How to get a contractor license in Florida

Step by step

Experience: 4 years. 4 years of experience in the category, with at least 1 year as a supervisor. Up to 3 years can be replaced by military service or college credit. (source: DBPR Construction Industry FAQs (opens in a new tab))

• General and building applicants need experience in 4 of 6 structural areas. General contractors also need 1 year on buildings of 4 or more stories. (source: DBPR Construction Industry FAQs (opens in a new tab))

1. Check your experience You need 4 years in the category, including 1 year as a supervisor. (source: DBPR Construction Industry FAQs (opens in a new tab))
2. Pass the exams Pass the exam parts for your category. (source: DBPR answer: construction exams (opens in a new tab))
3. Get fingerprinted Submit fingerprints with your application. (source: CILB 5-A application (certified, individual) (opens in a new tab))
4. Show financial responsibility For an active license, send a credit report. A FICO score under 660 means a 14-hour financial responsibility course. (source: CILB 5-A application (certified, individual) (opens in a new tab))
5. Apply and pay Send the application and the initial certification fee to DBPR. (source: CILB 5-A application (certified, individual) (opens in a new tab))

The exam

An exam is required. (source: DBPR answer: construction exams (opens in a new tab))

• General, building and residential: Project Management, Contract Administration, and Business and Finance
• Other trades: Trade Knowledge, and Business and Finance

• A building-construction degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher means you only take the Business and Finance exam. (source: Florida Statutes 489.113 (opens in a new tab))

Costs and fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.