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What Is a Florida General Contractor License?
A Florida general contractor license is a state-issued credential that authorizes you to construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, or demolish buildings of any kind in the state. It's the highest-tier construction license issued in Florida,governed by Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes and administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
In practical terms, holding a general contractor license in Florida means you can bid on commercial high-rises, hospitals,condominium towers, single-family homes, schools, government buildings, and everything in between. There are no scope limits on the type or size of structure you can build — which is the single biggest difference between a GC license and the Building Contractor or Residential Contractor classifications below it.
Florida's construction license hierarchy looks like this:
General Contractor (CGC) — unlimited scope, any structure, any height, any value.
Building Contractor (CBC) — commercial buildings up to three stories.
Residential Contractor (CRC) — single, two, and three-family dwellings up to two habitable stories.
Specialty trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, pool/spa,
etc.) — operate under separate sections of Chapter 489 and do not authorize general construction work.
Florida General Contractor License Types — Choosing Your Scope
Florida issues three general contractor classifications. Each has its own scope of work, exam path, and ceiling on the type of project you're permitted to undertake. Picking the right classification is one of the most important decisions in the licensing process — most contractors find that the additional effort to qualify for the Certified General Contractor (CGC) designation pays back many times over in business flexibility and earning potential.
Certified 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) |
Certified 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) |
Certified 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) |
Recommendation: The Certified General Contractor (CGC) license is the most flexible option in Florida. You can bid on any project, of any size, anywhere in the state. If you already hold a CBC or CRC, Florida allows an upgrade pathway to CGC with reduced experience requirements.
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.
What a Florida GC License Lets You Build (Scope of Work)
The scope of a Certified General Contractor license under Florida law is broad. Holders are authorized to:
• Construct, remodel, repair, or demolish any commercial or residential building, regardless of height, square footage, or contract value
• Build steel and reinforced concrete structures, including high-rises and parking garages
• Excavate, grade, and install foundations as part of the structural work
• Subcontract specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing) to appropriately licensed trade contractors
• Perform demolition and site preparation
• Pull permits in any of Florida's 67 counties without applying for separate local credentials
A Building Contractor (CBC) is limited to commercial buildings of three stories or less, plus residential work. A Residential Contractor (CRC) is limited to one, two, and three-family residential dwellings of no more than two habitable stories. Outside of those
limits, only a Certified General Contractor qualifies.
5 Steps to Your Florida Contractor License — A Step-by-Step Guide
Over 100,000 contractors have used this process to get licensed with 1 Exam Prep. Most complete it in 3-6 months.
Requirements for Florida Contractor License (CILB Standards)
The requirements for a Florida contractor license are set by the Construction Industry Licensing Board and are uniform statewide. To qualify for a Certified General Contractor license, you must meet every one of the following:
| 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 General Contractor License in Florida Cost? (2026)
Budget $1,500 to $5,000+ total depending on your exam prep package. Financing available on all 1 Exam Prep packages.
Budgeting for your contractor license in Florida is essential. Note that DBPR application fees change based on the year you apply. Because 2026 is an even year, fees are lower if you apply before April 30th ($149).
| 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: Going Statewide with a GC License in Florida
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 General Contractor License FAQ
To get a Florida general contractor license, you must be 18 or older, prove four years of verifiable construction experience (or qualifying education), pass the three-part state exam through Pearson VUE, submit an application with a background check and credit report to the DBPR, and secure the required liability insurance. The full process typically takes 3 to 6 months.
The main requirements for a Florida contractor license include being at least 18, demonstrating four years of construction experience (a 4-year construction degree can substitute for three of those years), passing the state CGC exams, proving financial stability with a FICO score of 660 or higher (or completing a financial responsibility course), and carrying general liability insurance plus workers' compensation.
Getting a general contractor license in Florida typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000. This estimate includes $236 for state exam fees, a $149 to $249 DBPR application fee, background checks, credit reports, and the variable costs of exam prep, reference books, and insurance.
Yes, you can get a Florida contractor license with a felony. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you. The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) reviews applications with criminal records on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature, severity, and recency of the offense.
Most contractors complete the full Florida GC licensing process in 3 to 6 months. This includes 8 to 12 weeks of study and exam scheduling, a 4 to 8 week DBPR application review period, and time to secure insurance once approved.
A Certified contractor license is issued by the State of Florida (CILB) and is valid in all 67 Florida counties. A Registered license is issued by a county or municipality and is only valid within that specific jurisdiction. Certified is strongly recommended for contractors who want statewide work, larger project eligibility, and reciprocity with other states.
Florida contractor licenses must be renewed every two years through the DBPR. Renewal requires completing 14 hours of CILB approved continuing education during each renewal cycle, paying the renewal fee, and maintaining active general liability and property damage insurance.
Florida law allows certain minor maintenance and repair work to be performed without a contractor license, but the limits are narrow. You cannot perform structural work, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, or any work that requires a permit without the appropriate license. When in doubt, contact your local building department before starting work.
A Florida general contractor license is valid for two years from issuance. All certified licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years and must be renewed through the DBPR with proof of completed continuing education.
Yes. A licensed Certified General Contractor can serve as the qualifier for a construction business in Florida. The qualifier is the individual whose license authorizes the business to operate, and they bear primary responsibility for compliance with Florida construction law. Each business entity must have at least one qualifier.
A CGC (Certified General Contractor) has unlimited scope and can build any structure of any size. A CBC (Certified Building Contractor) is limited to commercial buildings up to 3 stories. A CRC (Certified Residential Contractor) is limited to single, two, and three-family dwellings up to 2 habitable stories. All three are statewide licenses valid in all 67 counties.
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