Becoming a general contractor in Florida isn't quite like becoming a pirate in the Caribbean—but it is a journey full of paperwork, tests, insurance forms, and maybe even a background check that makes you go, "Wait, I did what in 2012?"
But don't worry. We're breaking it all down for you, step-by-step, without making your brain feel like it's doing burpees in a thunderstorm.
Let's talk licenses, baby.
Certified vs Registered: The License Showdown
Before you start hammering nails or yelling "I'm the boss!" at your reflection, you've got to figure out which general contractor license you need.
Certified General Contractor: The Big Fish
This is the License if you want to work anywhere in Florida—whether you're fixing a roof in Miami or building a deck in Tallahassee. It's the statewide License, which makes you kind of a big deal.
But with great power comes… yeah, more tests and paperwork.
You'll need to:
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Pass a state certification exam (not as scary as it sounds).
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Meet experience and education requirements.
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Prove you're a financially responsible adult (or at least close enough).
Registered General Contractor: The Local Hero
If you're more of a hometown builder, the Registered License might be your jam. It lets you work only in specific cities or counties.
So, if you want to be the go-to contractor in, say, Sarasota, this one's for you.
Instead of a state test, you need a Certificate of Competency from your local licensing board. Easier? Maybe. But more limited.
Are You Even Eligible? Let's Find Out
Before you start buying tool belts and drafting logos, ask yourself: "Am I even allowed to do this?"
Let's check.
Age
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Must be 18 years or older.
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If you're not, start by building Lego houses for now.
Experience & Education
Here's where it gets a little math-y (but not too bad):
You need either:
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4 years of construction experience, including 1 year as a foreman, or
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A mix of college education and experience (like 1 year as a foreman and a few years of college construction-related courses).
Bottom line: you need to know what you're doing. Or at least know how to supervise people who do.
Exam Time: Don't Panic
To get the Certified License, you have to pass the Florida State Construction Exam (Division I). It's kind of like the SAT for builders—but with less algebra and more concrete.
What's On the Exam?
Expect questions about:
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Business and finance (yes, you need to know how money works).
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Contract administration (aka how not to get sued).
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Project management (how to finish a job without it catching fire—literally or figuratively).
Minimum score: 70%.
You've got this.
Cost: Around $375, but varies by provider.
Show Me the Money (and the Credit Report)
Now let's talk finances.
Credit Report & Financial Stability
Florida wants to make sure you're not drowning in debt before you start handling other people's homes.
You'll need:
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A credit report with a FICO score of 660+.
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If you fall short, don't panic. You may still qualify by:
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Getting a surety bond (fancy talk for an insurance promise).
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Completing a financial responsibility course.
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Either way, they want to know you won't go bankrupt halfway through building someone's dream kitchen.
Background Check: Not the Spooky Kind
Next up: fingerprinting. Florida wants to know who you are (and that you're not hiding any felonies behind your toolbelt).
You'll need to:
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Get your fingerprints taken by a Livescan provider.
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Wait for the background check results.
Be honest, and don't skip this part.
Insurance: Protect Yo' Self
This part might not sound thrilling, but it's super important.
You need to prove you've got:
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Public liability insurance (in case someone trips over a ladder).
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Property damage insurance (in case something gets broken).
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Workers' comp insurance (or a valid exemption, if you're solo).
No one wants to pay out of pocket for a broken window or a dropped drill.
Application Time: Paperwork Party
You've studied, you've passed the exam, your background's clean-ish, and you've got insurance. Now it's time actually to apply.
Here's the step-by-step:
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Meet the experience/education requirements.
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Pass the exam.
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Submit your credit report.
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Get fingerprinted.
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Get your insurance in order.
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Fill out the application.
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Pay your fees.
Application Fees
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Certified License: $145–$245, depending on when you apply.
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Registered License: $205–$309.
Bonus tip: You can apply online through the Florida DBPR website, or go old school and mail it in.
After You're Approved: What Now?
Woohoo, you're licensed! But don't toss your hard hat in celebration just yet. You've got to keep that License active.
Renew Every 2 Years
Every couple of years, you'll need to:
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Take continuing education courses (aka CE).
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Update your insurance.
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Pay a renewal fee.
It's like renewing your driver's License, but with more liability.
Quick Recap: Your Contractor Checklist
Let's sum it all up like a good to-do list.
