100K+ Contractors Licensed
98.7% Exam Pass Rate
3–6 Months Start to Licensed
4.8★ Rating from 968 Reviews
Which Florida Contractor License Is Right for You?
Not sure which license to pursue? We help contractors choose the right path based on their experience, business goals, and the type of work they want to do.
General Contractor (CGC) ★ RECOMMENDED
| Scope | Unlimited — any type of construction |
|---|---|
| Building Limit | No limit on size, height, or value |
| Exams Required | 3 exams (CA + PM + B&F) |
| Experience | 4 years minimum |
| Avg. Study Time | 8–12 weeks |
| Earning Potential | $75K–$200K+/year |
| License Coverage | Statewide (all 67 counties) |
Building Contractor (CBC)
| Scope | Commercial buildings up to 3 stories |
|---|---|
| Building Limit | 3 stories maximum |
| Exams Required | 2 exams (Trade + B&F) |
| Experience | 4 years minimum |
| Avg. Study Time | 6–10 weeks |
| Earning Potential | $60K–$150K+/year |
| License Coverage | Statewide (all 67 counties) |
Residential Contractor (CRC)
| Scope | Single/two/three-family dwellings |
|---|---|
| Building Limit | 2 stories, residential only |
| Exams Required | 2 exams (Trade + B&F) |
| Experience | 4 years minimum |
| Avg. Study Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Earning Potential | $50K–$120K+/year |
| License Coverage | Statewide (all 67 counties) |
Our recommendation: The General Contractor license (CGC) gives you maximum flexibility — bid on any project, any size, anywhere in Florida. Already hold a Building or Residential license? Upgrade to GC with one additional exam.
Not sure which license to get?
Talk to one of our licensing advisors — we'll help you pick the right license and build a study plan.
5 Steps to Your Florida Contractor License — We Guide You Through Each One
Over 100,000 contractors have used this process to get licensed with 1 Exam Prep. Most complete it in 3-6 months.
Florida GC License Experience Requirements
Florida requires 4 years of verifiable construction experience. Not sure if you qualify? Our advisors review your background for free.
| Path | Work Experience | Education Credits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | 4 years (worker + foreman, min 1 yr foreman) | None required | 4 years |
| Path 2 | 1 year applicable experience | 4-year construction degree (= 3 yrs credit) | 4 years |
| Path 3 | 1 year as foreman | 3 years accredited college credits | 4 years |
| Path 4 | 1 year worker + 1 year foreman | 2 years accredited college credits | 4 years |
| Path 5 | 2 years worker + 1 year foreman | 1 year accredited college credits | 4 years |
| Path 6 | Hold CRC or CBC license 1+ year | N/A — upgrade path | Varies |
How Much Does a Florida Contractor License Cost?
Budget $1,500 to $5,000+ total depending on your exam prep package. Financing available on all 1 Exam Prep packages.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fees (3 exams) | $236 | $78.75 × 3 for GC |
| Exam Prep Package | $395 – $3,699 | Online course to Ultimate |
| Reference Books | Included | In Premium & Ultimate packages |
| CILB Application Fee | $249 | One-time fee to DBPR |
| Credit Report | $30 – $50 | Included in Ultimate Package |
| Fingerprinting | $50 – $75 | Background check required |
| Insurance | Varies | GL + WC required |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | $1,500 – $5,000+ | Investment in your career |
Save with the Ultimate Package: The GC Ultimate Exam Prep ($3,699) bundles everything — highlighted books, online courses, live classes, and application assistance with credit reports. The $1,300 refundable book deposit comes back when you return books. Financing available.
Certified vs. Registered — We Help You Go Statewide
Florida offers two license classes. We strongly recommend Certified for maximum earning potential and business growth.
| Certified (Recommended) | Registered | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued By | State CILB | County/municipality |
| Coverage | All 67 Florida counties | Issuing jurisdiction only |
| Exam | State Pearson VUE exams | Local competency exam |
| Flexibility | Work anywhere in FL | Separate license per county |
| Large Projects | Qualified for all sizes | Limited to local projects |
| Reciprocity | Can qualify out-of-state | No statewide reciprocity |
| Renewals | One state renewal | Separate per county |
Florida Contractor License FAQ
Total cost ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+ including exam fees ($236 for 3 GC exams), exam prep ($395–$3,699), CILB application ($249), credit report, fingerprinting, and insurance. Financing available on all 1 Exam Prep packages.
Certified is issued by the state CILB — work in all 67 counties. Registered is county-only. We recommend Certified for maximum flexibility and earning potential.
3-6 months total: 8-12 weeks exam prep, then 4-8 weeks for CILB application review. Our application assistance helps avoid delays from errors or missing documents.
4 years of verifiable construction experience — can combine work experience with education credits. A 4-year degree counts as 3 years. Our advisors review your qualifications for free.
The Construction Industry Licensing Board under DBPR — they set exam requirements, review applications, and enforce licensing standards for all contractor categories statewide.
A felony doesn't automatically disqualify you. The CILB reviews each case individually. Contact our licensing advisors to evaluate your specific situation before investing in prep.
Retake after 30 days — you only retake the failed part. No retake limit. Each attempt is $78.75. 1 Exam Prep students get additional tutoring at no extra charge.
Criminal offense: first offense is a misdemeanor (1 year jail, $1,000 fine), second offense is a felony (5 years, $5,000). You also can't enforce contracts or file liens.
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