Florida Application Process

Understanding the Florida Contractor License Application Process

Applying for a Florida contractor license involves several steps and requirements. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from determining your eligibility to submitting your application and preparing for the exam.

Types of Licenses

Florida offers several types of contractor licenses, including:

General Contractor
Building Contractor
Residential Contractor
Specialty Contractor (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, etc.)

Each license type has specific requirements and allows you to perform different types of work.

Application Process Overview

Determine eligibility and license type
Gather required documentation
Complete application forms
Submit application and fees
Undergo background check
Take and pass the licensing exam
Obtain insurance and provide proof
Receive your license

Important Note:

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) oversees the licensing process. All applications must be submitted through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Visit the official DBPR website for the most up-to-date forms and requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Florida contractor license, you must meet several requirements related to experience, education, and financial responsibility.

Experience Requirements

You must have at least 4 years of experience in the trade or as a foreman. This experience must be gained within the past 10 years and must be verifiable.

Experience can be substituted with:

A 4-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equals 3 years of experience)
A 2-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equals 2 years of experience)
A 1-year certificate in construction from an accredited college (equals 1 year of experience)

Financial Responsibility

You must demonstrate financial responsibility through:

Credit score of 660 or higher
No unsatisfied liens
No financial judgments within the past 5 years
No bankruptcies within the past 5 years (unless you've completed a financial responsibility course)

Other Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old
Must be legally able to work in the United States
Must pass a criminal background check
Must pass both the Business & Finance exam and the trade-specific exam
Must provide proof of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation)

Required Documents

You'll need to gather several documents to complete your application. Make sure all documents are current and accurate to avoid delays in processing.

Personal Documents

Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
Social Security Number
Proof of legal status in the US (if not a US citizen)
Current mailing address and contact information

Experience Documentation

Completed experience verification forms
W-2s or 1099s to verify employment
Letters from previous employers on company letterhead
College transcripts (if using education as a substitute for experience)
Copies of any relevant licenses from other states

Business Documents

Business name registration or fictitious name registration
Articles of incorporation or organization (if applicable)
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Credit report (dated within the last 12 months)
Financial statements (if required)

Insurance Documents

General liability insurance certificate
Workers' compensation insurance certificate or exemption
Property damage insurance (if applicable)
Vehicle insurance (if applicable)

Document Tips:

Make copies of all documents before submitting
Organize documents in the order listed on the application
Use paperclips instead of staples
Consider using certified mail with tracking for submission
Keep a record of all submission dates and confirmation numbers

Application Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed all necessary steps for your contractor license application.

Before Applying

Research which license type is appropriate for your business

Verify you meet all experience requirements

Check your credit report and address any issues

Gather all required documentation

Begin studying for the Business & Finance exam

Begin studying for your trade-specific exam

Application Submission

Download the current application form from the DBPR website

Complete all sections of the application form

Have experience verification forms completed by previous employers

Include all required supporting documentation

Pay application fee

Submit application package to DBPR

Keep copies of all submitted documents

After Submission

Receive confirmation of application receipt

Respond promptly to any requests for additional information

Schedule and take the Business & Finance exam

Schedule and take the trade-specific exam

Obtain required insurance coverage

Submit proof of insurance to DBPR

Receive your contractor license

Application Timeline

Understanding the typical timeline for the Florida contractor license application process can help you plan accordingly.

Typical Processing Times

Application Review: 4-6 weeks

Initial review of your application and supporting documents

Background Check: 2-4 weeks

Criminal background check and verification of information

Exam Scheduling: 1-2 weeks

Once approved, you can schedule your exams

License Issuance: 1-2 weeks

After passing exams and providing insurance proof

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to apply for a Florida contractor license?

Application fees vary by license type, typically ranging from $300-$500. Additional costs include exam fees ($50-$75 per exam) and insurance requirements.

Can I work while my application is being processed?

You cannot perform work requiring a contractor license until your license is issued. However, you can work under a licensed contractor as an employee.

What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. You'll need to pay the exam fee again and schedule a new test date.

How long is my license valid?

Florida contractor licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before the expiration date. You'll also need to complete continuing education requirements.