Florida Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified General Contractor Unlimited scope — any type of construction work with no restrictions on building type, height, or complexity. Must subcontract electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, pool/spa, and A/C work unless separately certified in those trades. Requires passing the state Business & Finance and Trade Knowledge examinations. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial, expires August 31 of even years) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). A separate $100,000 FRO bond applies only if the entity operates through a Financially Responsible Officer under Fla. Stat. 489.1195. |
| Certified Building Contractor Commercial buildings and single/multi-dwelling residential buildings not exceeding three stories, plus accessory structures. May perform remodeling or repair of any size building if it does not affect structural members. Must subcontract electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, pool/spa, and A/C unless separately certified. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Residential Contractor Construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-, two-, or three-family residences not exceeding two habitable stories above no more than one uninhabitable story, plus accessory structures. Must subcontract electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, pool/spa, and A/C unless separately certified. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Roofing Contractor Unlimited in the roofing trade — install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design roofing systems. Includes skylights, roof-deck attachments, and repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof work. Covers all waterproofing and coating systems. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Plumbing Contractor Unlimited in the plumbing trade — install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design plumbing systems including sanitary and storm drainage, water supply, sewer, venting, septic tanks, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems, solar heating water systems, and natural gas/LP gas systems. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Mechanical Contractor Unlimited in mechanical systems — installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems including complex HVAC systems, ductwork, and related controls. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Pool/Spa Contractor Construction, repair, and servicing of residential and commercial swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. Includes pool equipment, interior finishes, package pool heaters, perimeter and filter piping, and equipment rooms. Does not include direct connections to sanitary sewer or potable water lines. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Sheet Metal Contractor Unlimited in sheet metal — manufacture, fabrication, assembly, installation, dismantling, conditioning, insulation, alteration, repair, and design of ferrous or nonferrous metal work including ductwork and metal framing. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor Construction, installation, and repair of underground utilities — main sanitary sewer systems, water distribution systems, storm sewer collection systems, excavation, earthwork, and trenchless installation methods. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
| Certified Solar Contractor Installation, maintenance, and repair of solar photovoltaic systems and solar water heating systems. Requires 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years or NABCEP recertification every 3 years. | $245 | $105–$155 (biennial) | No surety bond required. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660+ OR completion of the 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006). FRO bond applies only if operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. |
Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks (10–15 business days for application review, plus exam scheduling and post-exam processing) from application submission to license issuance.
Florida (FL) operates one of the most comprehensive statewide contractor licensing systems in the nation, administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Florida distinguishes between Certified contractors — who pass state examinations and can work anywhere in the state — and Registered contractors, who hold local county or municipal licenses and can only work within their issuing jurisdiction. Division I licenses (General, Building, Residential) must carry at least $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage coverage, while Division II specialty trades carry $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage. Applicants demonstrate financial stability through a FICO score of 660 or higher; applicants below 660 must complete a 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006, as amended May 2022 — the prior sub-660 surety bond option was eliminated for certified contractors). A separate $100,000 Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) bond applies only to business entities that operate through a designated FRO under Fla. Stat. 489.1195. Work of a casual, minor, or inconsequential nature under $2,500 in aggregate is exempt from state licensing (Fla. Stat. 489.103), and property owners may act as their own contractor on owner-occupied residences under the owner-builder exemption. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was a catalyst for Florida's modern building-code and licensing reforms, which have been refined through successive legislative sessions. If you're not yet licensed, see how to get a Florida contractor license.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Florida law requires licensed contractors to provide their license number upon request. The number begins with a letter code indicating the license type — C for Certified (statewide) or R for Registered (local). Common prefixes include CGC (General Contractor), CBC (Building Contractor), CRC (Residential Contractor), and CCC (Roofing Contractor). If a contractor cannot provide a license number, treat that as a serious red flag.
Step 2: Look Up the License on MyFloridaLicense.com
Use the DBPR's official license verification portal to check the contractor's license status. You can search by name (first and last) or by license number. The lookup confirms the license type, address of record, and current status — Active, Inactive, Expired, Suspended, or Revoked. Only hire contractors whose license shows as Active.
