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.
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 Business and Finance exam.
2
Submit Your Application
Submit your Florida general contractor’s license application and get approved by the Board.
3
Get Your Florida General Contractor's License!
Obtain your contractor’s license and renew your license as needed.
Our NASCLA Prep Plans
NASCLA Practice Exam
For students already well prepared for the NASCLA
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Two attempts on a timed NASCLA practice exam
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Answer key
NASCLA Full Course
For students looking for the best all around NASCLA prep
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Tutorial Videos
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Study guides and test taking tips
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Practice quizzes for each book
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Time practice exams
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1,200+ question bank
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Unlimited quiz and exam attempts
NASCLA Book Tabs
Yes, tabbing is allowed and encouraged!
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Pre-printed book tabs for each chapter and each book
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Additional 'Index' printed tabs
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Additional blank tabs
Common Florida Contractor License Questions
Understanding the testing and application process is a key step in obtaining your general contractor’s license in Florida. Our FAQ may have the answers you need—if not, feel free to reach out to our team!
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Florida general contractor’s license.
Unlicensed contractors in Florida may only legally take on projects that do not involve structural alterations, require building permits, or impact major building systems such as electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.
Yes, you must submit fingerprints with your Florida General Contractor’s license application.
A Florida contractor applicant should demonstrate financial stability by having a credit score of 660 or higher and no unsatisfied judgements or liens. If not, financial responsibility and stability must be met by providing proof of an approved 14-hour financial responsibility course.
Reference letters are not required for your Florida general contractor’s license application.
You are required to take either the Florida Project Management and Contract Administration exam or the NASCLA exam. You must also take the Business and Finance Exam. We recommend choosing the NASCLA exam as your Florida trade exam because it offers reciprocity in 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you move or your business expands in the future, you can more easily transfer your license.
Proper insurance coverage is required, and proof should be provided with 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
All other categories:
- $100,000 public liability
- $25,000 property damage
Workers’ compensation insurance is outlined in Chapter 440, Florida Statutes.
Yes, the NASCLA exam is accepted as a trades exam for your General or Building contractor’s license.
An individual can face up to one year in jail or 12 months of probation for performing contracting work in Florida without a license.
The Florida Business and Finance Exam is an exam that should be taken in addition to your contractor’s trade exam. It is a 6.5-hour computerized exam and consists of 120 questions.
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