Florida Demolition Specialty Contractor's License
Florida Demolition contractors can legally engage in contracting involving the demolition of the following:
- Steel tanks 50 feet or less in height
- Towers 50 feet or less in height
- Structures 50 feet or less in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall
- Buildings or residences three stories or less in height
General, Building and Residential contractors can perform demolitions within their respective scopes.
How to Get a Demolition Contractor's License in Florida
- Be 18 years of age.
- Pass all parts of the exam(s) (within four years of the first attempt).
If an applicant has a Bachelor's degree in building construction or a related field, as well as a 3.0 GPA or higher, the applicant is only required to take the business exam. - Pay the fee for the Application.
- Complete the application form using the Online Services, or the Printable Application.
- Be of good moral character.
- Obtain worker's compensation and general liability coverage.
- Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a Credit Report :
- 660 FICO credit score or higher (applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit if below 660 - FICO derived).
- If FICO score is less than 660, the applicant must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
- If applicable, provide proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and bankruptcy discharge.
- Background check with Electronic Fingerprints.
- Obtain public liability and property damage insurance.
- Obtain workers' compensation or exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
- Satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
- A combination of Experience and Education
- One year proved experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 yrs. experience), or
- No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
- Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
- One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker, or
- Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
- The board expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the Demolition trade:
- Experience in at least two of the following trade areas:
- Industrial
- Towers & Tanks
- Commercial
- Transportation
- Residential
- Underground
- Experience in eight or more elements in the following categories:
- Demolition Methods:
- Complete
- Partial
- Heavy Machinery
- Manual Machinery
- Interior
- Implosion
- Shoring
- Demolition Support Activities:
- Pre-Demo Survey
- Environmental precautions/containment systems
- Supervision
- Utility Termination
- Interior containment systems
- Temporary Protection
- Debris/Waste Handling
- Occupational Safety & Health Precautions
- Adjacent property protection systems
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Demolition Methods:
- Experience in at least two of the following trade areas:
- Military Service
Note: As part of the application applicant must submit the Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification for licensure- One year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and three years of military service.
- One year of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of military service.
- Two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and one year of military service.
- A combination of Experience and Education
- Pass the General Contractor exam (there is no demolition-specific exam) and Business & Finance exams.(sign up for the exams)
- Submit the complete Demolition application form to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Which exams do I take to obtain a Demolition Specialty License in Florida?
An applicant for a Demolition Specialty contractor certification shall pass the general contractor examination and shall demonstrate experience in the construction, repair and alteration of towers and accessory use structures.
Florida Demolition (General) Contractor License Exam
- Testing Method: Computer-based testing
- Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
- Number of Questions: 120
- Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
- Time Allowed: 540 Minutes
- Minimum Passing Score: 70%
- Subjects Involved:
- Contract Administration (60 questions | 270 Minutes)
Preconstruction Activities (27%)
- Preparing cost-estimates
- Cost-estimates in bidding estimate using take-offs
- Material estimating and costing
- Labor estimating and costing
- Equipment estimating and costing
- Overhead costs
- Contract requirements
- Financing requirements
- Understanding scopes of work
- Obtaining and evaluating bids
- Estimates from subcontractors and suppliers
- Unit price and lump sum methods for bids
- Check bid specifications for completeness
- General specifications
- Plans
- Site and codes
- Determine proper bid by calculating margins of profit
- Calculating profit
- Fixed and variable costs
- Profitability break-even point
- Estimating using systems approach (square foot method)
- Figure overall job costs
- Interpret charts for square foot estimating
- Estimating software
- Understanding penalties and contingencies
- Liquidated damages
- Regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, DEP, impact fees)
- Preparing cost-estimates
Project Contracts (40%)
- Understanding types of contracts
- Lump sum contracts
- Cost-plus contracts
- Guaranteed maximum price contracts
- Unit cost contracts
- Defining primary contracts
- General conditions for contracts
- Supplemental conditions for contracts
- Special conditions for contracts
- Specifications for contracts
- Lien laws
- Residential Recovery Fund
- Chapter F.S. 558
- Developing subcontractor agreements
- Contract law
- Work orders
- Monitoring subcontracts
- Contract documents (e.g., addenda)
- Insurance certification requirements
- Executing contract amendments
- Change orders
- Authorizations (e.g., field orders)
- Change directives
- Obtaining payments and draws
- Payment methods
- Payment procedures
- Payment schedules
- Schedule of values
- Payment for onsite/offsite material storage
- Partial release of lien
- Interior punch list
- Closing out contracts
- The concept of and what constitutes substantial completion
- Release of retainage funds
- Warranties
- Final release of lien
- Final punch lists and their relationship to contract documents
- Certificate of occupancy
- Understanding types of contracts
Obtaining Licenses, Permits and Approvals (20%)
- Identify licenses required for different scopes of work
- Identify licenses required for different scopes of work
- knowledge of 61.G F.A.C.
