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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

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:

  1. 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. 
  2. one year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses. 
  3. One year experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses. 
  4. Two years experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses. 
  5. Four years experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman. 
  6. Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying. 
  7. 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. 
  8. 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. 

Florida, flag, map

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

2. Florida GC Experience Requirements

An applicant applying for a Florida general contractor’s license must meet one of the following experience qualifications. 

3. Florida GC Insurance Requirements

If a Florida General or Building Contractor applicant wants to be active, they should obtain the required insurance 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.

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

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.

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