How to Get a Contractor’s License in Florida

– To work legally as a contractor in Florida, a person must obtain a contractor’s license.
– The requirements for a contractor’s license are laid out in Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes and the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
– Unlicensed contracting in Florida is considered a first-degree misdemeanor.
– A contractor is someone who, for compensation, constructs, repairs, alters, remodels, adds to, demolishes, subtracts from, or improves any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate.
– There are several types of contractor’s licenses in Florida, including general, building, residential, sheet metal, roofing, and others.
– To obtain a license, a contractor must choose to become either a Registered Contractor or a Certified Contractor, with slightly different requirements for each. – Certified Contractors must pass the Florida State Construction examination, have four years of experience or a combination of college and experience, submit a credit report, fingerprints, and pass a background check, provide proof of insurance, pay the required fee, be at least eighteen years old, and complete the required application.
– Registered Contractors hold a certificate of competency from a local government and must register that certificate with the DBPR. They are only permitted to work in the cities or counties where they hold a certificate of competency. 1. An applicant must provide evidence of possessing a certificate of competency from a local licensing office in order to obtain a Registered Contractor’s license.
2. A credit report must be submitted as proof of financial stability and responsibility.
3. Applicants must submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
4. Proof of public liability, property damage, and workers compensation insurance must be submitted.
5. The required fee must be paid.
6. Applicants must be at least eighteen years old and complete the required application.
7. To obtain a local certificate of competency with a local government, the applicant must comply with the requirements of the Construction Trades Qualifying Board, including passing a local examination and submitting proof of financial stability and responsibility.
8. Unlicensed contracting is considered a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, with penalties of up to one year in jail or 12 months of probation, and a $1,000 fine.

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