General Contractor Experience
You must have at least one year of experience in the construction of structures at least four stories in height.
Applicants for the Certified General 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
- Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
- Precast concrete structures
- Column erection
- Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
- Elevated slabs
How much experience do I need?
- 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
- Be a certified residential or building contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of 4 years
If you are a veteran and you do not fit one of the experience profiles above, you can still get a license if you meet one of the experience profiles below:
- 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
How do I Prove the Experience
As part of your application process, you must submit an application form which contains a sections which requires you to describe in detail every aspect of your experience, including:
- Employer name and address
- Dates of employment
- Employer phone number
- Name of qualifying agent for employer and their license number
- Your role within the project
- The dates of the project
- The trade areas involved in the project
- Project name
- Project address
- Your title in the project and the duties performed in it
- You can list as many projects as it is necessary to reach your time of experience
You can view the General Contractor Application form by visiting the Florida DBPRs Website. There are several forms to choose from:
- CILB 5-A – Certified General Contractor as an Individual You can find the experience section of this application under Section VI – PART B – Qualifications for Certified License
- CILB 6-A – Certified General Contractor Qualifying Business You can find the experience section of this application under Section III – PART B –Qualifications for Certified License
The section on experience is titled "xxxx". Please note that any information you submit to the CILB is subject to their scrutiny and review; this does not mean that every single application is subjected to an exhaustive inspection but do keep in mind you must be able back up any claims you make on your application in the event that your particular application is subjected to a more rigorous examination
What if I have not worked in the construction of highrises?
I your experience does not include any work on structures higher than three stories, you do not meet the experience requirements set forth by the State. In that case, you might want to consider a Building Contractor's License (CBC). This license only allows to build up to three stories and therefore does not require you to have experience in with taller structures.
Comments
Effective July 1, 2020, exam candidates who have received a baccalaureate degree in building construction from an accredited 4-year college, or a related degree as approved by board rule, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher are exempt from having to take the trade knowledge portion of the exam. You will be required to affirm that you qualify for this exemption later in this application. You will only be required to register for the Business and Finance exam.
For more information on the General and Residential contractors license, please visit
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
The application will require you to provide the contact information of your past employers. Now it is up to the State Board's choice to require you to provide a Letter or the W-2's.
Can my experience and study be from another country?
Your credit score needs to be 660 or above. 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.
For more information on obtaining the Residential Contractor License, please visit
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
Military service counts as the experience part of the qualification, as stated above,
1. Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
2. 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
3. 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
But once you apply with the state and they ask for proof, you may submit your DD-214.
Since you have a current General contractor license, you can check if you qualify for endorsement. You must meet ONE of the three qualifications. I will attach a link below with endorsement information. If you don't qualify, you must pass the trade and business exam and meet one of the five experience/education requirements. We have the books and classes to prepare you to pass both of the exams.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/endorsements-in-the-state-of-florida.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Yes, those four years will work, if they require more information on the experience you can show them paystubs, w2 or for your case a letter from the GC who hired you stating your experience.
Your experience for a General Contractor License is sufficient. When you apply for the GC license the state may ask for more proof of experience and in that case you can show it with W2s, paystubs or a notarized letter confirming your experience by those companies.
Yes, you can use your bachelor's degree and one year of foreman experience towards the "One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses" option for your Contractor License.
I was a General manager/supervisor for 2.5 years for a concrete precast company pouring MSE wall panels for FDOT and Ive also held a painting license for several years about 20 years ago in Florida, and Ive also worked as a foreman for my fathers electrical company for a few years, he had a master electrician license for over 40 years
Would this experience qualify me for a residential license in Florida?
Thanks in advance
When doing the application for the Residential Contractor License in Florida, you will add your experience, and it will be up to the DBPR to accept it. Besides years of experience, you need to have experience in certain areas like the following:
-Column Erection
-Foundation/Slabs/Structural Formwork
-Masonry Walls
-Structural Demolition
-Structural Wood Framing (Including Trusses and Excluding Platform Framing)
In the following link, you will find more information on the Residential Contractor License.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
What type of license does the State require? I'm assuming we don't need a GC license??
