Florida Building Contractor License

A Florida Building Contractor (CBC) means a contractor whose services are limited to construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, which do not exceed three stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection therewith or a contractor whose services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building if the services do not affect the structural members of the building. This is the correct license for those contractors wishing to build new residential and commercial structures up to three-stories. If you are a contractor engaged in the construction of new structures higher than three-stories (high-rise buildings) you need a Florida General Contractor's License (CGC) instead. The Florida Building Contractor's License allows contractors to remodel any type of residential or commercial unit, regardless of height (the 3-story limitation only applies to structural work and new construction, not to non-structural remodeling work). If your scope of operation is strictly limited to new residential construction and remodeling, you only need a Florida Residential Contractor's License (CRC).

Licensing Requirements

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

• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Examination: Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Building Contract Administration and Building Project Management). 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 Building 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 proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
  • One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
  • One year 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.
  • “Upgrade Method”: A certified residential contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of 3 yrs does not need to meet any other experience requirements.
  • Military Veterans
    • A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting on 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.
• Applicants for the Certified Building Contractor License must have experience in four or more of the experience areas listed below:
  • Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft.
  • Masonry walls
  • Steel erection
  • Precast concrete structures
  • Column erection
  • Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
  • Elevated slabs
• Financial / Credit: Applicants 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 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 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 workers compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.To download the different application forms related to the Building Contractor’s License, you may visit the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board’s site.

Florida Building Contractor Exams

The Florida Building Contractor Examination in Florida consists of a Business and Finance test, as well as a Trade test. The Trade test is divided into two sections; the morning section of the trade test is known as the Contract Administration exam, while the afternoon section of the Trade test is known as the Project Management exam. It is possible to pass one and fail the other but both sections must eventually be passed (along with the business and finance test) in order to satisfy the State's academic requirements. Do not sign up to take your exams until you obtain your books and begin studying for them!

Building Contract Administration Exam

This is an open book test with 50 questions which lasts 4 hours and 45 minutes (morning session). The subjects involved are: Pre-construction Activities, Project Contracts, Obtaining Licenses, Permits and Approvals, Construction Procedures and Operations.

Building Project Management Exam

This is an open book test with 50 questions which also lasts 4 hours and 45 minutes (afternoon session). The subjects involved are: Construction Methods, Materials, Tools, and Equipment; Safety; and Reading Plans and Specifications.

Business and Finance Exam

This is a separate test which lasts 6.5 hours, and contains 120 questions. Some of the subjects included in this test are: Establishing the Contracting Business, Managing Administrative Duties, Managing Trade Operations, Conducting Accounting Functions, Managing Human Resources, and complying with Government Regulations.

Florida Building Contractor Classes

You can take Building Contractor Classes in Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Miami, or Online. 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 Building Contractor Exam problems. The Building Contractor Classes prepare you for the trade and business exams. Florida Building Contractor Testing Schedule). You must pass all exams before applying for the Building Contractor’s License in Florida. To sign up for the Florida Building Contractor classes, simply click on the "enroll" button below and checkout; this will allow you to receive immediate access to the Florida Building Contractor Classes online, and will also enable you to attend in-person Exam Prep classes. All students have access to both online and in-person classes for an unlimited amount of time (until passing all the Florida Building Contractor exams needed to get the Building license!). The in-person classes are not mandatory and can be taken at the student's discretion. For a list of upcoming classes for the Florida Building Contractor Exams click on the link within the course description below.

• Florida Building (Contract Administration) Contractor Course

  Course Description: Upon enrolment the student receives an email containing his/her ID and Password combination to access the eCampus. The student can access the eCampus 24/7 for as long as it is necessary until he/she passes all licensing exams.  The eCampus contains VIDEOS, PRACTICE QUESTIONS (similar to those seen on the actual exams), typical MATH PROBLEMS with step-by-step solutions, and detailed instructions on how to FIND ANSWERS within the books. The student also has access to optional in-person classroom-style refresher seminars. The training can be completed fully online, but if the student prefers, he/she can go to any number of REFRESHER SEMINARS (no extra charges or limitations).

  Click here for a list of dates and locations of upcoming Refresher Seminars offered for this trade.

  $299.50

  $299.50

• Florida Building (Project Management) Contractor Course

  Course Description: Upon enrolment the student receives an email containing his/her ID and Password combination to access the eCampus. The student can access the eCampus 24/7 for as long as it is necessary until he/she passes all licensing exams. The eCampus contains VIDEOS, PRACTICE QUESTIONS (similar to those seen on the actual exams), typical MATH PROBLEMS with step-by-step solutions, and detailed instructions on how to FIND ANSWERS within the books. The student also has access to optional in-person classroom-style refresher seminars. The training can be completed fully online, but if the student prefers, he/she can go to any number of REFRESHER SEMINARS (no extra charges or limitations).

