Florida Contractor Licenses
Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes. If your license is not listed as a state license, please select your county.
The State of Florida is now accepting licenses from other states through Endorsements. For more information, please visit Endorsements in the State of Florida.
The State of Florida has Electrical Endorsement Agreements with California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.
FL State Licenses
General Contractor
Unlimited height and scope of work, can sub-out all mechanical and electrical trades
Business Exam
This exam is needed by all state construction contractors in FL
Building
Up to three stories (new construction), unlimited remodeling
Class A Air Conditioning
Unlimited HVAC work
Class B Air Conditioning
Limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTUs of heating
Demolition
Execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to demolish
Gas Line
Natural Gas installations and repairs
Glass and Glazing
Windows, glass, prefabricated curtain walls and storefront panels
Gypsum Drywall
Drywall, incidental framing, base/finish coats
Industrial Facilities
Construction, repair, demolition, modification, and alteration of uninhabitable industrial structures
Irrigation
Sprinklers, controllers, sensors, pumps
Marine
Docks, piers, boathouses, ramps, seawalls, boatlifts
Mechanical
HVAC plus pressure, pneumatic, LP, chemical, vacuum line piping
Plumbing
Water supply, drainage, septic tanks, medical gas
Pollutant Storage
Polluntant storage tanks
Pool and Spa Commercial
Build and service any pool
Pool and Spa Decking
Installation of concrete flatwork, pavers, and bricks, retaining walls, and footings
Pool and Spa Excavation
Excavation and earthmoving required for the installation of pools, spas, and hot tub shells
Pool and Spa Finishes
Coating or plastering of the interior surfaces of pools, spas, or hot tub shells
Pool and Spa Layout Specialty
Limited to the layout, shaping, steel installation, and rough piping of pools, spas, and hot tub shells
Pool and Spa Piping
Installation of piping or the installation of circulating, filtering, disinfecting, controlling, or monitoring equipment
Pool and Spa Residential
Build residential pools, service any pool
Pool and Spa Service
Service any pool, no new pool construction
Pool and Spa Structural
Limited to the shaping and shooting of gunite, shotcrete, concrete, or similar product mix
Pool and Spa Trim
Installation of tile and coping for pools, spas, and hot tub shells
Residential
Build and remodel houses, no commercial construction
Roofing
Install and maintain all types of roofs
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal and fiberglass for air-handling equipment ductwork
Solar
Solar water heating, pool heating, photovoltaic
Specialty Structure
Pool cages, sheds, soffit, fascia, gutters
Tower Specialty
Alteration of uninhabitable towers for purposes of communications, energy, water, or utilities; including construction of accessory use structures not exceeding three stories in height which house related equipment
Underground Utilities
Utility lines, site development
Electrical
Alarm Systems I
Fire and burglar alarms
Alarm Systems II
Burglar alarms (does not include Fire Alarm)
Lighting Maintenance
Maintenance and repair, no new installs
Limited Energy (Low Voltage)
Telecommunication, automated access control, CCTV, structured cabling, data networks
Residential (Electrical)
Limited to 2 stories, single phase, 400-ampere single service
Sign (Electrical)
Any electrical sign, limited to a max of 25Kw at 250V if self-standing
Two Way Radio Communications System
The installation of electrical wiring, or any part there of not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), for two-way radio communications enhancement systems in all structures
Unlimited (Electrical)
Master electrician (includes the scope of ALL electrical categories)
Utility Line (Electrical)
Electrical transmission lines
Fire Protection
Fire Protection I
All types of fire protection
Fire Protection II
Water spray and foam-water
Fire Protection III
CO2, foam, dry chemical
Fire Protection IV
Detached single-family dwelling
Fire Protection V
Underground piping from point-of-service to no more than 1 foot above finished floor
Inspectors
Building Codes and Standards Module Inspector FB
Application and interpretation of Building Codes
Building Plans Examiner Inspector 3B
Inspect and examine building plans for code compliance
Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector 1C
Inspect the construction of structure in coastal and flood-prone areas
Commercial Building Inspector 2B
Inspect commercial structures of any size or occupancy
Commercial Electrical Inspector 2E
Inspect electrical systems indoors and outdoors, including services, conductors, equipment, components, fixtures, appliances, devices, and electrical appurtenances for all types of buildings and structures, both commercial and industrial, with no limit as to voltage or amperage
Commercial Mechanical Inspector 2M
Inspect mechanical systems in residential and commercial structures
Commercial Plumbing Inspector 2P
Inspect stormwater systems, special waste systems, and all non-flammable medical and non-medical oxygen piping system
Electrical Plans Examiner Inspector 3E
Reviewing plans, drawings, and specifications to determine code compliance for electrical installations or alterations of indoor and outdoor electrical systems
Legal Module Inspector ME
Handling of legal aspects of Code Administration
Management Module Inspector MN
Administration of a Building Department
Modular Building Inspector
Inspection of modular buildings
Plumbing Plans Examiner Inspector 3P
Reviewing the installation and design of plumbing fixtures, type of occupancy and minimum number of fixtures required for different occupancies, water heaters, domestic water distribution systems materials used, design of the DWV system, storm drain pipe sizing, and the proper back flow protection of potable water, including pipe sizing, indirect waste, and methods of venting and materials uses and ensuring that the proper documentation for the plan review process has been filed
Residential Building Inspector 1B
Inspect one-and-two family dwellings, townhomes not more than three stories in height, and accessory structures
Residential Electrical Inspector 1E
Inspect electrical systems indoors and outdoors, including services, conductors, equipment, components, fixtures, appliances, devices, and electrical appurtenances for one‐and-two‐family dwellings limited to 120/240 volts, single phase, up to 400 amperes
Residential Mechanical Inspector 1M
Inspect mechanical systems in residential structures
Residential Plumbing Inspector 1P
Verifying piping systems' installation, testing, and protection, building components, fuel gas piping combustion, air-approved fixtures, venting, flow rates, pressures, volume and temperature, and protection of the potable water supply and distribution system. Other duties include verifying that all materials, joints, connections, and appliances are of the approved type.