- Obtaining permits
- Activities which require permits
- Local requirements
- Exemptions from inspections, permits, and approvals
- Arranging for inspections
- Local requirements
- Proper sequence of inspections
- Special inspections (e.g., threshold, environmental, plumbing)
- Identify licenses required for different scopes of work
Construction Procedures and Operations (13%)
- Developing construction schedules
- Follow-up with suppliers (submittals)
- Time for architect and engineer to approval submittals
- Shipping, scheduling, deliveries, storage, and lead times
- Flow charts, Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Progress, predictions (i.e., look ahead), deficiencies in scheduling
- Scheduling software
- Coordinating construction activities
- Subcontractor meetings
- Daily logs for subcontractors and contractors
- Scheduling personnel and contractors
- Scheduling subcontractors and suppliers
- Safety meetings
- Inventory controls
- Sustainability (e.g., LEEDS, Green Globe)
- Developing construction schedules
- Project Management (60 questions | 270 Minutes)
Construction Methods, Materials, Tools, and Equipment (63%)
- Performing site layouts
- Understanding of surveys (e.g., types, instruments, methods)
- Benchmarks
- Elevations (including FEMA requirements)
- Setbacks and easements
- Interpretation of site plan
- Environmental impact (e.g., wetlands, trees, retention ponds, storm water drainage)
- Material storage
- Evaluating soil conditions
- Soils (e.g., soil types, compaction, density, proctor, moisture content)
- Soil reports
- Appropriate foundation types given soil conditions
- Water tables
- Performing earthwork
- Excavations (e.g., cut and fill calculations, calculating excavations and grades, trenching)
- Preparation of site for foundation (e.g., angle of repose, soil compaction)
- Sheeting, shoring for excavations and dewatering
- Erosion control
- Quality control related to earth-work
- Placing and testing concrete
- Shoring
- Loads (e.g., volume, pressure)
- Concrete (e.g., Footings, piles and pile caps, placing slabs and decks, columns, walls)
- Forming practices, bracing and erection
- Concrete reinforcement
- Quality control related to concrete
- Concrete mixtures and additives
- Placing masonry
- Erection and bracing
- Masonry materials and handling
- Quality control related to masonry
- Reinforcement
- Grouting
- Framing with Wood
- Lumber types (e.g., engineered, wood grades, species)
- Truss erection and bracing
- Rafters, floor joists and studs
- Span tables
- Wind loads and fasteners
- Roof framing, sheathing and materials
- Framing with metal
- Metal materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, gauges, grade)
- Pre-engineered buildings
- Erection and bracing techniques
- Metal studs, beams columns, bar joists, fasteners and trusses
- Coatings (e.g., painting, fire and corrosion protection)
- Welding and connections of steel framing
- Metal roof framing
- Understanding innovative techniques
- Tilt-up construction
- SIP's (Structural Insulated Panels)
- ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms)
- Slip forming
- Implementing Energy efficient construction
- Interpret energy calculations
- R-values and U-values for different materials
- Building envelopes
- Blower door testing
- Pertaining to energy efficiency
- Types and placement of insulation (e.g., rigid and spray foam, batts)
- Installing miscellaneous materials
- Gypsum materials and methods (e.g., fastening requirements, fire wall assembly)
- Plaster and stucco materials and methods
- Moisture control (vapor barriers, flashings, etc.)