  Click here for a list of dates and locations of upcoming Refresher Seminars offered for this trade.

  $299.50

  $299.50

• Florida Business and Finance (Construction) Course

  This is the course which prepares you for the Business and Finance exam. The Business and Finance exam is mandatory for all contractors regardless of specific trade. This course teaches you how to find answers within the books (AIAs, Builder’s Guide to Accounting, Florida Contractor’s Manual, and Ch 455), and how to solve accounting problems. Detailed lecture videos teach how to solve problems step-by-step, and if you need some extra help, you can go to in-person review classes at no extra charge.

  $299.00

  $299.00

Florida Building Contractor Books

The set of books includes all required references for both the Building 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.

List of Books for the Building Contractor Trade Exams

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  Florida Building Code - Energy Conservation

  The 2017 Florida Energy Conservation Code is a statewide energy code based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), it is published by the International Code Council and it provides a standard code for the use of energy in new and existing buildings in the State of Florida.

  $39.00

  $39.00

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Florida Building Code - Building

  The Florida Building Code (2017) is the most complete source of code standards and compliance information in the construction industry. It is arguably the single-most important book in the construction industry since it defines the standards with which construction products and installations must comply throughout the construction process. It is for this reason that the Florida Building Code is one of the most heavily-tested reference books in the Florida construction contractor licensing exams. Product Dimensions: 11 3/4" x 13" x 5 1/4" Weight: 8.6 Lbs Author: International Code Council Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning Edition: 2017 ISBN-10: 160983562X ISBN-13: 9781609835576

  $131.04

  $131.04

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Florida Building Code - Accessibility

  The Florida Accessibility Code 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. Product Dimensions: 11 3/4" x 11 1/4" x 2 1/2" Weight: 2.8 Lbs Author: International Code Council Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning Edition: 2017 ISBN: 9781609835644

  $61.75

  $61.75

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Florida Building Code - Residential

  The 6th edition (2017) Florida Residential Code is published by the International Code Council and is based on the International Code. It describes the code compliance requirements for the construction of residential structures in the State of Florida.

  $123.24

  $123.24

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Florida Building Code - Existing Building

  The 2017 Florida Existing Building Code is published by the International Code Council and has several real-life uses for contractors in Florida (besides its use for Contractor Licensing Testing or exam prep). It sets the standards for dealing with the remodeling of existing building structures. It also covers the precautions and requirements which contractors must follow in order to protect the integrity of historically valuable structures. Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 11.2 x 2.2 inches Weight: 3 Lbs Autor: International Code Council Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning Edition: 2017

  $71.76

  $71.76

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction

  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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  $67.10

  $67.10

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
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  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 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  $67.10

  $67.10

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
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  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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  $46.18

  $46.18

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Builder's Guide to Accounting

  A step-by-step guide for setting up and maintaining records for a construction business. It is a practical, newly-revised guide to all accounting methods showing how to meet state and federal accounting requirements.

  $23.44

  $23.44

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 no (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book

  The 31st edition of Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book is recognized worldwide as the authoritative source for comprehensive cost estimating information. It contains detailed construction cost data, reference tables, charts, and diagrams for quick reference plus detailed explanations of all possible variables affecting job costs.

  $96.00

  $96.00

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  CFR (OSHA) Tile 29 Part 1926

  In this text, specifically written for construction industry compliance, you will be able to find all the information needed to meet OSHA standards. In addition to a complete collection of Part 1926 regulations for the construction industry, the book also contains Part 1903 on Inspections, Citations, and Penalties; Part 1904 concerning Recording and Reporting Occupational Illnesses and Injuries; and relevant selections from Part 1910 for General Industry. Number of Pages: 566 Product Dimensions: 11 x 8 1/2 x 1 1/8 Weight: 2.8 Lbs Publisher: Mancomm ISBN-10: 1599595664

  $33.62

  $33.62

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Florida Contractor's Manual 2017 Edition

  This book includes many of the aspects of operating a business related to the construction industry and shows everything there is to know about the proper way to file taxes; what insurance to carry; how to manage daily accounts, and how, when, and why to file a paperwork for a lien. It includes excerpts from the entire sections of Federal Codes, State Statutes, local ordinances, and the administrative rules related to all of the above. Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.2 x 3.8 inches; Weight: 9.2 pounds; Author: Multiple; Publisher: Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter; Edition: 2017 Edition; ISBN-10: 9781232013; ISBN-13: 978-9781232015. The 2013 Edition is out-of-print.

