Skip to content
Licenses by State

How to get a general contractor license in Florida

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses general contractors in Florida. Work under $2,500 total (labor, materials and all other items) of a casual, minor or inconsequential nature is exempt, unless it is part of a larger job split up to evade the law or the person advertises as a contractor. The Construction Industry Licensing Board and Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board licensee files lists 54,169 active general contractor records as of October 6, 2026.

Who licenses general contractor work in Florida

CredentialState license
BoardConstruction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses
When a license is neededWork under $2,500 total (labor, materials and all other items) of a casual, minor or inconsequential nature is exempt, unless it is part of a larger job split up to evade the law or the person advertises as a contractor. source
License typesCertified General Contractor, Certified Building Contractor, Certified Residential Contractor, Registered General Contractor, Registered Building Contractor, Registered Residential Contractor

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to CILB for a credential such as Certified General Contractor, Certified Building Contractor or Certified Residential Contractor.
    Board page
  2. State certification exam in three parts: Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management. source
  3. Experience: at least 4 years of active experience in the trade as a skilled worker or foreman, including time as a foreman; a related degree or college credit can replace part of it. source
  4. Carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 and property damage insurance of at least $50,000 for a general or building contractor, plus workers compensation. source
  5. Pay the application and examination fee for certification (covers application processing and exam administration), nonrefundable: $335. source
  6. License renews every 2 years. source

General contractor requirements in Florida

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamState certification exam in three parts: Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management. source
ExperienceAt least 4 years of active experience in the trade as a skilled worker or foreman, including time as a foreman; a related degree or college credit can replace part of it. source
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceGeneral liability insurance of at least $300,000 and property damage insurance of at least $50,000 for a general or building contractor, plus workers compensation. source
RenewalLicense renews every 2 year. source
ReciprocityReciprocal licensing agreements with Louisiana, North Carolina and Mississippi for general, building and residential licenses; others may apply by endorsement. source
Fees
  • $335 (Application and examination fee for certification (covers application processing and exam administration), nonrefundable). source
  • $135 (Exam registration fee paid to the exam vendor, included in the application and examination fee). source
  • $80 (Exam administration fee for each test, included in the application and examination fee). source
  • $40 (Application processing fee after passing the exam, included in the application and examination fee). source
  • $200 (Initial certification or registration fee). source
  • $200 (Biennial renewal fee for an active certification or registration). source
  • $100 (Application fee for a registered (local competency) contractor). source

Hiring a general contractor?

See every official lookup in Florida, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Florida

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Florida?
Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses general contractors in Florida. Work under $2,500 total (labor, materials and all other items) of a casual, minor or inconsequential nature is exempt, unless it is part of a larger job split up to evade the law or the person advertises as a contractor.
How do I check a general contractor license in Florida?
The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation keeps the record for general contractors in Florida. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Florida?
$335 (Application and examination fee for certification (covers application processing and exam administration), nonrefundable). $135 (Exam registration fee paid to the exam vendor, included in the application and examination fee). $80 (Exam administration fee for each test, included in the application and examination fee). $40 (Application processing fee after passing the exam, included in the application and examination fee). $200 (Initial certification or registration fee). $200 (Biennial renewal fee for an active certification or registration). $100 (Application fee for a registered (local competency) contractor).
How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Florida?
At least 4 years of active experience in the trade as a skilled worker or foreman, including time as a foreman; a related degree or college credit can replace part of it.
How often does a general contractor license renew in Florida?
License renews every 2 years.

Other trades in Florida

General contractor license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.