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Be 18 or older |
| 2 | Have 4 years of experience (1 as foreman) or equivalent college + experience |
| 3 | Pass the state exam (Certified only) |
| 4 | Submit a credit report / prove financial responsibility |
| 5 | Complete fingerprint/background check |
| 6 | Get insurance |
| 7 | Submit your application + fees |
| 8 | Renew every 2 years with CE |
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a General Contractor License in Florida
1. Do I need a college degree to become a general contractor in Florida?
Nope! You can qualify with 4 years of construction experience, as long as one year is in a supervisory role (like a supervisor). A college degree can substitute for some of that experience, but it's not required.
2. What's the difference between a Certified and Registered General Contractor license again?
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Certified = Work anywhere in Florida (Workewide).
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Registered = Work in specific cities or Worknties only.
Certified licenses require passing a state exam. Registered licenses require a Certificate of Competency from your local licensing board instead.
3. What happens if I fail the Florida State Construction Exam?
Take a deep breath—you can retake the exam! There's no limit on the number of attempts, but each one comes with a fee. Make sure you review the material and maybe sign up for a prep course before trying again.
4. Can I get licensed if I have bad credit?
Yes, but it might be a bit more work. If your FICO score is below 660, you may need to:
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Post a surety bond, and/or
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Take a financial responsibility course.
Florida wants to see that you can handle money like a grown-up.
5. How long does it take to get licensed?
It depends, but anywhere from 1 to 6 months is typical. This includes time for:
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Gathering documents
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Studying and passing the exam
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Submitting the application
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Waiting for approval from the state
Start early, and be ready for a bit of back-and-forth.
6. Do I need a separate license for each county?
If you're Certified: Nope! You're golden across the state.
If you're Registered: Yes, your License is only valid in the jurisdiction that issued it. Want to expand to a new area? You'll need permission (or another license) from that local licensing office.
7. What if I want to start my own construction company?
Getting your general contractor license is a significant first step. But you'll also likely need:
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A business license
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A registered business entity (like an LLC)
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A business tax ID (EIN)
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Proper insurance for your business, not just you personally
Get ready to juggle some paperwork—but it's doable.
8. How much can a general contractor make in Florida?
The average general contractor salary in Florida ranges from $60,000 to over $120,000 a year, depending on experience, license type, and work ethic.
9. What kind of continuing education is required?
You'll need to complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years. Topics usually include:
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Workplace safety
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Business practices
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Laws and codes
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Workers' compensation
It's a way to make sure you stay sharp and legal.
10. Can I get my License faster if I use an application service?
Yes, services like 1examprep.com and others can help you gather documents and navigate the paperwork maze. But they'll charge a fee, so it depends on whether you'd rather pay with time or money.
Wrapping It Up: Your Blueprint to Contractor Success in Florida
If you've made it this far, congratulations—you now know more about Florida contractor licensing than most people know about their microwaves. And that's saying something.
Let's take one last walk through the site plan of becoming a general contractor in the Sunshine State.
First, you learned there are two primary license types: Certified (you can work anywhere in Florida) and Registered (you can work in specific local areas only). If you're looking for significant business opportunities, Certified is your golden ticket. But if you prefer staying local and keeping it tight-knit, Registered might be your perfect match.
Next, we talked about eligibility. Florida's not just handing these licenses out like free samples at Costco you've got to be 18, have solid work experience, and possibly some college credits. If you've been swinging a hammer for four years—and bossing people around for at least one of those you're probably halfway there already.
Then comes the exam. Yes, the dreaded test. But don't worry: if you study the material, focus on construction principles, contracts, project management, and business basics, you'll do just fine. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing you know how to build something without breaking the law (or someone's bank account).
And let's not forget about money. You'll need to submit a credit report, ideally with a FICO score of 660 or higher. If your credit score looks like a car crash, don't panic—you can still qualify with a surety bond or a financial responsibility course.
After that, it's all about proving you're not shady (background check), not reckless (insurance), and not afraid of paperwork (the application). There are application fees, exam fees, and some patience required while Florida's Department of Business & Professional Regulation reviews your life story.
Once you're approved? You're officially licensed! Time to buy that shiny new hard hat, slap your name on the side of a truck, and maybe even practice your "we'll get it done under budget" speech.
But your journey doesn't end there. Every two years, you'll need to renew your License. That means continuing education, insurance updates, and renewal fees. It's the grown-up version of checking the expiration date on milk, but slightly more expensive and with fewer fridge magnets involved.
Bottom line: Becoming a general contractor in Florida is doable. Is it paperwork-heavy? Sure. Does it require some studying? You bet. But is it worth it to build a career where you're the boss, in control of your projects and future? Absolutely. You're not just getting a license, you're laying the foundation for a long-term career, one beam, brick, and blueprint at a time.
So, ready to build something great?