Roofing Inspector FR
Inspection of rooftops, materiald and any other work related to roofing
Contractor Campus is a Florida Construction and Electrical School which specializes in Contractor Licensing. Since most contractor licenses in Florida require contractors to pass one or more exams, Contractor Campus offers Exam Prep Online Classes designed to help contractors pass their tests the first time.
For more information on State License Exam Books visit our link Florida State Test Books
The next page contains the schedule of upcoming live refresher online classes for Florida Contractors.
Contractor Classes Schedule
To reserve your seat in any of these classes, please email your request to
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.The live online classes will not have a Sunday component; they will be held on Saturdays only.
Date | Venue | |
---|---|---|
December 2, 2023 | Online | |
December 16, 2023 | Online (Spanish Only) | |
January 13, 2024 | Online | |
January 27, 2024 | Online | |
February 10, 2024 | Online | |
February 24, 2024 | Online | |
March 09, 2024 | Online (Spanish Only) | |
March 23, 2024 | Online | |
April 06, 2024 | Online | |
April 20, 2024 | Online | |
May 11, 2024 | Online | |
May 18, 2024 | Online | |
June 01, 2024 | Online (Spanish Only) | |
June 22, 2024 | Online | |
June 29, 2024 | Online | |
July 13, 2024 | Online | |
July 27, 2024 | Online | |
August 10, 2024 | Online | |
August 24, 2024 | Online | |
September 07, 2024 | Online (Spanish Only) | |
September 21, 2024 | Online | |
October 05, 2024 | Online | |
October 19, 2024 | Online | |
November 02, 2024 | Online | |
November 16, 2024 | Online | |
December 14, 2024 | Online (Spanish Only) | |
Classes are from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM & 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM (ET). |
Testing Schedule for Contractors 2023
State Construction Contractors
For information on the number of questions on you Contractor Exams, please click here.
Dates and Locations
Plumbing (trade knowledge) examinations are administered in paper and pencil format and are offered multiple times per year in Orlando only.
Exam Dates (Plumbing Only) | City | Exam Location |
---|---|---|
August 15-16, 2023 | Kissimmee | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
October 17-18, 2023 | Kissimmee | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
December 12-13, 2023 | Kissimmee | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
Official Schedule of Plumbing (trade knowledge) Exams |
All other construction examinations, including General, Building, and Residential (contract administration and project management) as well as the business & finance examination part, are administered in computer-based testing format on a daily basis and at testing sites throughout the world. After a candidate has been approved by Professional Testing, Inc., they may schedule to sit for their examination(s) by contacting the department’s examination vendor, Pearson Vue© .
Scheduling a Construction Examination
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation has contracted with Professional Testing, Inc., to register candidates, develop, and score professional examinations for the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Individuals desiring to sit for construction trade knowledge, contract administration, project management, or business & finance examination parts are required to apply directly with Professional Testing, Inc.
To apply by phone: 407-264-0562
To apply online: Florida Exam
Completed applications and appropriate fees must be received by Professional Testing, Inc., no later than 30 days prior to the examination date.
Plumbing examinations (trade knowledge) are administered in paper and pencil format and are offered multiple times per year in Orlando only. Candidates approved to sit for these examinations will receive confirmation from Professional Testing, Inc., that includes the specific date, time, and location of the examination.
All other construction examinations, including General, Building, and Residential (contract administration and project management) as well as business & finance examination part, are administered in computer-based testing format. After a candidate has been approved by Professional Testing, Inc., they may schedule to sit for their examination(s) by contacting the department’s examination vendor, Pearson Vue©.
To view the Florida Contractor Exam Codes, please visit Exam Codes for Pearson Vue© Tests in Florida.
To locate a testing site near you or to register to sit for an examination, use this link: www.pearsonvue.com
To schedule by phone, call 888-204-62305
Candidates taking a computer-based examination through Pearson Vue© will be required to submit a valid email address, telephone number, and payment at the time the examination is scheduled. Candidates will be eligible to schedule an examination within 72 hours after the candidate’s examination application has been approved by Professional Testing, Inc.
