Florida contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

General Contractor (CGC certified / RG registered)

All types of construction; services are unlimited as to the type of work.

• When it applies: Required unless the work is casual, minor or inconsequential and the aggregate contract price for labor, materials and all other items is less than $2,500.
• Good to know: Division I. Certified licenses (codes starting with C) are valid statewide; registered (R) only in the local jurisdictions where registered.

Building Contractor (CBC / RB)

Commercial buildings and single- or multiple-dwelling residential buildings up to three stories, accessory structures, and remodeling or repair that does not affect structural elements.

• When it applies: Same $2,500 minor work exemption.
• Good to know: Division I.

Residential Contractor (CRC / RR)

Building, remodeling, repairing or improving one-, two- or three-family residences of no more than two stories, plus accessory structures.

• When it applies: Same $2,500 minor work exemption.
• Good to know: Division I. The main license for residential remodelers doing structural work.

Roofing Contractor (CCC / RC)

Roofing work, unlimited in the roofing trade, including related skylight and certain sheathing work.

• When it applies: Same $2,500 minor work exemption.
• Good to know: Division II.

Specialty and Division II contractors

Single-phase trades such as sheet metal, pool/spa, and specialty categories (SCC certified, RX registered).

• When it applies: Same $2,500 minor work exemption.
• Good to know: Plumbing, air-conditioning (Class A, B, C) and mechanical contractors are also licensed by CILB.

What you need to qualify

• Exams: Certification requires passing the state exam. Division I (General, Building, Residential): Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management. Division II: Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge. All parts must be passed within four years of the first scheduled exam.
• Experience: One route under s. 489.111: at least 4 years of active experience as a worker, with at least 1 year as a foreman. Applicants must be at least 18 and of good moral character.
• Insurance: Applicants must submit an affidavit of workers' compensation, public liability and property damage coverage in amounts set by board rule. Contractors who fail to keep workers' compensation coverage face a $500 administrative fine and possible discipline.
• Financial: Initial applicants must submit a credit report. Board financial stability rules may require minimum net worth, cash and bonding of no more than $20,000 for Division I and $10,000 for Division II; half can be met by completing an approved 14-hour financial responsibility course.
• Business registration: A business organization must apply through a qualifying agent who has final approval authority over construction and business matters (or have an approved financially responsible officer). If the qualifier leaves, the business has 60 days to replace them.

Fees, renewal and continuing education

• Fees: Exam fees (2026 application pack): $135 registration with Professional Testing, Inc.; Business and Finance $80, Trade Knowledge $80, Contract Administration $40, Project Management $40 (paid to Pearson VUE).
• Renewal: Every 2 years.
• Continuing education: At least 14 classroom hours per two-year renewal cycle (50-minute hours), including at least one hour on laws and rules. Those licensed for less than a full cycle need fewer hours.

Contracts and homeowner protections

Residential contracts over $2,500 must include the statutory Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund notice followed by the board's address and phone number; the board may fine up to $500 for a first violation and must fine $1,000 for later violations. If a contractor takes more than 10% of the contract price as an initial payment on residential work, it must apply for permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after permits issue, unless the owner agrees otherwise in writing; violations can be crimes ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony depending on the amount. The Recovery Fund pays, for contracts entered on or after July 1, 2024, up to $100,000 per Division I claim ($2 million cap per licensee) and $30,000 per Division II claim ($600,000 cap per licensee).

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

Plumbing, air-conditioning and mechanical contractors are licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Electrical and alarm contractors are licensed by the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, also under DBPR. Both boards offer certified (statewide) and registered (local) licenses.

City and county rules

Registered contractors may contract only in the cities or counties where they met local competency requirements. Certified contractors can work in any Florida jurisdiction without meeting local competency requirements, though local permits still apply.

Working without a license

Contracting without a license is a first-degree misdemeanor; a repeat offense, or a violation during a governor-declared state of emergency, is a third-degree felony. DBPR may impose an administrative fine of up to $10,000; local citations may carry a civil penalty of up to $2,000. Contracts entered into by an unlicensed contractor are unenforceable, and the unlicensed contractor has no lien or bond rights.

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• Exact general liability and property damage insurance minimums (board rule 61G4-10.011).
• Credit score and bond rules for financial responsibility (rule 61G4-15.006).
• Initial certification and biennial renewal license fees
• Renewal expiration dates for certified and registered licenses
• Which local governments license handyman, painting or flooring work, and any state limits on local licensing

Sources

1. DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board
2. CILB 1 Initial and Retake Examination Application checklist (Building)
3. Construction exam application pack (revised 05/12/2026)
4. 2026 Florida Statutes, Chapter 489
5. Fla. Stat. 489.127 - Prohibitions; penalties
6. Fla. Stat. 489.1425 - Recovery Fund notice
7. Fla. Stat. 489.126 - Moneys received by contractors
8. Fla. Stat. 489.143 - Recovery Fund payments
9. Fla. Stat. 489.128 - Contracts by unlicensed contractors unenforceable
10. Fla. Stat. 489.13 - Unlicensed contracting; fines
11. DBPR Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board