Please help
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
Thank you.
-Masonry walls
-Elevated slabs
-Column erection
-Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
-Steel erection
-Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
-Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Would that be applicable if it is in the areas listed?
What is a construction related degree? I have a geology degree. Would this qualify as a construction related degree?
In order to obtain the Florida General Contractor License, you will have to have experience in the following areas of the General trade:
Masonry walls
Elevated slabs
Column erection
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
Steel erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
A Combination of Experience and Education:
1. One year of proven 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. of experience), or
2. No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
3. Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
4. 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
5. Four years of experience as a foreman or worker, of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
A construction-related degree will fall under a Business Administration, Agriculture, or Engineering. However, I recommend contacting the DBPR for a more direct answer on the degree you hold.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
There is no limitation for the 4 story or above.
If you have any other questions please feel to contact us at 866-986-7978. Below I attached a link to the General Contractor License in Florida.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
If we are applying for a GC license under the "Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college and one year proven experience", does this mean the additional one year proven experience has to be entirely in high-rise construction?
The one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying will be experience in four or more of the areas listed below:
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft.
Masonry walls
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
Steel erection
Precast concrete structures
Column erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Elevated slabs
In the following link, you will find more information on the General Contractor License in Florida.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
The 4 story high-rise requirement does apply, and it will be one of the 4/7.
1. Column erection
2. Formwork
3. Masonry Walls
4. Elevated slabs
And none of the other 3, I do not qualify since I am missing the 1 year experience of high rise?
Correct, you must have 1 year experience of the 4 story high-rise. Now if you haven't already passed the trade and business exam you can still take those exams, the scores are valid for 4 years, and in the meantime get the 1 year experience in the high rise.
I am hoping to go into business fabricating and installing category 5 hurricane shutters in palm beach county area (Everything has to be Cat 5 certified) and obviously require a GC license to hang them and possibly even fabricate them.
Would my experience satisfy the requirements, maybe under "steel erection"?? All the work was high pressure pipelines, 100% x ray welds my entire career. Also welded in nuclear powerplants, refineries, and other strict gas related facilities.
You would not satisfy the areas of experience set forth by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. According to them, you will need experience in the following areas:
-Masonry walls
-Elevated slabs
-Column erection
-Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
-Steel erection
-Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
-Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
To be able to apply for the GC license you must satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
A combination of Experience and Education-
1. One year proven 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. of experience), or
2. No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
3. Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
4. 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
5. Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
To be able to apply for the Residential Contractor license you must satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
A combination of Experience and Education-
1. One year proven 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. of experience), or
2. No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
3. Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
4. 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
5. Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-building-contractor-license.html
In your experience in the licensing/exam world, does having a master's degree in business administration qualify as a construction related degree? If so, I understand that I would be exempt from the trade portion of the exam.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Here you said that Business Administration was considered a construction-related degree, which is different than what you commented to me. Could you please clarify? Thank you!
The response to Alex pertain to his questions regarding the experiences. In your case the Business Administration would not exempt you from the trade exam.
-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)
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft.
Masonry walls
Steel erection
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
Precast concrete structures
Column erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Elevated slabs
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft.
Masonry walls
Steel erection
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience
Precast concrete structures
Column erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Elevated slabs.
Below we will provide you with a link to more information on the license.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
I have 3 years of trade experience and a year and a half of college credits. the degree was in environmental science. Will this be sufficient since it’s only college credits and not a degree?
-One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Question. I have a year's of experience working in the construction industry, but it was for a company without a qualifier GC. We worked under another company which had the qualifier. Does my experience count?
