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.