Florida Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Florida requires statewide contractor licensing through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). General contractors, plumbers, HVAC, and roofing are licensed through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), while electricians are licensed through the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (ECLB). Florida offers both Certified (statewide) and Registered (county-level) licenses.
General Contractor
RequiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredReciprocity Agreements
Florida has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Florida Licensing Overview
Florida requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (ECLB). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $399 to $711, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Florida also participates in reciprocity agreements with 3 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Florida Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $149 | $295 | $267 | — | $711 |
| Electrician | $249 | $150 | — | — | $399 |
| Plumber | $249 | $150 | — | — | $399 |
| HVAC Technician | $249 | $150 | — | — | $399 |
| Roofing Contractor | $249 | $150 | — | — | $399 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Florida Contractor Licensing
- GL required. Workers comp required if you have employees; exemption available for sole proprietors. Must provide personal credit report.
- Florida has reciprocity agreements with 3 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- Licensed through ECLB (separate from CILB for other trades)
- Must also have EPA 608 certification for refrigerant handling
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida require a contractor license?
Yes, Florida requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Florida?
Initial licensing costs range from $399 to $711 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Florida have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Florida has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Florida?
GL required. Workers comp required if you have employees; exemption available for sole proprietors. Must provide personal credit report.
Official Florida Licensing Resources
- Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) — for general contractor, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor
- Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (ECLB) — for electrician