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As a general contractor in Florida, you're tasked with managing the supply of materials, labor, and equipment for construction projects. To qualify, you must pass the state's contractor exam and have at least four years of relevant experience. Although the contractor exam has a fee, it opens doors to contracting opportunities with construction companies. Being a licensed general contractor enables you to work legally in Florida and enjoy a steady career in the industry.
Process Overview
Obtaining the Required Qualifications
Be at least 18 years old and pass a background screening. You must be of legal age and maintain a clean criminal record to apply for general contracting in Florida. Fingerprints will be required for the background check process.
Have at least 4 years of contracting experience in the United States. You will need to submit the names, dates, and locations of your previous employers in the U.S. to validate your experience. At least one year of this experience should be in a supervisory role to be eligible for licensing.
- Additionally, a licensed architect, engineer, or building official must verify your work experience.
- Working with different companies can be beneficial for gaining diverse experience, understanding business operations, and networking within the industry.
Maintain a net income ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 USD. The required income depends on the classification level for which you're applying. You will need to provide bank statements and a recent credit report (from the past year) to demonstrate your financial stability.
- This shows the Florida Contractor Board that you're in a solid financial position.
Obtain general liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage. Your policy must include at least $300,000 USD for bodily injury and $50,000 USD for property damage. This coverage ensures that you're protected in case of accidents or incidents on the job site.
- You must provide documentation from your insurance company as proof of coverage.
Submitting Your Contractor Application
Choose between applying for a certified or registered contractor license. A certified license, while slightly more expensive, allows you to work anywhere in Florida. A registered license is more affordable but limits you to specific local jurisdictions within the state.
- Most applicants opt for the certified license for the broader flexibility it offers.
Prepare for the contractor's exam. The exam has 3 sections and a total time limit of 9 hours. You need a minimum score of 70% to pass. You’re allowed to bring reference materials, such as books on Florida building codes and regulations. Be sure to purchase these books ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the content before the exam.
- The three sections of the exam include: Project Management, Contract Administration, and Business & Finance. You can answer questions using both your experience and the reference materials you bring to the exam.
- If you’re concerned about passing, consider enrolling in an online study course to help prepare for the exam.
Register for the exam and pay the required fee. The exam is available in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Register online at http://www.floridaexam.com/ and select the exam date that suits you. The exam is mandatory for obtaining either a certified or registered general contractor license.
- The exam fee is typically between $200-$250 USD. Payment can be made via credit or debit card.
Take all 3 sections of the exam. The first two sections must be completed in person at a testing center in Tallahassee, Orlando, or Miami. The final section will be completed on a computer at Pearson VUE. Since the exam is open book, make sure you bring the necessary reference materials with you.
Fill out the license application and pay the application fee. After successfully passing the contractor exam, you can submit the application for your license. The application fee is between $150-$250 USD.
- The application form can be found here: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/documents/CILB5A_Certified_Contractor_Individual_General.pdf.
Submit your completed exam, application, and supporting documents. Be sure to include all necessary documents, such as your bank statement, credit report, and proof of employment, along with your completed exam and application. Send the package to The State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783.
- Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your certification confirmation by mail.
Securing Contracting Opportunities
Always have proof of your certification available. You will receive a certification card verifying that you are a licensed general contractor in Florida. Present this card to prospective employers to enhance your chances of securing a job. Make sure to include your certification details on your resume and in your job applications to inform employers of your qualifications.
Search for job openings online or by visiting construction companies in person. Look for general contractor roles through construction firms in your area or keep an eye out for calls for contractors for large-scale projects. You can also reach out to companies via email or drop by to inquire about open positions.
- Bring along copies of your resume to distribute to employers so they can evaluate your qualifications.
Ensure your contractor license is renewed before it expires. As a licensed general contractor, you must complete 14 hours of continuing education to maintain your certification. Make sure to apply for license renewal before the expiration date to stay in good standing as a contractor in Florida.
