Florida General Contractor License: Requirements, Costs, and Application Guide

Do you need a general contractor license in Florida?

Yes. Florida law mandates that anyone performing general contracting work be licensed — whether you’re working as an individual contractor or operating a contracting business.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) manages all contractor licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

Florida is home to one of the largest construction workforces in the country, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 8% job growth for construction managers through 2033. That translates to thousands of new contracting opportunities every year — and you need a license to take advantage of them.

Types of general contractor licenses in Florida

All contractor licenses in Florida fall under one of two categories: certified or registered.

• A certified license lets you take on a wider variety of projects anywhere in the state.
• A registered license limits you to working within a specific local jurisdiction — like Miami-Dade County, Broward County, or Palm Beach County.

Florida general contractor license requirements

Here’s what you’ll need for each license type:

Certified general contractor (individual and business)

To qualify for a certified general contractor license in Florida, you must meet the state’s age, experience, examination, financial, and insurance requirements. Complete the following steps before submitting your application:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Meet one of these experience/education combinations:
  • 4-year construction-related degree + 1 year of experience
  • 1 year as foreman + 3 years of college credits
  • 1 year as a worker + 1 year as foreman + 2 years of college credits
  • 2 years as a worker + 1 year as foreman + 1 year of college credits
  • 4 years as a worker or foreman (at least 1 year as foreman)
• Pass the state certification exam
• Submit credit reports (including FICO scores) for yourself and any business entities
• Complete a background check using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE
• Obtain public liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance (or exemption)
• Complete and submit the application with required fees

Registered contractor (individual and business)

To qualify for a registered contractor license in Florida, you must meet the state’s age, licensing, financial, and insurance requirements. Unlike certified contractors, registered contractors must obtain a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority instead of passing the state certification exam. Complete the following steps before submitting your application:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide a certificate of competency from a local licensing office (instead of the state exam)
• Submit fingerprints for a background check via Livescan after submitting your application (allow up to five days for results)
• Provide credit reports for yourself and any business entities
• Obtain public liability and property damage insurance
• Complete and submit the application with required fees

Note for military veterans: Military experience may count toward requirements. Veterans, their spouses, and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for fee waivers, reimbursements, or discounts through the DBPR.

How to get a general contractor license in Florida

The steps to get a Florida general contractor license depend on whether you’re applying for a certified or registered license. While both require meeting the state’s eligibility, financial, and insurance requirements, the application process differs. Follow the steps below for the license type you’re applying for.

Steps for a certified general contractor license

To apply for a certified general contractor license in Florida, complete the following steps after you’ve confirmed you meet the state’s eligibility requirements:

1. Fulfill one of the experience/education combinations listed above
2. Register for and pass the state certification exam
3. Get your credit report from a board-approved agency
4. Complete a background check and submit fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider (learn more about fingerprinting requirements)
5. Secure public liability and property damage insurance
6. Pay the application fee
7. Submit your completed application through the DBPR online portal or mail it to:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1027

Steps for a registered general contractor license

To apply for a registered general contractor license in Florida, complete the following steps: 

1. Complete a background check via Livescan
2. Get your credit report from a board-approved agency
3. Secure public liability and property damage insurance
4. Obtain a certificate of competency from your local licensing office
5. Pay the application fee
6. Submit your completed application through the DBPR online portal or by mail

You can find all application forms and requirements on the DBPR licensing portal.

Florida general contractor exams

To qualify for a certified general contractor license in Florida, you must pass the Florida State Construction Examination with a score of at least 70% on each required exam.

General contractors fall under Division I, which requires passing these three exams:

• Business and Finance
• Contract Administration
• Project Management

If you’re applying for a Division II contractor license (such as plumbing, gas line, or pool/spa contracting), you’ll need to pass:

• Business and Finance
• General Trade Knowledge

You can register for your exam and view available test dates through the exam scheduling page or by following the instructions in the exam application packet.

Pro Tip: Many applicants take an exam prep course before testing. Structured preparation can improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

How much does a Florida general contractor license cost?

Expect to pay between $410 and $1,050 total, depending on your license type and testing format.

Here’s how the costs break down:

Fee type	Cost
Certified GC application fee (Individual)	$245 (May 1–Aug 31) or $145 (Sep 1–Apr 30)
Certified GC application fee (Business)	$245 (May 1–Aug 31) or $145 (Sep 1–Apr 30)
Registered Contractor application fee (Individual)	$305 (May 1–Aug 31) or $205 (Sep 1–Apr 30)
Registered GC application fee (Business)	$305 (May 1–Aug 31) or $205 (Sep 1–Apr 30)
Computer-based exam	$135
Paper-based exam	$215 ($135 registration + $80 site fee)
Active license renewal (biennial)	$130 (or $180 with a qualified business)
Inactive license renewal	$55
License reactivation	$230

How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Florida?

The timeline depends on your starting point:

• If you already meet the experience requirements: 3 to 6 months from exam registration to license in hand
• If you need to accumulate experience: 1 to 4 years, depending on which education/experience track you follow
• Exam prep time: Most applicants spend 2 to 4 months studying for the state exam
• Application processing: The DBPR typically processes applications within 30 to 60 days after receiving all required documents

The fastest path is for someone with a 4-year construction-related degree. You’ll only need one year of experience before you can sit for the exam.

For registered licenses (which don’t require the state exam), the process is shorter. Once you have your certificate of competency from a local licensing office, you can submit your application and receive your license within 30 to 60 days.

