General Contractor License Requirements in Florida
| Licensing Authority | Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) |
| License Type | CGC - Certified General Contractor |
| Experience Required | 4 years of construction experience, including 1 year as a foreman or supervisor |
| Education Substitute | 4-year construction-related degree equals 3 years experience (still need 1 year hands-on) |
| Exam Required | Yes — Business & Finance + Contract Administration + Project Management |
| Bond Required | Yes — Amount varies by license classification and financial statement |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 14 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $335 |
| Initial License Fee | $200 |
| Est. Initial Total | $535 |
Renewal: $209 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Business & Finance
Contract Administration
Project Management
Exam provider: Pearson VUE
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Florida
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Florida. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- The $335 application fee is a combined application + examination fee (Fla. Admin. Code 61G4-12.009).
- The $200 initial certification fee applies when remitted in the first year of the biennium; it is $100 if remitted in the second year.
Local requirements on top of your Florida license
The CILB general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Florida. On top of it, most Florida cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in Florida as a general contractor — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Construction Industry Licensing Board issues the CGC - Certified General Contractor; the business that invoices Florida customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Florida requires a surety bond. Amount varies by license classification and financial statement. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Florida requires general liability insurance for this license. GL required. Workers comp required if you have employees; exemption available for sole proprietors. Must provide personal credit report. Contractor insurance requirements→
Register locally.
Most Florida cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck general contractor businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $209. Continuing education: 14 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Florida
- Electrician license in Florida
Statewide license required · $399 in initial government fees · ECLB
- Plumber license in Florida
Statewide license required · $399 in initial government fees · CILB
- HVAC Technician license in Florida
Statewide license required · $399 in initial government fees · CILB
- Roofing Contractor license in Florida
Statewide license required · $399 in initial government fees · CILB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Florida?
Yes, Florida requires a statewide general contractor license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Florida?
The estimated initial cost is $535, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Florida?
4 years of construction experience, including 1 year as a foreman or supervisor Education substitute: 4-year construction-related degree equals 3 years experience (still need 1 year hands-on)
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Florida?
You must pass the Business & Finance and Contract Administration and Project Management exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Pearson VUE.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Florida?
Yes, a surety bond is required. Amount varies by license classification and financial statement
Does Florida have general contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, Florida has reciprocity agreements with 3 states that may apply to general contractors. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Florida?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Florida?
Yes, 14 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Florida— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-03 | Source: CILB