There are a lot of avenues that you can explore if you’re thinking about getting into the construction industry. Becoming a building contractor is one of the most viable and rewarding ways to potentially profit in this market.
Construction in the United States generates more than $1.4 trillion in revenue. If you are interested in getting your piece of the pie, it’s important that you learn how to get a building contractor license in Florida.
These requirements differ based on the state where you want to apply for a license. The tips in this article will teach you how to get a certified building contractor license in Florida to manage your next project.
Types of Florida Building Contractor Licenses
Now that you’re aware of the certified building contractor requirements and have determined that you need a license, which license type is right for you? You have a few options that’ll let you handle your work legally, whether you’re in St. Petersburg, Tallahassee or South Florida.
These are the 3 levels of certified contractor licenses available in Florida.
Certified General Contractor (CGC) License
The Florida certified general contractor license is the highest level of contractor license in the state. This license allows you to build any commercial or residential structure without height restrictions. To obtain this license, you will have to show experience on a project of 4 stories or higher during the application process.
Certified Building Contractor (CBC) License
The Certified Building Contractor is allowed to build any commercial or residential structure up to 3 stories in height. To obtain this license, you will have to show experience on a commercial project (no height requirement) in structural categories defined by the State.
Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) License
The Certified Residential Contractor is allowed to build any residential structure up to 2 stories in height. Like the CBC license, to obtain a CRC license license in Florida, you will have to show experience on a residential project (with no height requirement) in structural categories defined by the state.
How to Get a Certified Building Contractor License in Florida
Now that you know what kind of license you need, it’s time to pursue it. Learn the requirements for getting a Florida certified contractor license.
The main thing you’ll need to do is study for and pass all 3 required state exams then apply for the state license.
To get a certified contractor license, you’ll also need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Take and pass the exams–Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance
- Meet one of the following education and experience requirements
- A four-year degree in a construction-related field from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 years of experience) and one year of building experience
- One year working as a foreman and at least three years of college credit
- One year of work experience, one year of foreman experience, and two years of college credit
- Two years of work experience, one year as a foreman, and one year of college credit
- Four years of work experience or as a foreman in which at least one year needs to have been as a foreman
- Three years of military service and one year of working as a foreman in the capacity in which you are applying
- Two years of military service, one year of foreman experience, and one year experience as a foreman or foreman in the capacity in which you are applying
- One year of military service, one year of foreman experience, and two years of experience as a worker or foreman
In addition, if you are a certified residential contractor in Florida and have held a license for at least three years, you do not need to meet any other experience requirements.
You also need to have commercial expense in at least four of these areas:
- Masonry walls
- Steel erection
- Elevated slabs
- Column erection
- Precast concrete structures
- Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
- Foundation/Slabs more than 20,000 square feet
Financial & Credit Requirements
Building contractor license applicants need to offer proof of their financial stability by submitting a personal credit report, including a FICO-derived credit score and prove local, state, and federal records have been searched.
Should your FICO score be less than 660, you will need to submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. You can meet half of this bond or letter requirement by completing the 14-hour Financial Responsibility course.
Applicants need to submit to a background check including having fingerprints taken as part of the licensing process.
Insurance Requirement
You will need to show that you have public liability and property damage insurance as determined by the Board. You also need to obtain workers’ compensation insurance or get an exemption from this requirement within 30 days of the issuance of your license.
Do You Need a Building Contractor License?
Before anything else, make sure that you know whether you need a contractor license. If you’re just doing a remodel of a property you own, it may not be necessary to get a license.
However, if you’re thinking about renovating for clients, you’ll need to get a certified contractor license in Florida. The rule of thumb in Florida is that you need to obtain a certified building contractor license if the work is part of a finished structure, and the cost exceeds $2,500.
Assess the project you’re working on to determine which type of license may be required. The Certified Building Contracts (CBC) license allows you to building any residential or commercial structure up to 3 stories in height.
The Florida Building Contractor License Exams
You need to pass all parts of the building contractors exam to earn your Florida building contractor license. The exams are computer based and the fee for a first-time license is $295.
Project Management Exam
This open-book exam is 50 questions long and you will have 4.5 hours to complete it. The exam covers topics including:
- Construction methods
- Materials, tools, and equipment
- Safety
- Reading plans and specifications
Florida Contract Administration Exam
This exam is also open-book, containing 50 questions to be answered in 4.5 hours. This exam includes topics such as Pre-construction Activities, Obtaining Licenses, Project Contracts, Permits and Approvals, and Construction Procedures and Operations.
Business & Finance Exam
Also open-book, this exam is comprised of 120 questions and you have 6.5 hours to compete it. This exam covers such topics as:
- Establishing the contracting business
- Managing administrative duties
- Managing trade operations
- Conducting accounting functions
- Managing human resources
- Complying with government regulations
Enroll in a Florida contractors license school that can help you learn the contractor exam content and pass all required parts. Make sure the school offers a variety of live and virtual classes to guide you through the exam prep process. Look into the background of the school and its history of teaching future licensed contractors.
Gold Coast School of Construction offers a thorough Florida building contractor license prep course that can get you fully prepared to pass your exams and start the career you want!
If you are ready to learn more about Gold Coast Schools and the services we offer, contact us on our website or call 1-800-732-9140.