Benefits of getting a general contractor license in Florida

Getting licensed isn’t just a legal requirement — it opens doors that stay closed to unlicensed workers:

• Take on bigger, higher-paying projects: Licensed general contractors can bid on commercial projects, government contracts, and large residential builds that unlicensed workers can’t touch.
• Build trust with customers: Homeowners and businesses look for licensed contractors because it signals professionalism, accountability, and insurance coverage. You’ll close more jobs and attract better clients.
• Avoid fines and criminal charges: Operating without a license in Florida carries fines up to $10,000 per offense, potential criminal charges, and the inability to place liens on properties for unpaid work. A license protects your income.
• Access better insurance rates: Licensed contractors qualify for general liability and workers’ comp policies that protect both you and your clients. Many commercial clients won’t hire you without proof of coverage.
• Gain statewide flexibility (certified license): With a certified license, you can work anywhere in Florida — no need to register separately in every county or municipality.
• Increase your earning potential: Licensed contractors in Florida earn significantly more than unlicensed workers. We break down the numbers in the salary section below.

Renewing your Florida general contractor license

General contractor licenses must be renewed every two years. The current renewal cycle deadline is August 31, 2026. You must complete all renewal requirements before midnight EST on that date.

Continuing education requirements

Active license renewal requires 14 hours of continuing education, including 1 hour for each of the following:

• Specialized or advanced module
• Workplace safety
• Business practices
• Workers’ compensation
• Laws and rules
• Wind mitigation

For the remaining hours you can complete any CILB-approved construction instruction.

You can check your requirements, find approved providers, and track completed courses through the DBPR’s continuing education search page.

How to renew

Renew your license through the DBPR online portal. A copy of your renewed license will be sent to the email address associated with your account.

For detailed renewal instructions, review the Contractor License Renewal Insert.

What happens if your license expires?

Stop performing any contracting work immediately. You cannot legally work as a general contractor until your license is renewed or reactivated.

Working with an expired license can result in fines reaching thousands of dollars and potential criminal charges. If your license has lapsed, you’ll need to pay the reactivation fee ($230) and complete any outstanding continuing education requirements before you can work again.

Renew your license here.

Florida contractor license reciprocity with other states

Florida offers licensing by reciprocity if you hold a valid contractor license from another state.

Florida currently has reciprocity agreements with:

• North Carolina — Trade exam waived for active license holders
• South Carolina — Trade exam waived for active license holders
• Louisiana — Mutual recognition agreement
• Mississippi — Mutual recognition agreement

Reciprocity allows you to obtain a Florida license without retaking the trade exam, though you’ll still need to meet Florida’s financial responsibility and background check requirements.

You can find the full application requirements on the DBPR reciprocity page.

Coming from another state not listed above? You may still qualify through the NASCLA endorsement process, which accepts accredited exams from other states.

Training programs and schools for Florida contractors

Several accredited programs can help you prepare for the state exam and meet experience requirements:

Exam prep courses:

• 1 Exam Prep — Online and in-person Florida contractor exam prep
• Contractor Training Center — Self-paced study materials and practice exams
• Gold Coast Schools — Florida-based classroom and online contractor education

Trade schools and degree programs:

• Florida State College at Jacksonville — Construction Management Technology program
• Valencia College — Building Construction Technology
• Miami Dade College — Architecture and Construction programs

Continuing education providers
The CILB approves specific providers for the 14 hours of continuing education required each renewal cycle. Search for approved providers through the DBPR’s continuing education page.

Pro Tip: If you’re starting from scratch, look into apprenticeship programs through local trade unions or the Florida SBDC network, which also offers business development resources for new contractors.

Who issues general contractor licenses in Florida

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues all general contractor licenses in the state through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

Contact information:

• Website: www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry
• Hot topics and updates: CILB Hot Topics page
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing address: Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1027
• Online portal: myfloridalicense.com

The CILB meets regularly to review applications, set policy, and address industry issues. Check the CILB meeting schedule for upcoming dates if you need to attend or have a matter before the board.

Florida general contractor salary and earning potential

Getting your license directly impacts what you can earn. Here’s what general contractors make in Florida:

• National average salary: $63,175 per year according to ZipRecruiter
• Georgia average: $47,210 per year

Construction managers in Florida and across the US earn even more:

• National average salary: $106,980 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
• Florida average: $89,294 per year according to Indeed 
• Top earners nationally: The highest 10% of construction managers earn more than $172,040 per year according to BLS

Licensed contractors consistently earn more because they can:

• Bid on larger commercial and government projects
• Charge higher rates (clients pay a premium for licensed, insured pros)
• Operate their own business and set their own prices
• Specialize in high-demand areas like hurricane-resistant construction

With experience and a growing client base, six-figure incomes are realistic for Florida general contractors who run their own businesses.

How to start a general contracting business in Florida

Your license is just the foundation — here’s how to build a business on top of it:

1. Get insurance: Public liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation coverage are required. Review insurance requirements here.
2. Form your business entity: Register as a corporation, LLC, or partnership with the Florida Department of State
3. Register for taxes: Sign up with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax compliance
4. Qualify your business with the DBPR: Submit either the Certified GC Qualifying Business application or the Registered GC Qualifying Business application through the DBPR portal
5. Register your business name: Optional but recommended for branding
6. Set up your operations: Get organized with quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and client communication from day one

Running a contracting business means juggling estimates, schedules, crews, and client communication every single day. The contractors who grow fastest are the ones who get their back office running smoothly from the start.

Originally published in August 2023. Last updated on July 8th, 2026.