- Cementitious materials
- Fire-proofing wall and floor penetrations
- Insulated wall panels
- Roof covering materials (e.g., preengineered systems, shingles)
- Understanding the use of heavy equipment
- Cranes
- Hoisting equipment
- Lift plans
- Performing site layouts
Safety (20%)
- Complying with OSHA standards
- Site layout
- Soil conditions
- Shoring for concrete
- Bracing and erection
- Earth-work
- Formwork for concrete
- Framing
- Scaffolding
- Trench safety
- Ground fault interruption
- Construction equipment
- Field log record keeping
- Fall protection
- Job site safety information requirements
- Other OSHA regulations
- Complying with other safety standards and practices
- Asbestos
- Lead paint
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Mold remediation
- Complying with OSHA standards
Reading Plans and Specifications (17%)
- Reading construction documents
- Ability to read and understand plans and drawings (e.g., knowledge of sections and views)
- Basic math skills and calculations associated with reading construction drawings
- Architectural and engineering symbols, tables and specifications
- Interpreting shop drawings and submittals
- Interpreting construction codes and standards
- Ability to read, understand, and apply codes and standards
- Building codes
- ADA requirements
- Reading construction documents
- Contract Administration (60 questions | 270 Minutes)
- Official list of subjects for the Contract Administration part of the Demolition (General) contractor exam
- Official list of subjects for the Project Management part of the Demolition (General) contractor exam
Florida Demolition (General) Contractor Business and Finance Exam
- Testing Method: Computer-based testing
- Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
- Number of Questions: 120
- Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
- Time Allowed: 390 Minutes
- Minimum Passing Score: 70%
- Subjects Involved:
Establishing the Contracting Business (11%)
- Determining the Business Organizational Structure
- Business structure laws and regulations
- Fiduciary responsibilities of officers and directors
- Open vs. closed corporations
- Organizational charts and chain of responsibilities
- State and local licensure requirements
- Tax advantages and/or liabilities for various business structures
- Develop the Business Plan
- Accounting practices
- Local marketplace
- Scope of contractor license
- Establish Relationships with Other Professionals
- Accountant specialization
- Attorney specialization
- Insurance types and limitations
- Underwriting requirements for bonding
- Acquire Fixed Assets
- Advantages/disadvantages of business location
- Advantages/disadvantages of lease vs. purchase
- Obtain Insurance
- knowledge of accounting practices
- Advantages/disadvantages of various types of insurance
- Coverages and limitations of insurance
- Determining the Business Organizational Structure
Managing Administrative Duties (26%)
- Develop the Business
- Availability of staffing for business operation
- Income sources
- Markets and market share.
- Determine Outsourced Services
- Determine Business Overhead
- FICA
- Advertising costs (business cards, dues, printing, etc.)
- Communication costs (cell phones, land lines, etc.)
- Cost of sales (travel expenses)
- Federal unemployment (FUTA)
- General liability rates
- Lease expenses
- Loan financing expenses (interest, etc.)
- Medicare rates
- Rent costs
- State unemployment (SUTA)
- Utility costs
- Worker’s compensation
- Preparing Bids/Proposals
- Accounting principles
- AIA documents
- Business projections/goals current status
- Company overhead
- Contract documents
- Contract law
- Cost of financing projects
- Costs associated with growth
- General conditions costs of projects
- How to review contracts
- How to write offer
- Insurances associated with labor rates
- Labor productivity
- Statute of frauds
- Taxes associated with labor rates
- Components of valid contract
- Purchase Materials/Supplies
- Depreciative costs
- Fundamentals of Uniform Commercial Code
- Inventory system operation (FIFO, etc.)