Verify License on MyFloridaLicense.com →
Step 3: Verify Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Florida requires all certified contractors to carry liability insurance and to demonstrate financial responsibility. Division I contractors (General, Building, Residential) must carry at least $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage insurance. Division II specialty contractors must carry at least $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage. Financial responsibility is satisfied by a FICO score of 660 or higher OR completion of a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006, as amended May 2022 — the prior $100,000 sub-660 surety bond option was eliminated for certified contractors). A separate $100,000 FRO bond under Fla. Stat. 489.1195 applies only to business entities that operate through a designated Financially Responsible Officer. Request a current certificate of insurance directly from the contractor — the CILB conducts random audits of licensee insurance compliance.
- Division I: $300,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage
- Division II: $100,000 public liability + $25,000 property damage
- Financial responsibility: FICO 660+ OR 14-hour board-approved course (Rule 61G4-15.006)
- FRO bond ($100,000) only applies to business entities operating through a Financially Responsible Officer (Fla. Stat. 489.1195)
- Workers' compensation: required for any construction business with 1+ employees (Fla. Stat. Ch. 440)
- Request certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured before work begins
Step 4: Check Complaint and Disciplinary History
Search the DBPR complaint database for any disciplinary actions, complaints, or enforcement history against the contractor. You can also call the DBPR Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395 to ask about pending investigations. A contractor with multiple complaints or disciplinary actions is a significant risk.
Step 5: Confirm Certified vs. Registered Status
Florida has two tiers of contractor licensing. Certified contractors (license codes starting with C) passed state exams and can work anywhere in Florida. Registered contractors (codes starting with R) hold a local county or municipal license and can only work in that jurisdiction. If your project is outside the contractor's registered county, they are operating outside their legal scope. Always confirm the contractor's geographic authority matches your project location.
Florida Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability (Division I) | General Contractors and Building Contractors must carry minimum $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage insurance. Certificate must name the State of Florida, DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board as certificate holder with 30-day cancellation notice. |
| General Liability (Division II) | Residential, Roofing, Plumbing, Mechanical, Pool/Spa, Sheet Metal, Underground Utility, Solar, and all other specialty contractors must carry minimum $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage insurance. |
| Workers' Compensation | Required for any construction contractor with 1 or more employees — a much lower threshold than non-construction businesses (which require 4+). Contractors must verify all subcontractors carry workers' comp; if a sub doesn't, that sub's employees become the general contractor's legal employees for workers' comp purposes. Sole proprietors with zero employees may apply for an exemption. |
Florida Contractor Bond Requirements
Florida does not require a blanket surety bond for every contractor. Applicants demonstrate financial stability by submitting a credit report showing a FICO score of 660 or higher; applicants below 660 satisfy the requirement by completing a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006, as amended May 2022). The prior $100,000 sub-660 surety bond option was eliminated for certified contractors by that amendment. A separate $100,000 Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) bond under Fla. Stat. 489.1195 applies only to business entities that operate through a designated FRO; an irrevocable letter of credit is acceptable in lieu of the FRO bond. Fla. Stat. 489.115 caps any board-imposed financial responsibility bond at $20,000 for Division I and $10,000 for Division II, and allows 50% of that requirement to be met by completing the 14-hour course — but in current practice the CILB relies on the FICO-or-course framework rather than imposing those small bonds.
Florida Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Florida law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- The Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund compensates residential property owners who suffer financial losses from licensed contractor violations — available as a last resort after exhausting civil remedies.
- Florida's lien law (Chapter 713) requires a Notice of Commencement be recorded before construction begins and posted at the job site, protecting both owners and subcontractors.
- Subcontractors and suppliers must serve a Notice to Owner within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials to preserve lien rights — owners should require lien releases before making final payment.
- Home improvement contracts must include the contractor's license number, detailed scope of work, total price, payment schedule, and the statutory warning that unpaid subcontractors can lien the property.
- During a declared state of emergency, any violation of Fla. Stat. 489.127(1) by an unlicensed person is prosecuted as a third-degree felony under 489.127(2)(c) — a flat escalation targeting storm-chasing contractors rather than a ladder on top of any existing felony tier.