Construction Examinations Content
All examinations are open book and consist of multiple-choice questions. You should be prepared to respond to examination questions on any of the content areas included in the examination content outline. Use the links below to view examination content outlines for each of the construction examinations.
For Information on the number of questions on each exam, please visit "Number of Questions for the Florida Contractor Exams."
Business & Finance
Class A Air Conditioning Contractor
Class B Air Conditioning Contractor
Building Contractor Contract Administration
Building Contractor Project Management
Gas Line
General Contractor Contract Administration
General Contractor Project Management
Glass & Glazing
Gypsum Drywall
Irrigation
Marine Specialty
Mechanical
Plumbing
Pollutant Storage
Commercial Pool
Residential Pool
Service Pool
Residential Contractor Contract Administration
Residential Contractor Project Management
Roofing
Sheet Metal
Solar
Specialty Structure
Underground Utility
Additionally, for a breakdown of the number of examination questions and allotted time to complete each examination, view Examinations at a Glance .
State Electrical Contractors
ALL electrical exams are Computer-Based.
Scheduling an Electrical Examination
DBPR offers electrical examinations in a computer-based testing (CBT) format. Candidates who have been approved to sit for one of the following examinations may do so by contacting the department’s examination vendor, Pearson Vue© . Examinations are available on a daily basis at testing sites throughout the world.
To schedule by Phone: 888-204-6230
To locate a testing site near you or to register online visit Pearson Vue©
Candidates taking a computer-based examination through Pearson Vue© will be required to submit a valid email address, telephone number, and payment at the time the examination is scheduled. Candidates will be eligible to schedule an examination within 72 hours after the candidate’s examination application has been approved by the department.
Preparing for the Examination
To view a list of all books related to any state license, please go to Florida Licenses and click on your particular trade.
County Contractor Exams
There are three testing companies which provide testing services for contractors in Florida. You must contact them directly to schedule your test. Make sure your county accepts their tests results before signing up for testing.
When choosing a testing company, choose one which is customer-oriented, one you can call and talk to a person that can help you. We advise you contact all of them to see which one is more responsive to your needs.
Fire Protection Contractor
For Fire Protection Licenses, you must submit a check of $400 with the Application written out to “Department of Financial Services”. This covers the exam fee ($100) and application fee ($300). Include the following documentation with the application:
- Copy of Underground Utility & Excavation License
- Copy of your FL Drivers License
- Statement, Signed by owner of the company, on company stationary, giving you “full authority to act on behalf of the firm”
- Certificate of Insurance (Accord 25 Form)
- Evidence that the company you are applying under is registered with the Florida Secretary of State (sunbiz.org)
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact Ford Wilt.
Ford Wilt
OPS Government Analyst 1
Office of CFO Jimmy Patronis
Department of Financial Services
Division of State Fire Marshal
Teléfono: 850-413-3628
Email:
GITS©
Phone: 800-997-2129
Website: www.gitsllc.org
Prov©
Phone: 866-720-7768
Website: www.provexam.com
Prometric©
Website: www.prometric.com
Contact Us Page: Prometric© Contact Us page
Phone: 1-800-967-1139
Gulf Coast Testing
Gulf Coast Testing is a testing facility which provides Prometric© Testing in SWFL
Website: www.gctesting.com
2891 Center Pointe Drive, Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-274-3184
Related articles 2023 Testing Schedule for Florida
The next page will provide you with contact information for government agencies and testing companies related to the licensing process.
Getting a Contractor’s License in Florida
Obtaining a statewide license in the State of Florida is a sound business decision for construction businesses of any size and scope. Some of the reasons for obtaining a state license in the sunshine state are:
- Most contractors do work in at least two counties
- County contractor licensing can be cumbersome and less stable than state licensing
- It allows business to legally engage in bidding in a larger geographical area and cherry-pick better contracts
- If ever interested in serving as a qualifying agent, it gives the licensee much more leverage when negotiation with a contracting entity
- Prevents having to reciprocate and renew a license across multiple counties
Getting a Florida contractor’s license is a process which is defined by the agency or board issuing the certification. Construction contractors like plumbers, GC, and roofers get their license through the CILB, while Electrical contractors like electricians, alarm installers, and electric sign installers get their licenses through the EILB. Fire Protection Contractors obtain their licenses through the Florida Fire Marshall.
How to Get a Construction License in Florida
The requirements to get a Construction Contractor license in Florida are:
- 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 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).
- No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman.
- Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker.
- One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker.
- Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
The following field trade experience is accepted by the Board:
- Building Contractor
Project and Work Performed:- Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
- Masonry walls
- Column erection
- Steel erection
- Elevated slabs
- Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
- Class A Air Conditioning Contractor
Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:- Heating Equipment
- Air Conditioning Equipment
- Sheet Metal Ductwork
- Refrigeration Equipment
- Systems in excess of 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU heating capacity (1 year of experience)
- Class B Air Conditioning Contractor
Installation, Maintenance- Air Conditioning Equipment
- Ductwork
- Heating Equipment
- Heating and Cooling Systems (1 year of experience)
- Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor
Commercial Installation, Repair/Servicing of the Pool Components:- Electrical Components
- Deck Work
- Excavation
- Grading
- Backfill
- Compacting
- Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing
- Plumbing Components
- Shell Placement
- Tile
- Coping
- Trim Work
- At least 1 year of experience in the construction of public/commercial pools
- Demolition Contractor
- 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:
- General Contractor
Project and work performed:- Masonry walls
- Elevated slabs
- Column erection
- Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
- Steel erection
- Column erection
- Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
- Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
- Glass and Glazing Contractor
Attachment/Installation of:- Cutting and Installation of Glass and Mirrors
- Windows and Glass
- Glass Holding or Supporting Mullions or Horizontal Bars
- Gypsum Drywall Contractor
Installation, Repair and Servicing of:- Gypsum Board
- Light Steel Framing
- Finishing
- Industrial Facilities Contractor
applicant must have experience in at least 5 of the following 8 elements:- Foundation/Slabs Greater than 20,000 sqft.
- Structural Steel Erection
- Structural Column Erection
- Elevated Slabs
- Formwork for Structural Reinforced Concrete
- Control Room Construction
- Manufactured Equipment Installation
- Other Related Construction
- Irrigation Contractor
- Areas of Experience (Commercial and Residential)
- Piping
- Solenoid Valves
- Control Wire Irrigation Controller
- Rain Shut-off Devices
- Sprays
- Micro-irrigation Components
- Specific Experience in:
- Installation of Two-wire or Decoder Based Controllers
- Trenching Excavation and Compaction
- Cross Connection Control
- Locating Underground Utility
- Additional Experience to demonstrate substantial compliance with experience requirements:
- Use of Reclaimed Water
- Site Restoration
- Use of Water Saving Technologies and Products
- Installation of Central Control Systems (numerous site systems managed through central interface like a website or computer)
- Plot Plan and Site Preparation
- Installation of Sport Field or Golf Systems
- Pump Installation
- Material Take Off/Plot Plan
- Areas of Experience (Commercial and Residential)
- Marine Contractor
- Floating Marine Structures
- Floating
- Framing
- Decking
- Anchor
- Access Gangway
- Mooring
- Fixed Marine Structures
- Framing
- Concrete Deck
- Foundation
- Concrete Footers
- Structural Pilings
- Shoreline Stabilization (additional)
- Concrete Walls
- Sheet Piles
- Wood Bulkhead
- Anchoring Systems (additional)
- Concrete Deadmen
- Timber Pilings
- Wedge Anchor
- Other (additional)
- Dredging
- Filling
- Floating Marine Structures
- Mechanical Contractor
- Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:
- Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Equipment
- Sheet Metal Ductwork
- Systems in excess of 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU heating capacity
- Further Installation experience in 5 of the following 8 areas:
- Boilers and Pressure Vessel Systems
- Gas, Air, Vacuum, Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide, Ink, and Chemical Line Piping
- Piping and Gasoline tanks
- Piping for Lift Stations
- Direct Digital Control and/or Low Voltage Wiring
- LP/Natural Gas Piping (within buildings)
- Fabrication of Sheet Metal Ductwork
- Condensate Drain Piping
- Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:
- Plumbing Contractor
- Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:
- Drainage Venting
- Sanitary Drainage
- Water Distribution Lines/Systems
- Waste Piping
- Natural Gas and Liquid Petroleum Piping and Venting Systems
- Further Maintenance and Repair of:
- Industrial Water Drainage
- Medical Gas Piping
- Oxygen
- Helium
- Nitrous Oxide
- Compressed Air
- Vacuum
- Industrial Piping
- Oil and Gasoline Storage and Distribution
- Industrial Gas Piping
- Industrial Vacuum Piping
- Steam Distribution
- Sewage Disposal Systems
- Septic Tanks
- Pumps
- Lift Stations
- Interceptors
- Water Wells
- Solar Water Heating Systems
- Swimming Pool Piping Systems
- Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:
- Pollutant Storage Contractor
- Pollutant Storage Systems (Installation/Removal)
- Residential Contractor
Project and work performed in at least 3 of the following five areas of trade:- Column Erection
- Foundation/Slabs/Structural Formwork
- Masonry Walls
- Structural Demolition
- Structural Wood Framing
- Including Trusses
- Excluding Platform Framing
- Residential Pool/Spa Contractor
Installation, Repair and Servicing of:- Shell Placement
- Plumbing Components
- Deck work
- Electrical Components
- Tile, Coping, and Trim Work
- Excavation
- Grading
- Backfill
- Compacting
- Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing
- Roofing Contractor
- Experience in 3 or more elements below:
- Shingles
- Concrete
- Solar Tile
- Tile
- Metal
- Experience in ALL of the elements below:
- Single-ply Systems
- Parapet Walls
- Flashings
- Sheathing & Framing Repairs
- Roof Penetrations
- Underlayment
- Insulation
- Tapered
- Flat
- Foam
- Experience in 3 or more elements below:
- Service Pool Pool/Spa Contractor
- Installation of:
- Pool Deck Repair
- Tile, Coping, and Trim Work
- Pool Heaters
- Plumbing Equipment
- Pump
- Pimp
- Fittings
- Gauges
- Pressure Testing
- Valves
- Maintenance and Repair of Pool Shells
- Leak Detection and Testing
- Crack Repair
- Commercial and/or Residential work:
- Water Treatment
- Chemically Balancing Pool/Spa Water
- Other Water Features
- Water Activity Play Areas
- Interactive Water Features, etc.
