Note: Licensing requirements change. Always verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at myfloridalicense.com before starting your application.
Florida has one of the most comprehensive contractor licensing systems in the United States. Getting licensed is not optional for most contracting work — unlicensed contracting is a criminal offense in Florida for most trades. Understanding the license types, requirements, and process is the first step.
Florida Contractor License Types
Division I Licenses (General, Building, Residential)
- Certified General Contractor (CGC) — unrestricted commercial and residential construction statewide
- Certified Building Contractor (CBC) — construction of buildings not exceeding three stories, plus commercial alterations
- Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) — construction and alteration of one and two-family residences
Division II Licenses (Specialty) Florida issues specialty contractor licenses for specific trades including:
- Electrical Contractor (EC) or Electrical Journeyman
- Plumbing Contractor
- HVAC Contractor (Mechanical)
- Roofing Contractor
- Sheet Metal Contractor
- Solar Contractor
- Pool and Spa Contractor
- And numerous others
Registered vs. Certified:
- Certified: Statewide license, issued by DBPR
- Registered: License restricted to specific county or municipality, issued locally
General Requirements for Florida Contractor Licensing
The specific requirements vary by license type, but most Florida contractor licenses require:
- Experience documentation — verified years of experience in the trade (typically 4 years for Division I, varies for specialty)
- Passing the state examination — administered by Prometric; separate exams for business and finance vs. trade knowledge
- Financial responsibility — net worth requirements (varies by license type) or a surety bond
- Insurance — liability and workers' compensation (if applicable)
- Application and fees — through the DBPR website
The Application Process
- Determine the license type you need for your work
- Verify eligibility — experience requirements and other prerequisites
- Study for and pass the exam — Prometric testing centers around Florida
- Submit application to DBPR with experience verification, insurance certificates, and fees
- Maintain license with continuing education requirements for renewal
For current fee schedules, exam prep resources, and detailed requirements, visit myfloridalicense.com.
After You're Licensed: Building Your Business
A Florida contractor license is the starting point. Building a client base requires visibility in your local market.
TimeFotos gives licensed Florida contractors a free city directory listing at /l/[yourcity]/businesses — visible to local homeowners searching for licensed contractors in your area. Getting verified highlights your professional status in the directory.
Create your free Florida contractor listing →
The Bottom Line
Florida contractor licensing is mandatory, comprehensive, and varies significantly by trade and license type. For current, accurate requirements, always use the official DBPR resource at myfloridalicense.com. After you're licensed, building local visibility is the next step.