Updated April 2026
Florida Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Yes
- Licensing Board
- Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Minimum Project Threshold
- $500 (all work above this)
- Surety Bond Required?
- Yes — $10,000 (Division II); $20,000 (Division I); may vary based on credit score
Two license types: Certified (statewide) vs. Registered (local). Local licensing phasing out by June 30, 2025. Three-part exam required. 14 hours CE per 2 years. Reciprocity with CA, LA, MS, NC, GA fo
State-Specific Details
Additional licensing bodies: Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR); Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)
Two license types: Certified (statewide) vs. Registered (local). Local licensing phasing out by June 30, 2025. Three-part exam required. 14 hours CE per 2 years. Reciprocity with CA, LA, MS, NC, GA for 10+ year licensed contractors. Handyman exception exists.
Florida requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding $500 (all work above this) in labor and materials. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Florida should readily provide their license number. It should appear on their business card, vehicle, website, and advertising. If a contractor refuses to share their license number, don't hire them.
Step 2: Verify the License
Use our free Florida contractor license lookup to verify any license instantly. Enter the contractor's name, business name, or license number and see their current status, classifications, bond info, and complaint history.
When checking the license, verify:
- Status is "Active" — not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Name matches — the business name on the license should match who you're hiring
- Classifications cover your project — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work
- License won't expire during your project
Step 3: Check Bond and Insurance
Florida requires licensed contractors to carry a surety bond ($10,000 (Division II); $20,000 (Division I); may vary based on credit score). The bond protects consumers if the contractor violates state regulations or abandons a project. Ask the contractor for proof of their bond, and verify it through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Our search tool shows complaint information when available.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Florida puts you at risk:
- Your homeowner's insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed contractors
- You have limited legal recourse if the work is defective
- No surety bond to file claims against
- Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home
- No bond protection — the bond is your safety net
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Florida
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Florida, report them to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Unlicensed contracting is typically a misdemeanor and carries fines and potential jail time.
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.