- Filter Maintenance
- Draining Pools
- Interior Resurface Preparation
- Water Treatment
- Sheet Metal Contractor
Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:- Duct Systems
- Fabrication & Design
- Installation
- Air-Handling/Ventilation Systems
- Air Balancing
- Solar Contractor
Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:- Swimming Pool/Spa Solar Heating Systems
- Domestic Water Solar Heating Systems
- Photovoltaic Systems
- Specialty Structure Structure Contractor
Applicant must have Residential and Commercial construction experience in the fabrication and installation of:- Foundations
- Excavating
- Laying Out
- Forming, and
- Placing Concrete Slabs, OR
- Excavating, and
- Laying Out
- Forming, and
- Placing Pier-type Post Footings
- Wall Sections
- Screen Walls
- Framed Solid Panel Walls
- Screen and Storm Doors
- Composite Metal Panel Walls
- Roof Sections
- Screen Roofs
- Windows
- Vinyl Windows, or
- Glass Windows
- Wall Sections (additional)
- Corner Cables
- Rigid Bracing
- Other (additional)
- Siding
- Soffit
- Fascias
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- Foundations
- Tower Specialty Contractor
- Tower Construction
- Guyed Tower
- Mono Pole Tower
- Lattice/Self Supported Tower
- Construction/Installation of:
- Accessory Structures
- Equipment Housings
- Deadman Anchors
- Guy Wires
- Tower Construction
- Underground Utilities Contractor
Applicants must have experience in at least 3 of the following 5 trade areas:- Main Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems
- Main Water Distribution Systems
- Storm Sewer Collection Systems
- Excavation and Earthwork
- Trenchless Installations
- Building Contractor
- 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.
- Upgrade an Existing License
Certified Contractors holding an active current license will be exempted from the employment history section of the application form by meeting the eligibility requirements below:- Class-A Air Conditioning Contractor
- Class B license for a minimum of 1 year
- Class C license for a minimum of 4 years
- Class-B Air Conditioning Contractor
- Class C license for a minimum of 1 year
- Building Contractor
- Residential license for a minimum of 3 years
- General Contractor
- Residential or Building license for a minimum of 4 years
- Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor
- Swimming Pool license for a minimum of 4 years
- Residential Swimming Pool license for a minimum of 1 year
- Residential Pool/Spa Contractor
- Swimming Pool Servicing license for a minimum of 3 years
- Class-A Air Conditioning Contractor
- A combination of Experience and Education
- Obtain passing scores on the trade and business exams
- Submit the complete application form to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
How to Obtain a Pool Specialty Contractor's License
Swimming pool contractors who mostly perform work as subcontractors specializing in one of the sub-trades involved in swimming pool construction could obtain one of the eight swimming pool specialty contractor specialty contractor licenses instead. The specialty pool licenses are layout, structural, excavation, trim, decking, piping, and finishing. Note that even if a contractor were to obtain all the pool specialty licenses, doing so would not equate to being a residential or commerical swimming pool/spa contractor.
- Submit an application form for the desired swimming pool specialty:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be of good moral character
- Have four years of experience in the swimming pool specialty category chosen
- Submit documention which subtantiates the experience (e.g. tax records, notarized letters, etc.)
- Take and successfully completes a written examination, OR
- The applicant can complete three (3) hours of board-approved continuing education, consisting of 1-hr of workplace safety, 1-hr of business practices, and 1-hr of workers’ compensation, may qualify, if the applicant successfully passes a practical examination in lieu of a written examination for licensure
How to Get an Electrical License in Florida
Florida Electrical Contractors must satisfy the following requirements in order to become certified by the ECLB:
- Satisfy the Education and/or Experience requirements.
- Pass the trade and business exams.
- Provide a personal credit report (if applying to qualify a business, the business must provide its own credit score and have a $10,000 net worth).
- Pay the application fee (military veterans qualify for fee discounts and waivers).
- Meet at least one of the following methods for experience qualification:
- Have at least 3 years of management experience in the trade, education or equivalent combination (no more than half the experience can be satisfied through education), within the 6 years immediately preceding the application.
- Have at least 4 years of experience as a contractor or supervisor in the trade, within the 8 years immediately preceding the application.
