Florida Contractor License Requirements

The Florida construction industry remains strong right now, especially if you happen to live in the Miami metro area. There may be some slow down in the first few months of the year due to the lingering challenges of the pandemic, but there will still be opportunities for contractors. So, if you’ve been wondering if now is the right time to get your Florida Contractors License, the answer is yes! Take advantage of a slower work period to invest in yourself and your career so that you can maximize your income earning potential once licensed.

Registered Contractor vs. Certified Contractor

Per the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: Certified contractor – Any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. You must take a state exam. Registered Contractor – Any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Essentially, if you want to work in many areas across the state, you’ll want to become a certified contractor. If you only plan to work in a specific county or municipality, you would be ok with a registered contractor designation.

Florida License Contractor Types

General
Building
Residential
Sheet Metal
Roofing
Air Conditioning (Classes A, B, and C)
MechanicalPool / Spa (Commercial, Residential and Servicing)
Plumbing
Underground Utility and Excavation
Solar
Pollutant Storage System
Specialty

Contractor License Requirements

To become a licensed contractor in Florida, applicants must sit for two exams: business and finance and the trade. (Please note that Electrical Contractors will not sit for this examination as their requirements are different). Applicants must document four years of experience. Applicants are also required to provide a credit report and financial statement that is no more than 12 months old. A net worth of $2,500 – $20,000 (depending on classification) is required. The minimum general liability insurance that is required for licensing is $300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage.

How to Get Started

The first step toward becoming a certified licensed contractor in Florida is to prepare for the state exam.

Our Florida Contractor full package includes everything you need to prepare for the Florida Contractor Exam. This package includes ALL of the books that are recommended for both the Contractor (General, Building or Residential) and the Business and Finance Exams, in addition to the online course.

Ready to invest in yourself today? Contact us today and we will answer any questions yo may have and assist you with getting started on your path to a Florida contractors license!