The company has to be registered under a license for workers to work legally. If it is not, then the DBPR may not accept the experience. Once you write down your experience, you can show proof, if asked, with either a W-2, pay stubs, or a notarized letter from the company or Contractor you worked for. We are a construction school and bookstore. We offer books and classes to prepare you to pass the exams required for the General Contractor License. Below we will provide you with a link to more information on the requirements, books & classes, and more for the General Contractor License.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Masonry walls
Elevated slabs
Column erection
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
Steel erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience).
If you don't have the one year of experience as a worker and one year of experience as a foreman, you may also satisfy one of the other experience/education requirements set forth by the CILB below:
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. of experience), or
No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses and One year of experience as a foreman, or four years of experience as a foreman or worker, of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
Down below we will provide a link to more information on the license.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Yes, no less than 3 years of credits from accredited college-level courses, in your case majoring in Sustainability in the Built Environment is enough for the education, and then you will still need the one year of experience as a foreman.
Below we will include the GC license link, where you can find the other combinations of Experience and Education requirements set forth by the CILB.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Regards, Danny
Yes, those credits will be considered three years of an accredited college. However, we recommend you contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to verify with them.
Below I have attached a link with their contact information.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
Your experience in the military and experience in the trade will have to fall under one of these categories:
1. Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
2. 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
3. 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
You will still need experience in the trade; as far as the military service experience, we recommend contacting the DBPR to confirm since it is not specific on what type of military experience they require you to have. Down below, we will provide the contact information to the DBPR.
Customer Contact Center: 850-487-1395
I have 6 years experience running commercial projects up to $2 million, but limited experience in the categories they ask for, elevated slabs, columns, steel, etc.
Will this be ok?
Its up to the DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) to accept or deny your application with the limited experience in the areas they expect you to meet. Once you submit your application, they will notify you whether it has been approved or not. If they require you to submit more proof of your experience, you can provide W2, paystubs, or a signed letter by previous employers.
Yes, Out of state experience does count. If The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires you to show more proof of that experience, you can show it with either paystubs, W2, or a letter from your previous employers stating your experience.
As a sub-contractor under a General Contractor, you would qualify under the required foreman experience, also since you have had your own company for five years that will fall under one of the requirements from the DBPR, which is: Four years’ experience as a worker, or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman. If you have any other concerns or doubts about your experience, we recommend you contact the DBPR.
Down below, we will provide you with two links one for the contact information for the DBPR, & the other one will have more information on the books and classes that we offer to prepare you for the exams required to obtain the license.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Also what documents will i need to submit from my foreign employer and degree when applying?
Thanks in advance!
If you have experience in another country, you will be able to use it as long as you can prove the experience on the application. To prove the experience, it will be with either a W-2, pay stubs or a notarized letter from the company you've worked for. If you would like to combine experience and education, it will have to be under one of these options, and the degree will have to be valid here in the US to qualify.
1. 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. of experience)
2.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 of experience as a foreman, and One year of experience as a worker
3. One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker
4. 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 General trade:
Masonry walls
Elevated slabs
Column erection
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
Steel erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
Down below, I will provide you with a link that will have more information on the books & classes that will prepare you for the exams required.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Yes, your Master's in Finance would qualify you for the "One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses" option for your Contractor License. You will still need one year of experience in the trade; as far as the military service experience, we recommend contacting the DBPR to confirm since it is not specific on what type of military experience they require you to have. Down below, we will provide the contact information to the DBPR.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
GRACIAS DE ANTEMANO
Además de la validación de su título, es posible que le pidan pruebas de un año de experiencia en el oficio.La forma de probar la experiencia sería con un W-2, talones de pago o una carta notariada. La junta espera que tenga experiencia en lo siguiente:
Muros de albañilería
Losas elevadas
Montaje de columnas
Cimentación/losas de más de 20 000 pies cuadrados
Montaje de acero
Encofrado para concreto armado estructural
Construcción de estructuras de al menos cuatro pisos de altura (1 año de experiencia)
Abajo le voy a dejar un enlace que va a tener el contacto para el DBPR para que se pueda contactar con ellos si tiene alguna otra duda o pregunta.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/es/libros-y-clases-para-licencia-de-contratista-en-la-florida/numeros-de-telefono-del-estado/condado.html
Listed below are a few other options that you could meet to qualify for the GC license:
- 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
- Be a certified residential or building contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of 4 years
They may require extra documentation to prove you have met the experience and education requirements. However, as for the specific documentation, it is up to the DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation ) to request those documents.