- Have at least 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education, or supervisory experience associated with an electrical or alarm system contracting business, within the 12 years immediately preceding the application.
- Have at least 6 years of technical experience in electrical or alarm system work with the Armed Forces or a governmental entity, within the 12 years immediately preceding the application.
- Have at least 3 years of experience as a professional engineer who is qualified by education, training, or experience to practice electrical engineering, within the 12 years immediately preceding the application.
- Have any combination of qualifications in 489.511(1)(b)3.a, b, or c totaling 6 years of experience, within the last 12 years.
- Show proof of experience in the selected trade:
- Include copies of W-2's, Schedule C's, or K-1 forms for each year of employment verification.
- List projects in your work history in chronological order for the years of experience being submitted (dates must match the documented employment history).
- Self-employed applicants must submit at least three letters verifying required experience from local licensing agencies, building officials, and contractors who have been associated with the applicant.
- Unlimited Electrical applicants need 40% of their work experience to be in 3-phase systems.
- Alarm I applicants need 40% of their work experience to be in commercial fire alarms.
- Alarm I applicants may submit a copy of your NICET Level III or higher certifications in lieu of job lists.
- Alarm II applicants need 40% of their work experience to be in alarm systems other than fire.
- Submit a completed application to the DBPR, either online or by mailing a paper application:
- Online applications must be submitted via DBPR Online Services (make sure to create and link an Exam Candidate ID Number.
- Paper applications must be mailed to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
How to Get a Fire Protection license in Florida
To obtain fire protection license in Florida, a contractors must satisfy the requirements set forth by the Division of State Fire Marshal | Bureau of Fire Prevention, which falls within the Department of Financial Services. Those licensing requirements for fire contractors are as follows:
- Complete the Fire System Contractor application.
- Have four years of verifiable, and lawfully gained experience (in accordance with FS 633.318 and FAC 69A-46)
- Experience must include "technical areas" like laying out, fabricating, installing, inspecting, and servicing fire protection systems.
- Fire I and II applicants can use a plumbing certification (plumbing contractor's license) to satisfy two years of experience.
- Fire I and II applicants can use a current NICET Level III or IV certification as a Fire Protection Engineering Technician in the subfield of Automatic Sprinkler System Layout to satisfy their experience requirements.
- Fire III applicants can use a current NICET Level III or IV certification as a Fire Protection Engineering Technician in the subfield of Special Hazards System Layout to satisfy their experience requirements.
- A combination of experience and education can be used in lieu of just experience:
- A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university (must major in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, fire science engineering technology, or fire protection engineering technology). If this option is used, official transcripts for degrees and coursework must be included.
- Contractor I applicants who are certified plumbing contractors (reducing 2 years proven experience) can combine that experience with a NICET Level III or IV certificate; or with 18 credit hours from a college/university which teaches the material in the National Fire Protection Association standards on which the applicant will be tested; or with other equivalent course material.
- Contractor II applicants who are certified plumbing contractors (reducing 2 years proven experience) can combine that experience with a NICET Level III or IV certificate; or with 15 credit hours from a college/university which teaches the material in the National Fire Protection Association standards on which the applicant will be tested; or with other equivalent course material.
- Experience is verified by the contractor employing the applicant. The verification letter must include the following characteristics:
- Be on company stationery
- Attesting to the applicant’s duties
- Describing in detailed the tasks the applicant worked on
- Dates of employment
- Any information needed to provide the Division with an overview of the applicant's experience
- When an applicant is self-employed, the verification must come in the form of letters from customers, and others familiar with the applicant's work.
- Provide evidence of all experience and education, along with written documentation of verification from each past employer of the contactors.
- Submit the application to the Bureau of Fire Prevention (Regulatory Licensing Section)
Revenue Processing Section:
P.O. Box 6100 Tallahassee,
FL 32314-6100 - Pass the Fire Protection Contractor Exam
- Pearson Vue© offers testing for Fire I, II, III, IV, and V (there is no separate business test, business subjects are included in the trade exams).
- Fire V contractors can challenge their exam as long as they meet the following criteria:
- Be licensed as a Certified Underground Utilities Contractors.
- Four Years of experience in the employment of a certified underground utilities or plumbing contractor.
- The applicant shall not be approved to challenge a competency examination unless the applicant has substantiated employment experience or a combination of employment and education.
Official List of Books for Florida Contractor Exams
CILB Application Forms
Below is the list of application forms for the different state licenses. Please note the applications listed are for contractors wanting to qualify a business (most popular way of qualifying a business). If you are looking for other ways to qualify a business or ALL the forms available for each license, please visit the DBPR's website . If you have any questions about what can be done with each contractor's license (contractor license definitions, specialties, exam questions and duration) or if you would like clarification on the qualifications for practicing contracting in Florida, you can contact the DBPR's Customer Contact Center at (850) 487-1395.
