
Florida General Contractor License
In general, a contractor’s license is required in Florida if you are performing work greater than $2,500.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Contractor's License In Florida
Contractors in Florida are valuable and highly sought after. Discover the benefits of obtaining your contractor’s license in Florida.
Client Relationship
Earn your clients’ trust by demonstrating that you’re properly licensed and fully qualified to handle the job.
Rules And Regulations
Stay in compliance with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Higher Value Projects
Did you know that you need a general contractor’s license if you are performing a construction project in Florida?
Your Contractor's License
NASCLA Exam
The NASCLA exam is a popular contractors licensing exam. This is because of its reciprocity in 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Florida, the NASCLA exam can serve as your trades exam for your general contractor license.

Florida Contractor License FAQ
There is currently a $250 fee that is to be submitted with your Florida contractor license application.
There is a $35 application fee for the NASCLA exam. There is a fee of $135 to sit for the NASCLA exam.
You need one of the following to obtain a contractor license in Florida:
- Four year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
- one year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
- One year experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
- Two years experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
- Four years experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
- Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
- Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
- One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
Any one of these combinations can be used to gain your proof of experience.
Yes, you must submit fingerprints with your Florida contractor’s license application.
Proper insurance coverage is required and proof should be given on the Florida contractor’s license application.
General liability insurance requirements should follow the below requirements for General and Building Contractors:
- $300,000 public liability
- $50,000 property damage
General liability insurance requirements should follow the below requirements for all other contractor categories:
- $100,000 public liability
- $25,000 property damage
Worker’s compensation insurance is outlined in Chapter 440, Florida Statutes.
The NASCLA exam can be used as the trades exam to become a general contractor in Florida.
You must be 18 years old to apply for a Florida contractor’s license.
You may not perform any structural or remodeling work without a contractor license in Florida.
Someone can face up to 1 year in jail or 12 months of probation for performing contracting work in Florida without a license. Penalties can also include a $1,000 fine.

The Process
Florida General Contractor Application Requirements
It’s important to understand both the application process and the exam requirements as you begin preparing to obtain your Florida general contractor’s license. Be sure to visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to get a clear overview of the necessary steps. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
1. Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have four years of experience in the construction industry
- Be legally allowed to work in the United States
- Demonstrate financial stability
2. Florida GC Experience Requirements
An applicant applying for a Florida general contractor’s license must meet one of the following experience qualifications.
- Four year construction-related degree from an accredited college and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying
- One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses
- One year experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses
- Two years experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses
- Four years experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman
- Military Veterans: Three years military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
- Military Veterans: Two years military service and one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
- One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
3. Florida GC Insurance Requirements
If a Florida General or Building Contractor applicant wants to be active, they should obtain the required insurance coverage.
- $300,000 public liability coverage
- $50,000 property damage coverage
- $100,000 public liability coverage
- $25,000 property damage coverage
4. Florida GC Financial Responsibility
A Florida General or Building contractor must submit a credit report containing a credit score from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency.
- Financial responsibility and stability can be demonstrated by a credit score of 660 or higher and no unsatisfied judgments or liens
- If not, a 14-hour financial responsibility course will need to be taken
5. Pass the Required Examinations
In Florida, a contractor license applicant can take the NASCLA exam as a substitute for the state-specific trades exam for a General Contractor or Building Contractor license. However, the applicant will still need to take the Florida Business and Finance exam in addition to whichever trades exam he or she chooses.
6. Florida General Contractor Application Fee
- Pay the application fee and submit the application
1
Study For The Exams
Study for the NASCLA exam and the Florida and Finance exam.
2
Submit Your Application
Submit your Florida general contractor’s license application and get approved by the Board.
3
Get Your Contractor's License!
Obtain your contractor’s license and renew your license as needed.