- Invoice approval systems
- Negotiating skills
- Purchasing systems
- Receiving systems
- State sales tax laws
- Statute of frauds
- Vendors in area
- Prepare Invoices/Draw Requests
- Basic math skills
- Calculation of percentage of work completed
- Contract/subcontract documents
- How to prepare invoices/draw requests
- Lien laws
- Develop a Safety Program
- Drug testing regulations
- MSDS sheets
- OSHA regulations
- Maintain Insurance
- General terms and definitions used in policies
- Insurance policies
- Limits of insurance
- Various types of insurance
- Various types of risk
- Managing Contracts
- Contract law
- Contract scope
- Job completion schedules
- Lien laws
- Mediation and arbitration processes
- Local building code requirements
- Tort law
- Risk management
- Develop the Business
Managing Trade Operations (10%)
- Schedule Trade Operations
- Critical path method (CPM)
- Delivery times
- Manufacturing times
- Requests for information (RFI)
- Sequencing trades
- Submittals/approval/fabrication process
- Maintain OSHA/Safety Records
- Document/record retainage requirements
- Penalties for non-compliance with OSHA
- Purchase/Order Materials & Supplies
- Accounting skills
- Basic math skills
- Job schedules
- Negotiation skills
- Organizational skills
- Plan reading skills
- Quality control
- Quantity take-offs
- Terms and abbreviations on invoices
- Types of building materials
- Leasing/Purchasing Equipment
- Cost of operation of equipment
- Depreciation
- Equipment operation
- Forecasted use of purchased equipment
- Interest costs for financing
- Maintenance
- Salvage resale values
- Support equipment required for equipment
- Tax credits associated with purchases
- Training needs for equipment
- Transportation costs for equipment
- Manage Material/Tool/Equipment Inventory
- Equipment maintenance procedures
- Inventory methods
- Schedule Trade Operations
Conducting Accounting Functions (32%)
- Manage Accounts Receivable
- Accounting principles
- Basic math skills
- Computer skills
- Lien laws
- Manage Accounts Payable
- Accounting principles
- Basic math skills
- Computer skills
- How to calculate discounts
- Lien laws
- Manage Cash Flow
- Accounting
- Banking
- Basic math skills
- Financial ratios
- File Tax Forms & Returns
- Accounting principles
- Basic math
- Federal tax laws
- Property tax laws
- Record keeping requirements
- Sales tax laws
- State tax laws
- Track Job Costs
- Accounting principles
- Basic math
- Calculate Employee Payroll
- Accounting
- State & federal tax laws
- Basic math
- Employment laws
- Employment/labor laws
- Hierarchy of garnishments
- Manage Accounts Receivable
Managing Human Resources (6%)
- Hire New Employees
- Employment laws
- Discrimination laws
- Interviewing skills
- Required forms for new hires
- Background checks
- Develop Human Resource Policies & Procedures
- Employment/labor laws
- OSHA
- Chain of custody (drug tests)
- Insurance regulations
- Evaluate Employees
- Employment/labor laws
- Hire New Employees
Complying with Government Regulation (15%)
- Comply with Federal Laws & Regulations
- FEMA (immigration components)
- OSHA
- Tax laws
- National Pollution Discharge
- Elimination System (NPDES)
- Environmental laws
- Comply with State Laws& Regulations
- Chapter 455 F.S.(Business & Professional Regulation)
- Chapter 713 F.S. (Liens)
- 61G4 F.A.C.
- Worker's Compensation
- Laws/DOR Sales/Use Tax
- Chapter 489, Part 1 F.S (Construction Contracting)
- Required continuing education
- CEU credit records
- License holder responsibilities
- Comply with Federal Laws & Regulations
- Official list of subjects for the Business and Finance exam
Florida Demolition Specialty (General) Contractor Classes
-
Login credentials emailed upon enrollment
Unlimited access (no time limits)
Lecture videos
Practice questions
Key concepts
Step-by-step solutions to math problems
Live review
classes$699.00$699.00 -
Login credentials emailed upon enrollment
Unlimited access (no time limits)
Lecture videos
Practice questions
Key concepts
Step-by-step solutions to math problems
Live review
classes$399.00$399.00
All Demolition (General) Contractor Classes are offered fully online (unlimited access to practice questions and lecture videos). We offer free live refresher online classes for Florida Contractors to help get ready for the Exam with the online class's purchase. The online classes are unlimited and can be accessed whenever needed; you can also attend live online classes as needed. All live refresher online classes are on Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (ET); we teach how to solve math problems for trade, business, and finance problems. View Class Schedule
Florida Demolition Specialty Contractor Books
The set of books includes all required references for both the Demolition Specialty and Business and Finance exams. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.
DEMOLITION SPECIALTY - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS
Sales price: $1,704.36DEMOLITION SPECIALTY - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS
Sales price: $1,804.36
If you want to buy individual books or tabs rather than the package you may click on the links below or visit our Books for the General Contractor Exams page, it will be easier to pick and choose what you need and add the items to your cart (you can do so on that single page).