AC Class A
AC Class B
Building
Commercial Pool
Drywall
Gas Line
General
Glass and Glazing
Irrigation
Marine
Mechanical
Plumbing
Pollutant Storage
Pool Service
Residential
Residential Pool
Roofing
Sheet Metal
Solar
Specialty
Underground Utility
EILB Application Forms
Alarm I Alarm II Electrical (Unlimited) Specialty (Residential, Utility Line, Limited Energy, Sign, Lighting Maintenance)
The next link will provide you The Credit Reporting Agencies for CILB and ECLB / FL License Application
State Licensing Boards
DBPR | Construction Industry Licensing Board
Construction Candidate Bulletin Excluding Plumbing
Construction Plumbing Candidate Bulletin Excluding
Division of Professions
Construction Industry Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Customer Contact Center: 850-487-1395
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
DBPR | Electrical Industry Licensing Board
Division of Professions
Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Customer Contact Center: 850-487-1395
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
Fire Marshal
Phone: 850-413-3610
Email:
Regulatory Licensing
Bureau of Fire Prevention
Division of State Fire Marshal
200 E. Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0342
Website: www.myfloridacfo.com
Testing Companies
GITS©
Gainesville Independent Testing Services, LLC
1644 NE 22nd Ave Bldg E Ocala
FL 34470
Phone Number: 1-800-997-2129, 1-352-369-4487
Fax Number: 1-352-387-2443
Offices and testing locations
www.gitsllc.org
Professional Testing
P.O. Box 691226
Orlando, FL 32869-1226
Phone: 407-264-0562
Fax (407) 264-2977
www.floridaexam.com
Prov©
Phone: 866-720-7768, 386-518-6889
5200 NW 43rd Street, Suite 102-167
Gainesville FL 32606
www.provexam.com
Pearson Vue©
Phone number: 888-204-6230
Contact Us page: www.home.pearsonvue.com
Website: www.pearsonvue.com/fl/elecons/
Prometric©
Website: www.prometric.com
Contact Us Page: Prometric© Contact Us page
Phone Number: 1-800-967-1139
Gulf Coast Testing
Gulf Coast Testing is a testing facility which provides Prometric© Testing in SWFL
Website: www.gctesting.com
Address: 2891 Center Pointe Drive, Suite 201,
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone Number: 239-274-3184
PRONTO/ICC
Website: www.iccsafe.org
Phone number: 888‑422‑7233
Contact Us Page: Contact us for PRONTO
Address: 200 Massachusetts Ave, NW Suite 250,
Washington, DC 20001
Counties
Brevard County
Brevard County Contractor Licensing
Phone: 321-633-2058
Fax: (321) 690-6878
Address: 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way,
Building A, Viera, FL 32940
Email:
Website: www.brevardfl.gov/
Broward County
Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department
Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division
Address: 1 North University Drive, Box #302,
Plantation, Florida 33324
Phone: 954-765-4400
Website: www.broward.org
Charlotte County
Charlotte County Community Development
Licensing Division
Licensing and Building Code Compliance
Address: 18400 Murdock Circle,
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: 941-743-1201
Fax: (941)764-4907
Website: www.charlottecountyfl.com
Citrus County
Citrus County Building Division
Contractor Licensing
Address: 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 111,
Lecanto FL 34461
Phone: 352-527-5310
Email:
Website: www.citrusbocc.com/plandev
Collier County
Collier County Contractor Licensing
Address: 2800 N. Horseshoe Drive Naples,
FL 34104
Phone: 239-252-2431
Fax number: (239) 252-2469
After Hours Complaint Line: (239) 252-5607
Website: www.colliergov.net
Duval County
Duval County
Phone: 904-630-2489
Website: www.coj.net/departments
Flagler County
Flagler County Contractor licensing
Address: 1769 E. Moody Blvd,
Building 2, Suite 103
Phone: 386-313-4076
Fax: 386-313-4103
Website: www.flaglercounty.org
Hernando County
Hernando County Building Division
Permitting, Inspection, Contractor Licensing
789 Providence Blvd Brooksville,
FL 34601
Phone: 352-754-4050
Fax: (352) 754-4416
Website: www.hernandocounty.us
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Building & Construction Services
Contractor Licensing
Phone: 813-635-7312, 813-635-7316
Fax: (813) 635-7367
Lake County
Lake County Economic Growth Department
Building Services Division
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: 352-343-9653 Option 5
Lee County
Lee County Licensing Board
Physical Address: 1500 Monroe St,
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 398, Fort Myers, FL 33902
Phone: 239-533-8895
Board's Website: www.leegov.com/dcd
Contractor Licensing Website: www.leegov.com
To apply for sponsorship by sending an email to
Include the following information in your message.
First and Last Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Type of Certificate of Competency, and Name of Testing Company.
