Gold Coast is the leader in construction education for both registered county and state certified general contractors in the state of Florida. Students who are serious about passing their licensing exams and becoming a general contractor choose Gold Coast Schools! Our curriculum, teaching methods, and team of experienced instructors are dedicated to helping every student succeed.
The most important step towards getting your license, is making the decision to get started!
Live General Contractor Courses:
Our Instructors aren’t just great teachers — they’re working Contractors with years of real-world expertise and extensive trade knowledge who are committed to helping you pass the state exams. Attend our live classes in person at your local Gold Coast Campus or Livestream via Zoom.
Want to learn even more about getting your license? Attend our Livestream Open House held on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:00pm. We provide a complete overview of the program, license requirements, and everything you need to know to get started. You will also have the chance to ask any questions that you have: Register Now!
Classroom Tuition $1199 OR 4 interest-free payments of $299.75 with Klarna
Your Tuition Includes Everything You Need to Succeed!
One Year Unlimited Instruction
As a Gold Coast student, you can attend unlimited weekday evening classes and weekend 2-Day Cram Workshops for an entire year - all for one low tuition price!
New Student Orientation
Hit the ground running! Every Monday evening, we host our popular Student Orientation, where we share our Quick Start approach to navigating the reference books and preparing for your state exams.
Exclusive Study Manual
Our exclusive study manual provides expert tips and tricks to answering typical state exam questions plus hundreds of additional practice questions.
Best-in-Class Teaching
Learn from our top-notch Instructors five nights a week – in-class or Livestream via Zoom.
Online Simulator Exams
Our exam simulators provide a real-world exam experience with professionally developed questions from the state-approved content areas.
2-Day Weekend Cram Workshops
Offered in-class or Livestream via Zoom, our 2-day Cram Workshops include a complete reference book review, loads of real-world practice problems, plus tabbing and highlighting tips! Cram Workshops are perfect for students just starting and those ready to sit for the exam.
Contractor Program Testimonials
General Contractor Classroom Schedule
Business and Finance: (Taught the FIRST 2 weeks of every month) | Trade Knowledge: (Taught the LAST 2 weeks of every month)
Tuition does not include the state required reference books and tab sets.
If you do not have the current book and tab sets you will have the option to add on a complete book and tab set during the checkout process, or by visiting our online bookstore: View Online Bookstore. Contact our helpful Career Counselors at 1-800-732-9140 for more information.
Online General Contractor Courses:
Online courses are perfect if you prefer to study at your own pace and want to have a flexible schedule. Online students are also welcome to watch our weekly instructor-led session in a livesteam format.
Want to learn even more about getting your license? Attend our Livestream Open House held on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:00pm. We provide a complete overview of the program, license requirements, and everything you need to know to get started. You will also have the chance to ask any questions that you have: Register Now!
Online Tuition $1199 OR 4 interest-free payments of $299.75 with Klarna
Your online tuition includes:
One Year Unlimited Access
As a Gold Coast student, you have course access and can attend unlimited Livestream weekday evening classes and weekend 2-Day Cram Workshops for an entire year - all for one low tuition price!
Best-in-Class Teaching (Livestream)
Learn from our top-notch Instructors in Livestream sessions via Zoom.
Online Simulator Exams
Our exam simulators provide a real-world exam experience with professionally developed questions from the state-approved content areas.
New Student Orientation
Hit the ground running! Every Monday evening, we host our popular Student Orientation, where we share our Quick Start approach to navigating the reference books and preparing for your state exams.
2-Day Weekend Cram Workshops
Offered Livestream via Zoom, our 2-day Cram Workshops include a complete reference book review, loads of real-world practice problems, plus tabbing and highlighting tips! Cram Workshops are perfect for students just starting and those ready to sit for the exam.
Contractor Program Testimonials
Live Online Webinar and Review Schedule
Business and Finance: (Taught the FIRST 2 weeks of every month) | Trade Knowledge: (Taught the LAST 2 weeks of every month)
Tuition does not include the state required reference books and tab sets.
If you do not have the current book and tab sets you will have the option to add on a complete book and tab set during the checkout process, or by visiting our online bookstore: View Online Bookstore. Contact our helpful Career Counselors at 1-800-732-9140 for more information.
License Requirements
General Contractor License Requirements In Florida:
In the state of Florida, becoming a licensed state certified general contractor involves meeting the minimum age, credit, and experience requirements. Below you will find complete details about these requirements, however if you have any questions our helpful career counselors are just a phone call away. We look forward to fully preparing you to achieve your goal of becoming a licensed general contractor. The following applies to all applicants:
Must be 18 years of age
Have good moral character. (A criminal incident in the past does not prevent you from getting a license so long as you have had your civil rights restored, all debts to society paid, no pending or current liens such as IRS, and have no pending or ongoing criminal litigation).
Credit score of 660 or above
If you do not meet the 660 FICO score, you CAN still get your license by posting a licensing bond. This bond can be reduced by 50% upon completing a Financial Responsibility course.
Four years of proven general construction experience. (FAR 61G4-15.001)
You do not have to have the necessary experience before you take the exam.
The test scores are valid for 4 years meaning you have 4 years to gain the required experience after passing the state exam.
Note: You can replace 3 years of experience if you have a 4 year college degree (in any major, even if it is not at all related to construction), from an accredited college . This means you will only need 1 year of qualifying experience in the field if you have a college degree.
Important note about experience:
The experience must be verifiable and under a licensed general contractor in the areas of foundations or slabs, masonry walls, steel erection, elevated slabs, precast concrete structures, column construction, and framework for reinforced concrete.
For a free evaluation of your experience and guidance in this career field, feel free to contact our Career Counselors at 1-800-732-9140.
Jacksonville
12276 San Jose Blvd, Ste 208
Jacksonville, FL
32223
Location Offers:
Location is only open when there is a class scheduled. Location cannot provide student services like textbook pickup, grading or fingerprinting.
We are committed to answering all of your questions. Below are common questions students have about our general contractor exam prep program. As always, feel free to contact our helpful career counselors at 1-800-732-9140 for additional information.
Where can I find my class module/topic schedule to know what is being taught each night?
The student resources section of our website includes class schedules as well as other valuable pieces of information. Simply select the license you are preparing for in the “Schedule & Module Calendar” section: Click Here!
Do I actually need a contractors license?
The answer is almost always yes. If you are performing construction/contractor related services for compensation, you almost certainly need to be licensed in the specialty that you are working in. There are some small exceptions for handyman services, but the scope of work is very limited and if you step outside of it (electrical, plumbing, etc), you will be violating license laws .
Is my tuition really valid for 1 year?
YES! We stand behind your success from start to finish. We understand that some students will be able to dive into the material and complete their studying in just 2 months, while others are busy and need longer to prepare. We do not charge any additional review fees for any of our contractor courses, reviews, or workshops during your 1 year tuition period.
Do I need to purchase the state reference books?
Yes. The state exam is open book and to pass it you will need to have of the business and finance and trade books specific to your license. We also highly recommend purchasing the related tabs. Our curriculum is built around teaching you how to navigate these books quickly so that you will successfully pass the exams and get your license. Books and tabs can be purchased during the enrollment process either through the website, over the phone, or by visiting our online bookstore and selecting the complete sets related to the license you are pursuing.
12276 San Jose Blvd, Ste 208
11250 N.W. 20TH STREET
3577 N.E. 163RD STREET
5600 HIATUS ROAD
2600 N. MILITARY TRAIL Suite 150
6216 S. Congress Avenue
3505 Lake Lynda Dr Building 300
5104 N. Orange Blossom Trail Suite 114