Becoming a certified contractor in Florida opens the door to a rewarding career in a thriving industry. The path to licensure involves meeting specific state requirements for experience, education, and examination. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward building your future.
This guide explains why you need a contractor license, the types of contractor licenses, the difference between certified and registered contractors, and how to become a contractor in Florida. We’ll break down the state’s requirements for experience and education, detail the examination process, and outline the final steps to securing your license.
Why You Need a Contractor License in Florida
In Florida, anyone performing construction work worth more than $500 in labor and materials must hold a valid contractor’s license. Licensing ensures that construction professionals meet state standards for safety, competency, and financial responsibility.
It also protects both consumers and contractors by maintaining credibility and legal compliance across the industry.
Working without a license is a criminal offense under Florida Statute §489.127, which can lead to fines or jail time. Certified or Registered licensed contractors can legally pull permits, bid on larger projects, and market themselves as professionals recognized by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Certified vs. Registered Contractor Licenses
Florida offers two main license types for contractors—Certified and Registered—each determining where you can legally operate.
Certified Contractor License
Obtaining a certified contractor license in Florida allows you to work anywhere in the state and is issued by the Florida DBPR after passing state exams. Because of its geographic depth, this license is best for contractors who plan to operate in multiple counties or cities
Registered Contractor License
Choosing to become a registered contractor in Florida allows you to work only within a specific city or county. This licensure requires registration of a local competency card or certificate with the DBPR and is ideal for local contractors who plan to stay in one jurisdiction.
In short: Certified licenses offer statewide authority, while Registered licenses are restricted to local areas. Certified contractors face more rigorous testing and financial verification requirements.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Florida
Florida offers several contractor licenses depending on the type of work you plan to perform. The state divides licenses into Division I and Division II categories.
Division I Contractors
Division I contractors oversee structural construction projects and include:
These licenses authorize contractors to manage large-scale commercial, residential, and multi-story building projects.
Division II Contractors
Division II licenses apply to more specialized trades, such as:
- Mechanical
- Pollutant Storage Systems
- Specialty Contractors (e.g., pool/spa, glass and glazing, underground utilities)
Each Division II license category has its own experience, education, and exam requirements outlined under Florida Statute Chapter 489.105.
Understanding Florida’s Contractor License Requirements
The State of Florida has specific requirements for licensure as a Division I (required to post a bond of $20,000) or Division II (required to post a $10,000 or $5,000 bond) Contractor.
Division 1 contractors must meet the necessary experience requirements based on the license they are attempting to hold, as well as pass exams related to general contracting trade knowledge and business and finance.
Experience Requirement by License Type:
- General Contractor – 4 years of experience under a licensed General Contractor
- Building Contractor – 4 years of experience under a licensed Building Contractor or General Contractor
- Residential Contractor – 4 years of experience under a licensed Residential, Building, or General Contractor
Division 2 contractors must meet the necessary experience requirements specific to the trade and/or under a person or company with a higher certification. For example, if you are looking to become a licensed roofing contractor, you must work under a State Certified Roofing contractor or a State Certified Division 1 contractor. A Division 2 contractor must also pass the licensing exams specific to their trade, as well as the business and finance portion.
These rules ensure that professionals in the field have the right skills and knowledge to perform quality work safely. However, both division licenses have the same primary requirements that fall into three categories: age, character, and eligibility.
First, you must be at least 18 years old. Second, you need to be of good moral character, which generally means having a clear background without incidents that could call your professional integrity into question. Finally, you must meet the state’s eligibility criteria for experience and education.
Eligibility: Experience and Education Pathways
Florida offers several pathways to prove you’re ready for licensure. These paths combine hands-on experience, formal education, and military service. The state requires you to meet these qualifications before you can apply for your license, but you can take the state exams before you have fulfilled all the experience requirements.
You have four years after passing the exams to gain the necessary experience and submit your license application. Let’s look at the specific options available.
Pathway 1: The Experience-Focused Route
The most direct path is through field experience. To qualify this way, you need a minimum of four years of active experience. This isn’t just about being on a job site; the state has specific criteria for this experience.
Your four years must include:
- At least one year of experience as a foreman. In this role, you are in charge of a group of workers and report to a superintendent or contractor.
- The remaining three years can be a skilled tradesman, like what you’d learn in an apprenticeship.
This option is ideal for individuals who have worked their way up in the construction industry and have a deep well of practical knowledge.
Pathway 2: The College Degree Route
If you have a relevant four-year college degree, the experience requirement is significantly reduced. This pathway is designed for those who have invested in formal education in a related field.
To qualify with a degree, you must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or building construction from an accredited four-year college.
- One year of proven experience in the contractor category you are applying for. The state defines one year of experience as a minimum of 2,000 hours of work.
This route allows you to leverage your academic achievements to fast-track your licensure.
Pathway 3: The Combination Route
Many aspiring contractors have a mix of education and experience. Florida’s regulations provide flexibility for these candidates by allowing them to combine college credits with work experience.
Here are the possible combinations:
- Option A: At least three years of accredited college-level credits combined with one year of experience as a foreman.
- Option B: At least two years of college credits, with 2 years of work experience, one year as a skilled worker, and one year as a foreman.
- Option C: At least one year of college credits, two years of experience as a skilled worker, and one year as a foreman.
For these purposes, credits from junior or community colleges are considered accredited college-level courses. This flexible approach allows you to tailor your path to licensure based on your unique background.
The Florida Contractor Examination Process
Passing state-required exams is a critical step. All Certified Contractor applicants must take two state exams through Professional Testing, Inc. (PTI) and the DBPR:
- Business and Finance Exam – Covers accounting, laws, and construction management.
- Trade Knowledge Exam – Tests technical knowledge related to your specific trade.
These exams ensure you understand both the practical and business aspects of contracting in Florida. You do not need to meet the experience and education requirements before you take these exams.
Successfully passing the exams gives you a four-year window to complete any remaining experience requirements and officially apply for your license. This allows you to tackle the testing portion while you continue to build your professional portfolio. Preparing for these exams is essential, and many candidates enroll in Florida contractor exam prep courses to ensure they are ready.
How to Apply for a Florida Contractor License
Once you have passed the state exams and met all eligibility requirements for age, character, experience, and education, you are ready to apply. The final step is to submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
You’ll Need:
- Completed application form
- Passing exam scores
- Proof of experience and/or education
- Credit report and financial statement
- Proof of insurance and surety bond (if applicable)
- Application fee
Your application will need to demonstrate that you meet all the criteria outlined in Florida Statute 489.111. This includes providing proof of your experience, educational transcripts if applicable, and financial stability information.
Upon approval, you will be issued your Certified Contractor’s license, and you can officially begin operating your business in the Sunshine State.
Common Reasons a Contractor License Application Is Denied
However, even qualified applicants can face license denials if something is overlooked. Common reasons include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications
- Unresolved financial issues, such as tax liens or low net worth
- Criminal convictions involving fraud or dishonesty
- Prior disciplinary actions on other licenses
- Failure to verify experience or education
If denied, you’ll receive a written explanation and can appeal through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
Ready to Begin Your Journey to Licensure?
Navigating the requirements for how to become a contractor in Florida can feel complex. The mix of experience, education, and examination rules can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Gold Coast School of Construction, we have helped thousands of students successfully obtain their contractor licenses in Florida. Our expert team can clarify the process, help you determine the right license classification for you, and provide the exam preparation you need to succeed.
If you have questions or are ready to start your journey, contact Gold Coast School of Construction today at 800-732-9140. We look forward to helping you achieve your professional goals!