List of Books for the Demolition Specialty Contractor Trade Exam
The trade exams for General Contracting (Demolition) are Contract Administration and Project Management. The exact same list of books is used for both of them.
- Florida Building Code - Building
Florida Building Code edition is the primary source for building code compliance in Florida. - Florida Building Code - Accessibility
The Florida Accessibility Code (Florida Building Code - Accessibility) outlines the code requirements for compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) as it relates to the construction of public buildings and structures. Samples of its content includes specifications on the construction of handicapped-accessible restrooms, as well as requirements of the construction of wheel chair ramps. - Florida Building Code - Residential
The Residential Code is the primary resource for code compliance for single and multi-family dwelling construction in Florida. - Florida Building Code - Existing Building
The Florida Existing Building Code is the primary code reference for the remodeling and restoration of existing buildings in FL. - Florida Building Code - Energy Conservation
The Florida Energy Conservation Code is the current and primary source of code compliance for mechanical contractors and builders. This book used to be Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code in prior code editions (before it was published separately). - Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
Many advances have been made in concrete technology over the decades ranging from new materials and testing methods, to improved concrete properties and construction practices. Concrete construction today follows a mantra of quicker, stronger, more durable, more resilient, and more sustainable. That story is proudly displayed within the pages of this centennial edition of Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. - Placing Reinforcing Bars
Placing Reinforcing Bars covers all aspects of concrete reinforcement. - Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction
Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction covers all aspects of the building process with a focus on civil structures and high-rise buildings. - A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction
The A201 is published by the AIA and establishes the general conditions of the contract for construction. - A401 Standard Form of Agreement between Contractor Subcontractor
Please beware of companies selling photocopies of AIA documents. You will not be allowed to use photocopies during testing. If you suspect a company of engaging in this illegal practice, please notify the publisher. - A701, Instructions for Bidders
Please beware of companies selling photocopies of AIA documents. You will not be allowed to use photocopies during testing. If you suspect a company of engaging in this illegal practice, please email the publisher - Builder's Guide to Accounting
Builder's Guide to Accounting, is used for the Business and Finance contractor exam in Florida. - Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book
The Building Estimator's Reference Book is an important reference used for estimating and as a reference for contractor exams. - CFR (OSHA) Tile 29 Part 1926
OSHA (CFR 29 Part 1926) is the leading safety reference in the construction industry covering all aspects of construction. - Florida Contractor's Manual
The Florida Contractor's Manual is used as one of the references for the Business and Finance exam. - Specifications for the Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products, GA-216
This illustrated book gives recommendations for the proper installation and finishing of gypsum board. - Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida
Publication by the University of Florida which covers all aspects of energy efficient construction in Florida. - Building Component Safety Information Handling, Installing and Bracing Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, HIB-91
This book covers all aspects of the handling and installation of metal plate connected wood trusses. It is a great reference for carpenters and builders. - Florida Statutes Chapter 455
Business and Professional Regulation: General Provisions) contains regulation directly impacting the licensing process of contractors in the State of Florida.
- Builder's Guide to Accounting
- Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book
- Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
- Placing Reinforcing Bars
- Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction
- Specifications for the Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products, GA-216
Please note that A201, A401, A701, Builder's Guide to Accounting and Florida Contractors Manual are required for both the business and the trade exams. Florida Statutes 455 is the only book which is used exclusively on the Business and Finance Exam. If you just want the business book set, you can find it on the Business Exam page.
You can sign up for your classes at any time and receive access to lecture videos, practice questions, tabbing and highlighting instructions, as well as to step-by-step explanations on how to solve typical General Contractor Exam problems. The General Contractor Classes prepare you for the trade (Contract Administration and Project Management) and business and finance exams. You can take your classes at anytime (visit Florida Demolition Contractor Class Schedule) and when you are ready you can sign up for testing by visiting Sign Up for the Demolition (General) Contractor’s License in Florida. To sign up for the Florida Demolition Contractor classes, simply click on the "enroll" button above and checkout; this will allow you to receive immediate access to the online Florida Demolition Contractor Classes. All students have access for an unlimited amount of time (until passing all the GC Exams.