Florida General Contractor License Requirements

Q: How much experience do I need for a Florida General Contractor license?

You need at least four years of construction experience, including one year in a supervisory role. The remaining years can include apprenticeship or college credit.

In-depth guide based on the Contractor Training Center requirements overview.

If you want to hold a General Contractor license in Florida, you must satisfy requirements set by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Below is a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the requirements, fees, insurance, and application process.

Source: Contractor Training Center - How to Become a General Contractor in Florida

1. Register a Business Entity

Before licensing, you must register your business entity:

Register with the Florida Division of Corporations for LLCs, corporations, or partnerships.
Small businesses must also register with the Florida Department of Revenue.

2. Prove Financial Stability

Florida requires proof that your business is financially stable. This includes personal and business credit checks.

If your credit score is below 660, you must obtain a surety bond.
For General Contractors, the required bond is at least $20,000.
A 14-hour Florida Financial Responsibility course can reduce the bond by 50% to $10,000.

3. Experience Requirement

You must document at least four years of experience in the trade:

At least one year must be supervisory.
The remaining three years can include apprenticeship or college credit.

4. Pass the Florida Contractor Exam

The exam is open-book and includes multiple sections:

Part 1: computer-based questions on business, finance, and administrative topics.
Part 2: technical topics, including math and trade knowledge.

You must pass all required sections to qualify for licensure.

5. Application and Fee Requirements

Submit your application and pay the required fees:

Licensing Fees

$149 if you apply between September 1 and April 30 (even years)
$249 if you apply between May 1 and August 31 (odd years)

Registration Fees

$209 if you apply between September 1 and April 30 (even years)
$309 if you apply between May 1 and August 31 (odd years)

6. Where to Mail Your Application

Make your check payable to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and mail your application to:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation

2601 Blair Stone Road

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

7. Insurance Requirements

Florida requires proof of insurance before licensing:

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Required if you have employees.

Liability and Property Damage Coverage

$300,000 liability
$50,000 property damage

These limits apply specifically to General Contractors.

8. Summary Checklist

Register your business with the Division of Corporations and Department of Revenue if required.
Prove financial stability (credit check; bond required if score below 660).
Document four years of experience, including one year supervisory.
Pass the open-book Florida contractor exam (business/finance + technical).
Pay licensing and registration fees during the correct fee window.
Mail application to DBPR.
Submit proof of insurance coverage.

FAQ

How much experience do I need for a Florida General Contractor license?

You need at least four years of experience, including one year in a supervisory role. The remaining years may include apprenticeship or college credit.

What credit score is required, and when is a bond needed?

If your credit score is below 660, you must obtain a surety bond. For General Contractors, the bond is at least $20,000, and a 14-hour Financial Responsibility course can reduce it by 50%.

What insurance limits are required?

General Contractors must carry $300,000 liability and $50,000 property damage coverage. Workers’ compensation is required if you have employees.

What are the application fee windows?

Licensing fees are $149 (Sep 1–Apr 30 even years) or $249 (May 1–Aug 31 odd years). Registration fees are $209 (Sep 1–Apr 30 even years) or $309 (May 1–Aug 31 odd years).

Where do I mail the application?

Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783.