Martin County
Martin County Construction Industry Licensing Board
Address: 900 SE Ruhnke Street Stuart,
FL 34994
Phone: 772-288-5482
Fax: (772) 419-6935
Website: www.martin.fl.us/martin
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade Deparment of Regulatory and Economic Resources
Construction Trades Qualifying Board
Economic Development Phone: 305-375-1254
Permitting and Inspection Phone: 786-315-2000
Address: 11805 S.W. 26 Street, Room 207,
Miami FL 33175-2474
Website: www.miamidade.gov/licenses/contractors-licensing.asp
Monroe County
Monroe County Growth Management Building Department
Middle Keys Main Office
2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 300,
Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: 305-289-2501
Upper Keys Office
102050 Overseas Highway,
Key Largo, FL 33037
Telephone: 305-453-8800
Lower Keys Office
5503 College Road, Suite 203,
Key West, FL 33040
Telephone: 305-295-3990
Website: www.monroecounty-fl.gov
Nassau County
Nassau County Building Department
Address: 96161 Nassau Place Yulee,
Florida 32097
Telephone: 904-491-7337, 1-800-948-3364
Website: www.nassaucountyfl.com
Okaloosa County
Okaloosa County Contractor Licensing
Office Phone: 850-651-7180
Fax: (850) 651-7184
Website: www.myokaloosa.com/gm/licensing
Orange County
Orange County Administration Center
1st Floor 201 S. Rosalind
AV Orlando, FL 32801
Office Phone: 407-836-5522
Email:
Osceola County
Osceola County Construction Licensing
Phone: (407) 742-0200
Fax: (407) 742-0201
Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 1400,
Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Palm Beach County
Contractor Certification Division
Physical Address: 2300 N Jog Road,
West Palm Beach, FL 33411-2741
Phone: 561-233-5000
Fax: 561-233-5212
Website: www.discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/contractors
Pasco County
Pasco County Building Construction Services | Contractor Licensing
Address: 8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 230,
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Phone: 727-847-8009
Website: www.pascocountyfl.net
Pinellas County
Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board
Address: 12600 Belcher Rd, Suite 102,
Lago FL 33773
Phone: 727-582-3100
Website: www.pcclb.com
Polk County
Polk County Office of Planning and Development
Building Division
Adddress: 330 W. Church St. Bartow,
Florida 33831-9005
Phone: 863-534-6530
Fax: 863-534-5922
Website: www.polk-county.net
Putnam County
Putnam County Planning & Development Services
Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 1486 Palatka, FL 32178-1486
Phone: 1-800-432-0364
Fax: (386) 329-1213
Email:
St. Johns County
St. Johns County Licensing Division
Contractor Licensing / Building Department
Address: 4040 Lewis Speedway, St.
Augustine FL 32084
Phone: 904-827-6820
Fax: (904) 827-6847
Website: www.sjcfl.us
St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County Contractor Licensing Department
Address: 2300 Virginia Ave,
Ft Pierce, FL 34982
Phone: 772-462-1672
Fax: (772) 462-1148
Website: www.stlucieco.gov
Sumter County
Sumter County Development Services Division
Building Services Department
Address: 7375 Powell Road, Suite 115,
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: 352-689-4460
Fax: (352) 689-4461
Website: www.sumtercountyfl.gov
Volusia County
Volusia County Contractor Licensing
Address: 123 W. Indiana Av, Room 203,
DeLand, FL 32720
Phone: 386-736-5957
Fax: 386-740-5215
Website: www.volusia.org/services
To find answers to questions about the Florida Contractor's License please Visit our Florida Contractor License Frequently Asked Questions page.
Florida Inspector Licenses
For anyone looking to be an inspector in the state of Florida, the following information throughout this article helps you to understand what is needed to obtain your license, as well as testing information. This article also has the links and contact information to the testing centers. As well as links to the inspector license available in Florida.
Exam Information
Computer-testing is administered frequently at over 350 sites across the nation. To get the most updated information, go to Certification Exam. PRONTO testing is immediately available—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visit the Florida DBPR Bureau of Education and Testing’s website for more information, and also the Florida DBPR Examination Information Bulletin.
What is needed to take the Exam?
You must have the following information available at the time you are registering for a Code Council computer-based certification examination:
- Your DBPR pre-authorization letter
- Your full name, address, and home and work telephone numbers
- The examination date and location of the area you desire to take the exam
- Exam ID and title
- Your score report, if you are retaking the examination (only for those candidates who originally tested via computer)
The following list contains links to every Inspector License in the state of Florida...
- Florida 1B Residential Building Inpsector
- Florida 1E Residential Electrical Inspector
- Florida 1M Residential Mechanical Inspector
- Florida 1P Residential Plumbing Inspector
- Florida 2E Commercial Electrical Inspector
- Florida 2M Commercial Mechanical Inspector
- Florida 2P Commercial Plumbing Inspector
- Florida 2B Commercial Building Inspector
- Florida 3E Electrical Plans Examiner Inspector
- Florida 3B Building Plans Examiner Inspector
- Florida 3P Plumbing Plans Examiner Inspector
- Florida 1C Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector
- Florida MN Management Module Inspector
- Florida ME Legal Module Inspector
- Florida FB Building Codes and Standards Module Inspector
- Florida Modular Building Inspector
- Florida Modular Building Inspector