  $124.80

  $124.80

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures

  Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Steven H. Kosmatka, Beatrix Kerkhoff and William C. Panarese, 16th Edition, 2016, Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077-1083. ISBN: 9780893122775

  $63.07

  $63.07

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Placing Reinforcing Bars

  Placing Reinforcing Bars is published by the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute and is primary re-bar reference for builders, designers, contractors, and apprentices. It is a detail-oriented publication great for learning, for double-checking on the soundness of one’s own installation procedures, and even for preparing for contractor license examinations. Product Dimensions: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 3/4" Weight: 0.8 lbs Autor: Committee on Placing Reinforcing Bars Publisher: CRSI Edition: 9th ISBN: 9781943961146

  $72.80

  $72.80

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction

  Provides an overview of the methods, equipment, and materials used in the construction of large commercial buildings, making it an excellent source of general illustrated information. Number of Pages: 556 Product Dimensions: 11 1/8" x 8 3/4" x 1" Weight: 2.8 Lbs Autor: Andres,Cameron K; Smith, R.C. Publisher: Prentice Hall Edition: 9th ISBN-10: 0132495015 ISBN-13: 9780132495011

  $155.70

  $155.70

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  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, including related accessories, over a variety of substrates and framing. Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products, GA-216, 2016 Edition. Gypsum Association, 9781557018922 810 First Street NE, #510, Washington, DC 20002. www.gypsum.org Number of Pages: 17 Product Dimensions: 11" x 8 1/2" x 1/8" Weight: 0.2 Lbs

  $38.40

  $38.40

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida

  This is a useful handbook designed to provide up-to-date information for building energy efficient homes in the State of Florida. This book has very comprehensive details, including insulation, windows, lighting, air conditioning, and duct Systems. Number of Pages: 252 Product Dimensions: 11" x 9 1/4" x 7/8" Weight: 1.4 Lbs Publisher: University of Florida Edition: 8th ISBN-13: 978-0-9852487-3-4

  $48.09

  $48.09

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Building Component Safety Information Handling, Installing and Bracing Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, HIB-91

  It is a guide for jobsite safety and truss performance. It includes information regarding the handling, installation, restraining, and bracing of metal plate connected wood trusses. Number of Pages: 99 Product Dimensions: 11" x 9" x 3/4" Weight: 0.8 Lbs Also known as: Building Component Safety Information Guide for good practice for Handling, Installing and Bracing Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses Publisher: WTCA & Truss Plate Institute Edition: 2013

  $15.90

  $15.90

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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List of Books for the Business and Finance Exam

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.

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  Florida Contractor's Manual 2017 Edition

  This book includes many of the aspects of operating a business related to the construction industry and shows everything there is to know about the proper way to file taxes; what insurance to carry; how to manage daily accounts, and how, when, and why to file a paperwork for a lien. It includes excerpts from the entire sections of Federal Codes, State Statutes, local ordinances, and the administrative rules related to all of the above. Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.2 x 3.8 inches; Weight: 9.2 pounds; Author: Multiple; Publisher: Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter; Edition: 2017 Edition; ISBN-10: 9781232013; ISBN-13: 978-9781232015. The 2013 Edition is out-of-print.

  $124.80

  $124.80

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  Florida Statutes Chapter 455

  Chapter 455 of the Florida Statutes (Business and Professional Regulation: General Provisions) contains regulation directly impacting the licensing process of contractors in the State of Florida. It is not only an important source of information for contractors in their everyday practice, but it is also a very useful reference used for the business and finance exam for all Florida state-contractor examinations. It covers subjects like continuing education requirements, the composition of the construction board, and unlicensed activity. Product Dimensions: 11" x 8.5" x 1/4"; Weight: 0.5 Lbs; Number of Pages: 58. This document is published by the Division of legislative Information Services, Rm 704 Claude Pepper Building, 111 West Madison St, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1400.

  $12.14

  $12.14

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

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  A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction

  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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  $67.10

  $67.10

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  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 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  $67.10

  $67.10

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  $46.18

  $46.18

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 No (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity:
• 

  Builder's Guide to Accounting

  A step-by-step guide for setting up and maintaining records for a construction business. It is a practical, newly-revised guide to all accounting methods showing how to meet state and federal accounting requirements.

  $23.44

  $23.44

  Tabs:

  Yes +$10.00 no (No additional charge) Tabs only, no book ($10.00)

  Quantity: