Contractor Experience Requirements in Florida

Becoming a Contractor in Florida you have to meet several requirements and must have experience before even taking the Main Exams. A contractor's license in Florida allows you to build, repair, and remodel any type of building, regardless of size or number of stories.

Contractor Required Experience in Florida

Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Contractor in the State of Florida:

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You must take and pass the state certification examinations(Trade exam and Business and Finnance). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.
• Experience / Education: A person will qualify for a Certified Contractor’s license by meeting one of the following requirements.
• Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years’ experience) and one year proved experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• One year of experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• One year of 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.
• Financial / Credit: You will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched. Credit report containing a credit score (FICO derived) on the applicant from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. If the credit score is below 660 (FICO derived) applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Note that Fifty percent (50%) of the bond or letter of credit requirement may be met by completion of a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
• Fingerprints: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.
• Insurance: Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain worker's compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
• Military Veterans:
• A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting one of the following:
• Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• Two years of military service, 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.

Each license has different requirements, here is a link to inform you more on your trades required experience.