keep in mind, we provide courses that can be taken in the comfort of your home. You will have unlimited access to the study materials. The online classes include Lecture Videos, Practice exams, Key Concepts, and Step-by-step solutions to math problems. You also have access to live refresher classes that can be taken anywhere online with the purchase of the courses. Below is a link where you have find more information about the requirements and steps on how to obtain the license
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
Can I also apply for the license with you? After I pass the exam
You will be able to qualify for the General Contractor License in Florida. Your Business Management degree and work experience can satisfy any of the following requirements set forth by the Construction Industry Licensing Board:
[-] 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
Please note that your Business Management degree from Colombia needs to be transferred and notarized before submitting it.
The Board also expects you to have experience in the following areas of the General trade:
[-] Masonry walls
[-] Elevated slabs
[-] Column erection
[-] Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
[-] Steel erection
[-] Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
[-] Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
After you have passed your exams, you will submit your General Contractor application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Keep in mind, we provide courses that can be taken in the comfort of your home. You will have unlimited access to the study materials. The online classes include Lecture Videos, Practice exams, Key Concepts, and Step-by-step solutions to math problems. You also have access to live refresher classes that can be taken anywhere online with the purchase of the courses. As well as hourly one-to-one tutoring.
Below I have included the General Contractor License application and our site, where you will be able to find more information. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 866-986-7978 or [email protected] for any additional questions you may have.
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/documents/CILB6A_Certified_Contractor_Qualifying_Business_General.pdf
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
According to the information provided by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the area of experience for any application candidates interested in obtaining the Specialty Structure License allows fabric coverings on:
Soffit
Siding
Fascia
Gutters
Handrails
Sunrooms
Guardrails
Pool enclosures
Screened porches
Metal substructures
Screened enclosures
Aluminum and vinyl fences
Manufactured housing roof-overs
Preformed panel-post and beam roofs
Acrylic or vinyl panel window enclosures
Residential glass window and door enclosures
Replacement or Installation of windstorm protective devices
Single story self-contained aluminum utility storage structures (cannot exceed 720 sq. foot)
The Specialty Structure License's limited scope does not include alterations to the structural integrity of the building, including but not limited to:
Lintels
Roof trusses
Load-bearing walls and foundations
A 1099 is only applicable if you are self-employed and does not qualify as proof for obtaining licensure. However, because you have previously worked for a General Contractor, we recommend that you present a W-2, pay stubs, or a Notarized Letter signed by the GC to demonstrate your experience in the field.
Below, we will provide a link with more information on the books and classes that we offer to prepare you for the Florida Specialty Structure License.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-specialty-structure-contractor-license.html
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has established these experience requirements for candidates to acquire a General Contractor License in the State:
One of the following experience and education combinations:
One year of proven experience related to the category for which you are applying, and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 years of experience).
At least 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 of experience as a foreman, and one year of 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 (at least one year must have been as a foreman).
The Department expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the General trade:
Steel erection
Masonry walls
Elevated slabs
Column erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Foundation or slabs greater than 20,000 sqft.
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
According to the Department, your academic knowledge and working experience in the field qualify as valid for the application prerequisites. In case you want to learn more about the license, you can visit the link below:
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
We recommend that you contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation they will be the ones that will either approve or deny it.
