What is Grandfathering of a Registered Contractor’s License?

Grandfathering allows a currently Registered Contractor to apply for and receive a State-Certified Contractor's License in their same category of licensure without sitting for the state Contractor's Examination.

Requirements for Grandfathering in Florida

To have your registered Contractor's License Grandfathered in Florida, you must meet the following requirements.

• Experience: Applicants must have at least 5 years of experience as Contractors in the contracting category for which they have applied, or as an inspector or building administrator with oversight over that category, at the time of application. Note: For Contractors, only periods in which the Contractor License is active and the Contractor is not on probation shall count toward the 5 years of experience.
• Examination: Individuals seeking Licensure as a Certified Contractor by Grandfathering must submit proof of having passed a written examination that is substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a Certified Contractor in the same category as the Registered License
• Financial Requirements: Applicants will need to prove financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state, and federal records have been searched. You may find additional information regarding the Board's Financial requirements by visiting the Department's.

For more information, please visit (ECLB 13) Application.

License Categories for Grandfathering

The following license categories are available for Grandfathering. If you do not meet the requirements, you are required to pass the exams and all other License requirements. For more information, please refer to the information below:

• Unlimited Electrical
• Alarm System I
• Alarm System II
• Residential Electrical
• Utility Line
• Limited Energy
• Sign Specialty
• Lighting Maintenance