visit your website before calling you. This makes having a professional online presence absolutely critical for licensed contractors in Florida's competitive market.

A professional contractor website serves as your digital storefront, operating 24/7 to generate leads even while you sleep. It showcases your licensing credentials, past projects, and client testimonials – building the trust and credibility that converts visitors into paying customers. Without a strong online presence, you're missing out on countless opportunities to grow your licensed contracting business.

Beyond just having a website, successful contractors leverage multiple online marketing channels to establish their reputation and attract quality leads:

  • Professional website - Showcase credentials, portfolio, and convert visitors into leads
  • Google My Business - Local search optimization and customer reviews
  • Industry directories - AGC, BBB, Angie's List listings
  • Social media presence - Share project photos and build community trust
  • Search engine optimization - Rank higher when clients search for licensed contractors
  • Online reputation management - Collect and showcase positive reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get licensed?

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from application submission to receiving your license, depending on documentation completeness and exam scheduling.

Can I work while my application is pending?

No, you cannot perform work requiring a contractor's license until you receive your official license certificate.

What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam after paying the reexamination fee ($175). There's no limit on attempts, but you must wait 31 days between attempts.

Is reciprocity available with other states?

Florida has limited reciprocity agreements. Check with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for current reciprocity status.

Conclusion

Getting your Florida general contractor license is a significant investment in your construction career. The process requires careful preparation, thorough documentation, and dedicated study time. However, the opportunities available to licensed contractors in Florida's booming construction market make the effort worthwhile.

Start gathering your experience documentation early, invest in quality exam preparation materials, and consider working with experienced license consultants if you need guidance through the process.