The Board expects you to satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
A combination of Experience and Education
1. One year of proven 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. of experience)
2. No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman
3. Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker
4. One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker
5. 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 General trade:
Masonry walls
Elevated slabs
Column erection
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
Steel erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
Down below, I will provide you with two links one will be for the Contact information for the DBPR, and the other one will be for more information on the General Contractor License.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-general-contractor-license.html
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
From what you mentioned, you satisfy the four years of experience in the trade. If the board asks you for proof of experience, it can be proven with either a W-2, pay stubs, or a Notarized letter from the company or contractor you work for. The notarized letter should be sufficient to prove the experience you have in the trade. The board expects you to satisfy one of the experience requirements:
A combination of Experience and Education
1. One year of proven 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. of experience)
2. No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses and One year of experience as a foreman
3. Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker
4. One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker
5. 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 General trade:
Masonry walls
Elevated slabs
Column erection
Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft
Steel erection
Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)
Down below, I will provide you with a link to the contact information for the DBPR.
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-licenses/licensing-contact-information.html
I moved to Orlando almost four years ago to start working on real state and construction in order to get my license, I staring working with the GC as an apprentice (free) just to get the experience, on 2021 I opened a company to build houses and I build my first home last ( under the supervision of the GC) and now I am building 2 more with the same GC they should be finish in May next year.
By then I should completed the 4 years that I wanted.
Based on your experience is that enough to apply for the license?
Residential contractor
You have gained valuable experience over the years and accomplished significant achievements. Congratulations!
Reviewing the specific licensing criteria set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is advisable to determine if you meet the requirements for a Florida Residential Contractor license. They typically consider factors such as work experience, education, and passing the required examinations (Trade and Business and Finance exams).
The DBPR has established specific experience and education requirements for candidates to obtain a Residential Contractor License. Applicants must meet one of the following combinations:
- You must have one year of proven experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years of experience).
- At least 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 of experience as a foreman, and one year of 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.
Applicants are also expected to have experience in the following areas of the Residential Trade:
- Column erection
- Foundation, slabs, or structural form work
- Masonry walls
- Structural demolition
- Structural wood framing (including trusses and excluding platform framing)
According to the Department, and since you did not mention the completion of any courses or academic studies, your working experience in the field would qualify as valid for the application prerequisites only if at least one of those four years of work were performed carrying out foreman responsibilities.
Even so, you should consult directly with the DBPR to ensure that you have fulfilled all requirements for your license application. In case you want to learn more about the license, you can contact us at 866-986-7978 to guide you through the process, or visit our article in the link below:
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html
I had GC license for 10 years in NY and all this time was self-employed. The NY license expired 2 years ago and now I am thinking about getting FL Residential Contractor license. Can I use my work experience from NY as a self-employed on the application? I cannot find anywhere info about "self-employed" cases and customer service at DBPR had no clue. Is this going to be an issue if my name will be under employer name?
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your inquiry about obtaining a Florida Residential Contractor License.
Regarding using your self-employment experience in New York on your FL application, it is understandable that you want to ensure a smooth licensure transition. Licensing requirements can vary between states, and adhering to the specific guidelines set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is crucial.
While you mentioned that customer service at the DBPR was unable to clarify the matter, there is a document that can be requested called '1099,' specifically applicable for self-employed individuals, where you will be providing your experience.
Remember that all applicants must meet one of the following combinations:
- One year of proven experience that applies to the category for which you are applying, and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years of experience).
- At least 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 of experience as a foreman, and one year of 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.
Applicants are also expected to have experience in the following areas of the Residential Trade:
- Column erection
- Foundation, slabs, or structural formwork
- Masonry walls
- Structural demolition
- Structural wood framing (including trusses and excluding platform framing)
As for the concern about your name being under the employer's name field, clarity is crucial. Ensure that your application accurately reflects your role as a self-employed contractor in NY. If the application form does not explicitly provide a section for self-employment, include a brief and clear explanation in any extra paperwork you submit.
In summary, while your self-employment experience in New York is valuable, you must align your application with Florida's specific requirements. After submitting your application, the DBPR will contact you for any additional documentation that is needed.
Please feel free to call us at 866-986-7978. We will be more than happy to assist you. Below, you will find an article with all the information about the license and the step-by-step to obtain it:
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-residential-contractor-license.html