How to Become a Licensed Florida General Contractor

In this blog post, we will discuss the licensing process you need to take in order to become a licensed Florida General Contractor. In Florida, general contractors are required by law to have a license from the state of Florida before they can legally perform work on any building or structure. Once you complete all of these steps successfully, your application for a contractor’s license may be approved and issued!

A Florida General Contractor is required by law to have a license before they can legally perform work on any building or structure. Once you complete all of these steps successfully, your application for a contractor’s license will be approved and issued!

The first step in the process is applying for licensure with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Florida DBPR application website is located here: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp

To apply for licensure, you must complete the application on their website under the “Apply for a License” tab. Select “Construction Industry” next. Select “General Contractor”.

State of Florida General Contractor Application Requirements:

As of 10/10/2021 the requirements on the Florida DBPR Website are:

LOCAL LICENSE: In lieu of a state certification examination, applicants for registration must show evidence of possessing a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority. The certificate must bear the applicant”s name and must match the licensure category sought.
FINGERPRINTS: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprinting webpage.
NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS WHERE CRIMINAL RECORD RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES
FINANCIAL/CREDIT: Applicants will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting a personal credit report. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched.
Please click here for a list of agencies that provide Board approved credit reports.
You may find additional information regarding the Board”s financial requirements by visiting the Department”s Financial Responsibility and Stability website.
INSURANCE: Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain workers compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, please include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit our DBPR Military Services page for more information.
AGE: An individual applying for certification must be at least 18 years of age.
APPLICATION: Complete the application by clicking on the “Online Services” link or the “Printable Application” link at the bottom of the page.

Florida State Contractor Exam:

The State of Florida does not have a state exam, but instead this is coordinated through local government organization. Checkyour city or country website for more details on your desired license type and competency.

Applying

Once you have found your license application under the “Licensee Search” tab, you can begin filling out your application. The license fee is either $309 (if applying between May 1 and August 31) or $209, if applying between September 1 through April 30 and must be paid by credit card or electronic check on their website when submitting an online application.

The final step in becoming a licensed contractor is to submit your completed application and all required documents online through the DBPR website. You can also mail or hand deliver your application, but it must be submitted before the deadline!

Your license will typically be mailed to you within 30 days of completing this process successfully. Make sure that you take into account time for processing and mailing when calculating the time it will take to receive your license!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are there different types of Licenses?

In Florida there are two types, a Certified License, which are good statewide, and Registered License, which are limited to cities and counties where the certificate is held.

How long does the process take?

The application for licensure can be submitted online or through mail, but it must be received by December 31 in order to complete this portion of the licensing process. The time typically takes 30 days from when your application is approved and you receive your license in the mail. If you have not completed all of the required work experience needed to obtain your license, you will be denied!

How much does it cost to get you general contractor license?

The state of Florida contractor licensing application costs $308 to $209 (depending on when you apply). The larger costs may be in the insurance requirements, and training to attain your certification.

Are pool contractors general contractors?

Yes, in the state of Florida, General contractors are unlimited in the work they can do. If you want to apply to become a pool contractor, they have three tiers in Florida: Commercial, Residential and Servicing.

What sort of experience do I need to be a general contractor in Florida?

There are several ways to meet the general contractor requirements in Florida. This includes a combination of foreman or supervisory experience and as a worker. Some military experience does apply, as does experience from building construction accredited colleges. Construction management is listed as “foreman” or “supervisory” experience. Contract administration is not necessarily a requirement, but may be recommended to prevent issues.

How can military personnel apply?

The same way as other folks, there are places to indicate experience. Additionally, veterans can use a waiver to have the fee waived. The fee waiver is located here: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/military-services/veterans-services/

Where can I find more information?

You can call (850) 4817200 to speak with a representative from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or visit their website for additional details on licensure in Florida.

Are there different levels of a Florida general contractor ?

Yes, there are certified, and registered general contractor licenses.

there are 14 specializations currently, with certified and registered licenses for Air Conditioning, Building, General, Glass & Glazing, Mechanical, Plumbing, Pollutant Storage Systems, Pool/Spa, Residential, Sheet Meta, Solar, Speciality, and Underground Utility and Excavation.

Do I need a bond if I am a Florida general contractor ?

Some applicants with low credit scores may need a bond, or letter of credit. A “financial responsibility” course may allow you to proceed. General liability insurance is required, and your local state and country may have additional requirements. Be sure to check with them.

Is there an age requirement for being a licensed contractor in Florida?

All Florida General contractors require the applications to be at least 18 years of age.

Is there anything I can do to help with exam prep for Florida General Contractor license?

Yes, Munkle.it is the best way to study for any exam. Get started studying free!

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