Renewing your Florida contractor license is a straightforward process when you know exactly what is required. Whether you hold a CILB, ECLB, building inspector, or home inspector license, the requirements come down to completing the right Florida contractor continuing education hours, meeting your deadline, and submitting your renewal through the DBPR.
Miss any one of those steps and your license lapses, which can shut down active projects and expose your business to legal risk.
At Gold Coast Schools, we have helped Florida contractors stay licensed and compliant for decades. This guide covers everything licensed Florida contractors need to know to renew a CILB, ECLB, building inspector, or home inspector license on time and without interruption to their business.
Quick Answer: How Do You Renew a Florida Contractor License?
Your Florida contractor license renewal requires completing 14 hours of DBPR-approved continuing education every two years and paying a $209 renewal fee (plus $50 per qualifying business) through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- CE required: 14 hours (16 for Miami-Dade)
- Renewal fee: $209 + $50 per qualifying business
Florida Contractor License Renewal Deadlines
Florida operates on a two-year renewal cycle for all certified and registered contractors.
- Certified contractors (licenses beginning with “C”) renew in even-numbered years.
- Registered contractors (licenses beginning with “R”) renew by August 31 of odd-numbered years.
- Broward County contractors renew every two years on August 31, calculated from the original license issue date.
If you hold a county-level contractor license outside of Broward, contact your local regulatory board directly to confirm your deadline and specific requirements.
Florida Contractor Continuing Education Requirements
Most state-certified contractors must complete 14 hours of DBPR-approved CE every two years. Per Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-18.001, the 14 hours must include one hour each on the following mandatory topics:
- Laws and rules regulating the construction industry
- Workplace safety
- Business practices
- Workers’ compensation
- Specialized or advanced building module (approved by the Florida Building Commission or the CILB)
Wind mitigation: Contractors holding a General, Building, Residential, Roofing, Specialty Structure, or Glass and Glazing license must also complete one hour of Florida wind mitigation training as part of their 14 hours.
The remaining hours can be completed on any DBPR-approved topic and provider. Gold Coast Schools offers state-approved Florida contractor continuing education packages with hours reported directly to the DBPR on your behalf.
Miami-Dade County contractors must meet a 16-hour CE requirement, two hours above the standard state total.
CE Requirements by License Type
State Certified Contractors
- CILB (General, Building, Residential, Roofing, A/C and Plumbing) Renewal Courses
- ECLB (Electrical Contractor) Renewal Courses
- BCAIB (Building Inspectors and Plans Examiners) Renewal Courses
- Home Inspector Renewal Courses
County-Specific Continuing Education
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Florida Contractor License
Step 1: Set up or log in to your DBPR account. If you have not done so already, create an account on the DBPR website with a username and password.
Step 2: Complete your required CE hours. Choose a delivery format that fits your schedule. All courses must be completed through a DBPR-approved provider. Start early to ensure your hours are reported before the deadline.
Step 3: Submit your renewal and pay the fee. The renewal fee is $209, plus $50 per qualifying business entity. Your CE provider reports your completed hours to the board on your behalf.
See How CILB Renewal Works with Gold Coast
If you hold a CILB license (General, Building, Residential, Roofing, A/C, Mechanical, or Plumbing), this short overview covers exactly what to expect from your 14-hour CE requirement and how Gold Coast handles the whole process for you.
CE Delivery Formats at Gold Coast Schools
Classroom Courses
Gold Coast offers instructor-led classroom CE at multiple Florida campus locations. Sessions run over two days with no final exam. Credit is awarded for attendance, and hours are reported to the licensing board on your behalf.
Online Courses
Self-paced online CE lets you complete your required hours on your own schedule. Purchase the package that matches your license type, finish the included courses, and your hours are automatically reported to the applicable board. Start well ahead of your renewal deadline to avoid any last-minute reporting issues.
Correspondence Book
Gold Coast offers a 14-hour CILB correspondence textbook for state-certified General, Building, and Residential contractors. The book is mailed during renewal years. You complete the reading and answer the included questions to satisfy your CE requirement. Miami-Dade County contractors will need an additional 2-hour package to reach the required 16 hours.
Why Florida Contractors Choose Gold Coast Schools
Gold Coast School of Construction has been preparing and supporting Florida contractors for decades, with campuses across the state and a track record of getting CE hours reported accurately and on time. Courses are fully state-approved, available in classroom, online, and correspondence formats, and designed to fit around a working contractor’s schedule.
If you need help navigating your specific renewal requirements or application, Gold Coast’s Career Counselors are available at 1-800-732-9140 or through the Florida contractor application assistance service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Florida contractors need to renew their license?
All Florida contractor licenses must be renewed every two years, whether certified or registered.
What CE hours and topics are required for Florida contractor license renewal?
Most state-certified contractors must complete 14 hours of DBPR-approved CE per renewal cycle, including one hour each on laws and rules, workplace safety, business practices, workers’ compensation, and a specialized or advanced building module. General, Building, Residential, Roofing, Specialty Structure, and Glass and Glazing contractors must also complete one hour on wind mitigation. Miami-Dade County contractors must complete 16 total hours.
What is the renewal fee for a Florida contractor license?
The standard renewal fee is $209, plus $50 per qualifying business entity.
Can I complete my Florida contractor CE hours online?
Yes. Gold Coast offers fully online, self-paced CE packages for most license types through a DBPR-approved platform. Give yourself enough lead time to complete and report hours before your renewal deadline.
Does Gold Coast report my CE hours to the DBPR?
Yes. Once you complete your coursework, Gold Coast reports your hours directly to the applicable licensing board. No extra steps required on your end.
What happens if I miss my Florida contractor license renewal deadline?
Operating with a lapsed license in Florida is a legal violation and can result in fines and forced stoppage of work. Reinstatement typically requires paying additional fees and providing proof of CE for the preceding renewal cycle. Contact the DBPR or Gold Coast at 1-800-732-9140 right away if you are in this situation.
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