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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:

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.

Details
Written by Gil M.

Comments   

# Carlos Alonso 2019-05-21 09:47
If I get a Building License instead of a General, can I still work on higher stories of high-rises? I don't do structural, I just remodel interiors, but I want to make sure I can for example remodel the interior of a penthouse on a 12-story building.
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# Zuryn D. 2019-05-21 10:53
With a Building Contractor License you can do unlimited remodeling so you can work on any story of a high rise building as long as the services do not affect the structural members of the building. To answer your question, yes you can remodel the interior of a penthouse on a 12-story building with a Building Contractor License.
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# Javico 2020-04-01 22:34
Can my degree from another country help me obtain the credits or years of experience necessary to obtain the license of general contractor or residential contractor?
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# Leah R. 2021-09-09 09:08
You can use a Degree from another Country to help with the experience requirements as long as you can provide the documentation when you are submitting the application. The degree must be construction-related.

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
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# Scott M. 2020-08-19 08:36
Is there a way around the minimum amount of experience required to become a GC? Can another GC/executive/someone qualified “sign off” on your experience so you can take the exam sooner?
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# Contractor Licensing Experts 2020-08-19 13:30
There isn't a way around it at all. The individual is required to meet the State's guidelines as listed.
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# Renata Cristian Langame 2021-01-19 13:14
Do I need to send a proof of W2's or 1099's from my employer to apply for my residential license as proof of experience or just a letter from them with all projects will do it?
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# Contractor Licensing Experts 2021-01-21 11:34
Hello Renata,
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.
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# Angie 2021-02-12 18:51
Hello
Can my experience and study be from another country?
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# Leah R. 2021-09-09 09:12
Yes, you can have experience from another country as long as you can prove the experience on the application. The proof typically used is w-2's, paystubs, or a notarized letter from a contractor or company.
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# Renar Seagal 2021-03-20 03:12
Hello . Im from New York . I got over 4 years in experience in construction. I want to apply for certified contractor license in florida . Renovation of residential houses (1 family) . What do i need to be qualified and what if my credit history not so good but i got funds to start the business. Thank you in advance
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# Leah R. 2021-09-09 09:15
To become a Residential Contractor in Florida, you must have 4 years of experience. One of those four years needs to be as a foreman or supervisor.

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
Reply
# Brandi Lowery 2022-03-01 17:38
Does all military service count as credit towards the builders license? Or are we just required to submit our DD214 as proof of service?
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# Aengels G. 2022-03-02 09:16
Hello Brandi,
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.
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# Roger S 2022-10-04 23:34
I just moved to Florida and would like to get either my General contractors license or builders license. I have held a General contractors license in another state for many years and worked only under my own employment. Other than my current license I hold what else would I need for the experience side as proof for Florida. I'm mainly looking for single family residential remodeling.
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# Aengels G. 2022-10-05 11:02
Hello Roger,

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
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# Randy Davis 2022-10-07 10:39
If I've worked under a GC for four years but as a 1099 for tax reasons, does that still count as experience towards my time or do I HAVE to be w2 employed?
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# Aengels G. 2022-10-07 15:43
Hello Randy,

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.
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# ernie p 2022-10-11 07:45
I did construction, 2 yrs residential and 1 yr commercial. My experience was 20+yrs ago. I have a 4yr degree business and computer science. 24yrs appraiser. How far back can the experience be accepted. Also not sure if these companies are around anymore.
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# Aengels G. 2022-10-11 10:30
Hello Ernie,

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.
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# Ezequiel Robles 2022-11-01 00:17
Hello, I have bachelor degree in finance (4 years) and one year of experience as a foreman, can that count for option 2? which says "One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses"
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-11-01 10:07
Hello Ezequiel,
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.
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# Paul Gagne 2022-11-01 17:03
Hello,

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
Reply
# Sharilyn Baez 2022-11-02 09:46
Hello Paul,
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
Reply
# Kardele 2022-11-07 18:08
We are going to only do external hardscaping (walkways, retaining walls, driveways, etc.).
What type of license does the State require? I'm assuming we don't need a GC license??
Please help
Reply
# Sharilyn Baez 2022-11-08 09:32
Hello Kardele, to do External Hardscaping at the State level, you can do it with a General, Building, or Residential Contractor License. You will need to pass the Trade and Business exam to obtain any of these licenses. You will also need to satisfy the Education and Experience requirements. Below I have attached links to each of these licenses.
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
Reply
# Tim W 2022-11-26 08:48
I have 4 years of experience as a supervisor in a ready mix trucking company plus a few years as a ready mix driver. Does that meet the education requirements for the license?
Thank you.
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# Sharilyn Baez 2022-11-28 10:08
Hello Tim, your experience as a supervisor in the ready mix trucking company may satisfy the experience requirement for the Florida Contractor License, but your experience as a driver will not. As stated above, the board expects you to have 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
Reply
# Dean Breaux 2022-12-01 16:44
I have been in the industry 40 years is there a statue of limitations as to when the 4 story or above has to be in? I have 4 Plus story experience but it has been a while.
Reply
# Aengels G. 2022-12-02 11:46
Hello Dean,
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
Reply
# Nick J 2022-12-02 14:20
Hi,

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?
Reply
# Aengels G. 2022-12-02 15:07
Hello Nick,

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
Reply
# Nick J 2022-12-02 15:21
Ah, so to confirm: the 4 story high-rise requirement does not apply as long as we have 4/7 areas listed? Thanks again Aengels!
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# Aengels G. 2022-12-02 16:24
Hello Nick,

The 4 story high-rise requirement does apply, and it will be one of the 4/7.
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# Nick J 2022-12-02 16:38
I apologize but I am still not clear. So for example if I have only 1 year experience comprising of

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?
Reply
# Aengels G. 2022-12-05 12:57
Hello Nick,

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.
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# Nick J 2022-12-05 14:41
Ah, understood! Ok thank you!!
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# Trevor H 2022-12-28 18:49
when applying for the general contractors license, is it common for the board to ask for w-2’s and pay stubs as proof of employment? How do they verify work experience across all applicants?
Reply
# Sharilyn Baez 2022-12-29 09:26
Hello Trevor, to prove your experience for a contractor license, you must provide W2, paystubs, or a notarized letter from a previous employer. Any of those three documents will be able to confirm your work experience. The Board will notify you if they need more information or additional documentation of work experience.
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# Matt B 2023-01-31 14:13
Hi, I am hoping to apply for GC license and was wondering, I spent 3 years welding in the oilfield, and 13 years welding on the pipeline, with 3 of those years as a foreman (the company I worked for will verify this). I also have my CWI (certified welding inspector) license which looks to be a similar process as attaining a GC license. Also an associates degree in welding from an accredited school, (from a long time ago).
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.
Reply
# Sharilyn Baez 2023-01-31 15:03
Hello Matt,
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
Reply

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