Out-of-State Contractor Experience - Does It Count in Florida

Step 1 - Know Florida’s two big paths

Florida has two main categories for construction contracting at the state level. Certified contractors work statewide. Registered contractors work only where they have local registration. Most out-of-state pros aim for certified status because it lets you operate across Florida after you pass the required exams and meet experience, financial, and background checks.

Translation for busy humans: Certified equals statewide. Registered equals local.

Step 2 - What experience Florida wants to see

For the major certified categories like General, Building, or Residential, Florida expects roughly four years of construction experience or a mix of college plus experience in the trade. At least one year should be supervisory. You will document your jobs, roles, and project types on the state’s experience pages that match your license category.

• List projects clearly - what was built, your role, dates.
• Show supervisory time - foreman, superintendent, or manager.
• Attach proofs - W2s, 1099s, pay stubs, contracts, or letters.

The key is detail. Think of it like telling the story of your work, with receipts.

Step 3 - Does out-of-state experience count

Yes, Florida allows you to use experience earned in another state. The state is focused on the quality and verification of your work, not the ZIP code. Your application should include the official experience pages and supporting proof from employers or clients. If you were self-employed, gather notarized letters from licensed contractors or building officials who know your work, plus tax or business records to back it up.

Tip: if you have or had a license elsewhere, include verification from that state. It shows regulators that another jurisdiction vetted you.

Step 4 - Endorsement and reciprocity explained

People often ask about skipping Florida’s exams. There is a pathway called certification by endorsement. It is for out-of-state license holders whose prior exam or licensing standards were substantially equivalent to Florida’s current standards. It can be tough to qualify and is not common. Most applicants take Florida’s exams.

Step 5 - Your Florida testing plan

Most certified building trades require two trade exams - Contract Administration and Project Management - plus the Business and Finance exam. All are open book, computer based, and timed. You will want the right books, pre-tabbed and highlighted, and realistic practice questions that mirror question style and pacing.

Step 6 - Paperwork checklist

• Completed application for your category.
• Experience pages that match your license type.
• Proofs for each job - W2s, contracts, or notarized letters.
• License verification from other states if you have it.
• Credit report and financial responsibility documents.
• Insurance and workers comp compliance, if applicable.
• Exam registrations and score reports if you already tested.

Label your files clearly. Reviewers love clean, easy to read packets.

Step 7 - How to turn your out-of-state work into Florida proof

Start by listing your biggest projects from the last ten years. For each one, write two or three plain sentences about scope, your role, and the dates. Then match those projects to the state’s experience areas. Ask former supervisors to sign verification forms on company letterhead. If you were self-employed, combine notarized letters from licensed contractors or building officials with your business tax returns to demonstrate volume and type of work.

If any employer is unavailable, do not panic. You can still build a record with permits, plans, pay records, and letters from architects, engineers, or inspectors who saw the work.

Step 8 - Common mistakes to avoid

• Vague job descriptions. Be specific about tasks and materials.
• Missing supervisory time. Show foreman or superintendent work.
• Unlabeled documents. Name files so they match your experience pages.
• Skipping the business exam. Almost everyone needs it.
• Hoping endorsement replaces exams without checking the rules.

Step 9 - Smart study rhythm

Pick three study blocks per week. In each block, practice 25 to 50 questions, then flip to your tabbed books and confirm answers. Add sticky notes where you get stuck. Finish with a five minute lightning round to test recall. Repeat. Two to three weeks of steady reps beats one weekend of cramming.