Florida Contractor License Requirements
verifiedState-Level License RequiredFlorida has a dual licensing system — certified (statewide) and registered (county only). Certified contractors can work anywhere in the state. PSI administers the state exams.
gavelHow Contractor Licensing Works in Florida
Florida runs a dual-track system under the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Certified licenses, earned by exam, work statewide: the Certified General Contractor has unlimited scope, the Certified Building Contractor handles commercial work and residential up to three stories, and the Certified Residential Contractor covers homes up to two stories. Registered licenses, by contrast, are issued at the county level and are valid only in the issuing county. All of it applies to work at any dollar value, so there is no small-job exemption like Alabama's or Mississippi's $50,000 thresholds to the north. Electrical contracting runs through its own state board, and roofing requires a separate certification, a distinction Florida enforces seriously given its hurricane exposure.
The certified route demands four years of experience, a passing score on the PSI-administered state exams, a financial statement, a credit report, proof of insurance at the $300,000 general liability minimum, and workers compensation. Credit and financial review is the stage that catches applicants off guard; Florida scrutinizes financial responsibility more than most states, and unresolved liens or weak credit can require bonding or extra documentation. Licenses renew every two years by August 31 of even-numbered years. Florida signs no reciprocity agreements, but the certified license's statewide validity is the real prize: one credential covers Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, and every county between, where a registered contractor would need county-by-county approvals.
account_balanceLicensing Board
Board Name
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)
Phone
(850) 487-1395
descriptionLicense Types
| Type | Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified General Contractor (CGC) | All work | Statewide license — unlimited scope of work |
| Certified Building Contractor (CBC) | All work | Statewide — up to 3 stories residential, limited commercial |
| Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) | All work | Statewide — up to 2 stories residential only |
| Registered Contractor | All work | County-level license — valid in issuing county only |
| Electrical | All work | Licensed through Electrical Contractors Licensing Board |
| Roofing | All work | Separate certification required for roofing work |
checklistRequirements
- check_circlePass trade exam (PSI)
- check_circle4 years experience
- check_circleFinancial statement
- check_circleProof of insurance
- check_circleWorkers compensation
- check_circleCredit report
paymentsFee Schedule
Application
$249
Annual Renewal
$209
Exam Fee
$249
event_repeatRenewal Period
Biennial — August 31 of even years
shieldInsurance Minimums
General Liability
$300,000
Workers Compensation
Required
swap_horizReciprocity
- arrow_forwardNo reciprocity agreements — but certified license is valid statewide
helpFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a contractor license in Florida?
Yes, for construction work at any value. Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board oversees certified licenses (CGC, CBC, CRC) that are valid statewide and registered licenses that are valid only in the issuing county. Electrical work requires licensing through the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board, and roofing requires its own certification. There is no dollar threshold exempting small projects.
What is the difference between certified and registered contractors in Florida?
A certified contractor passed the state PSI exams and can work anywhere in Florida. A registered contractor qualified through a county-level process and may only work in the county that issued the registration. For any contractor operating across county lines, certification is the practical choice, since registration multiplies paperwork with every new market.
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Florida?
Florida treats unlicensed contracting as a crime, with felony exposure for repeat offenses and during declared states of emergency, which matters in a hurricane state where post-storm enforcement intensifies. Unlicensed contractors cannot enforce contracts or liens to collect payment, and county licensing boards and the state actively investigate complaints and advertising by unlicensed operators.
How long does the Florida contractor license take?
Most applicants need two to four months. You must document four years of experience, pass the PSI trade exams, then clear the board's review of your financial statement, credit report, insurance at the $300,000 general liability minimum, and workers compensation. Credit issues are the most common delay; resolving liens or providing explanations before applying saves a review cycle.
infoData sourced from state licensing board websites. Requirements change frequently — verify with your state board before applying. Last updated April 2026.