Florida Contractor License Requirements

How to Obtain Your Registered or Certified Florida Contractor License

The decision to apply for your contractor’s license in the State of Florida is an exciting one. You may be in the process of opening your own construction firm or have been hired by an existing firm in one capacity or another. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into the licensing process and inform the applicant of the various licenses available.

Before moving any further, the applicant must determine the type of license to be obtained. There are two main types of licenses in the State of Florida. The first is a Registered Contractor’s License which allows a contractor to work only within the municipality which has issued the contractor a competency card and occupational license. The second license type is a Certified Contractor’s License which allows a contractor to work anywhere within the state.

Registered Contractor License Requirements

The requirements to obtain a Registered Contractor’s License are as follows:

Applicant must be 18 years of age;
Background check and fingerprints;
Proof of financial stability by providing a credit report which includes a FICO derived credit score and indicates that local, state, and federal records have been searched;
- NOTE: You will need to provide a financial stability surety bond in an amount ranging from $10,000-$20,000 if your credit score falls below 660. Click here to learn more about the surety bond requirement’s cost, application process, and how it can be reduced.
Certificate of competency from a local licensing office;
Payment of application fee to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation;
- $309 if initial registration is between May 1^st of an ODD year through August 31^st of an EVEN year.
- $209 if initial registration is between September 1^st of an EVEN year through April 30^th of an ODD year.
Proof of worker’s compensation (or waiver), liability, and other insurance required by the municipality;
- $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property insurance for Division I Contractors;
- $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property insurance for Division II Contractors; and
A completed application.

Certified Contractor License Requirements

The requirements to obtain a Certified Contractor’s License are as follows:

Applicant must be 18 years of age;
Obtain a passing score on all applicable state exams required for licensure within four years;
- The Fees associated with each exam are as follows:
  - $135 registration fee payable to Professional Testing;
  - $80 exam administration fee payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation;
  - $80 exam administration fee payable to Pearson VUE if the Business and Finance computer based test is needed.
Four years of experience or a combination of college and experience;
Background check and fingerprints;
Proof of financial stability by providing a credit report which includes a FICO derived credit score and indicates that local, state, and federal records have been searched;
- NOTE: You will need to provide a financial stability surety bond in an amount ranging from $10,000-$20,000 if your credit score falls below 660. Click here to learn more about the surety bond requirement’s cost, application process, and how it can be reduced.
Payment of application fee to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation;
- If all exam parts were passed prior to January 1, 2009:
  - $409 if initial registration is between May 1^st of an EVEN year through August 31^st of an ODD year.
  - $309 if initial registration is between September 1^st of an ODD year through April 30^th of an EVEN year.
- If all exam parts were passed after to January 1, 2009:
  - $249 if initial registration is between May 1^st of an EVEN year through August 31^st of an ODD year.
  - $149 if initial registration is between September 1^st of an ODD year through April 30^th of an EVEN year.
Proof of worker’s compensation (or waiver), liability, and other insurance required by the municipality;
- $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property insurance for Division I Contractors;
- $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property insurance for Division II Contractors; and
A completed application.

You may have noticed that the state has separate classifications for contractors. These classifications are commonly referred to as Division I and Division II. Division I Contractors are General and Building contractors only. Division II Contractors are all other types of contractors such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.

Do you want help with your Construction license application?

The licensing process can be confusing and difficult. This often caused by the sheer number of applications available to you. Additionally, satisfying all of the application’s requirements can be time consuming. Learn more about how The License Company can help with your construction license application.

Financially Responsible Officer Requirements

Additionally, you may also need a financially responsible officer surety bond if you anticipate qualifying an additional business entity and act for the organization in all matters connected with its contracting business. This bond is only needed when the qualifier (licensed contractor) does not have final approval or authority on all matters of the business including checks, payments, drafts, contracts, etc. made by the entity you are qualifying.

Lastly, all fees, insurance amounts, and requirements are subject to change from time to time. Applicants should consult with the DBPR to determine the exact requirements as of the time the application is made.

How do I apply for a Division I/II Financial Stability Surety Bond and/or Financially Responsible Officer Surety Bond?

Start by filling out our Online Surety Bond Application by clicking here; or
Download our PDF Surety Bond Application and email or fax the information to submissions@dblsurety.com or 888.204.8716.