- The CILB conducts random insurance audits — selected licensees must provide proof of current insurance within 30 days of request or face disciplinary action.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Florida puts you at risk:
- First offense: engaging in contracting without a certification or registration (Fla. Stat. 489.127(1)) is a first-degree misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine (Fla. Stat. 489.127(2)(a))
- Repeat offense: any subsequent violation of 489.127(1) by a person previously found guilty is a third-degree felony — up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine (Fla. Stat. 489.127(2)(b))
- During a declared state of emergency: any violation of 489.127(1) is a third-degree felony regardless of prior history (Fla. Stat. 489.127(2)(c))
- DBPR may impose administrative fines up to $10,000 per violation under Fla. Stat. 489.13, plus stop-work orders
- Local governments may impose additional civil penalties up to $2,000 per violation
- The Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund does not cover losses caused by unlicensed contractors
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Florida
Report unlicensed contracting activity to DBPR's Unlicensed Activity (ULA) Program. The ULA program works with law enforcement and state attorney offices for criminal prosecution. During declared states of emergency, any violation of Fla. Stat. 489.127(1) is automatically a third-degree felony under 489.127(2)(c).
- Unlicensed Activity Hotline: 1-866-532-1440
- Email: ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com
- Online: myfloridalicense.com
- Phone: 850-487-1395 (DBPR Customer Contact Center)
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Florida
The DBPR investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors. Complaints trigger an investigation, and if probable cause is found, the case proceeds to disciplinary hearing. DBPR can issue fines, suspend or revoke licenses, and order restitution — but cannot represent consumers in civil matters for monetary recovery.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: myfloridalicense.com (Complaints section)
- Phone: 850-487-1395 (DBPR Customer Contact Center)
- Unlicensed Activity Hotline: 1-866-532-1440
- Email: ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com
Complaints and investigation information are confidential until 10 days after probable cause is found or until the investigation is closed. For financial recovery, consumers must pursue civil court or, where applicable, file a claim against the Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund.
Florida Contractor Bond Schedule
Florida's financial responsibility framework is credit-based rather than a flat surety bond. A FICO score of 660 or higher satisfies financial stability; applicants below 660 satisfy the requirement by completing a 14-hour board-approved course under Rule 61G4-15.006 (as amended May 2022). The only $100,000 bond in the statute is the separate FRO bond under Fla. Stat. 489.1195, which applies to business entities operating through a Financially Responsible Officer. Statutory caps under Fla. Stat. 489.115 limit any board-imposed financial responsibility bond to $20,000 (Division I) or $10,000 (Division II), with 50% satisfiable by the 14-hour course.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Responsibility — FICO 660 OR 14-Hour Course (Rule 61G4-15.006) | No bond | Satisfied by a FICO score of 660 or higher, OR completion of a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course. As of the May 2022 amendment to Rule 61G4-15.006, there is no $100,000 (or other) surety bond option for sub-660 applicants on a certified contractor license — the course is the sole alternative. |
| Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) Bond (Fla. Stat. 489.1195) | $100,000 | Required only for business entities that designate a Financially Responsible Officer to qualify the license. The FRO must have final approval authority over contracts, checks, and payments. An irrevocable letter of credit is accepted in lieu of a bond. |
| Statutory Financial Responsibility Bond Cap (Fla. Stat. 489.115(7)) | $20,000 (Division I) / $10,000 (Division II) | Statute caps any board-imposed financial responsibility bond at these amounts and allows 50% of the requirement to be met by completing the 14-hour course. In current practice the CILB uses the FICO-or-course framework rather than imposing bonds at these caps. |
What Makes Florida Contractor Licensing Unique
Hurricane Andrew and Florida's Construction Reforms
Hurricane Andrew in 1992 exposed major gaps in Florida's building-code enforcement and contractor oversight across South Florida. While Chapter 489 (contractor licensing) predates Andrew, the disaster drove the adoption of the statewide Florida Building Code (2002), strengthened continuing-education requirements, and motivated repeated legislative updates to CILB enforcement powers. Florida is now widely cited as a national model for hurricane-resilient construction regulation.
Certified vs. Registered — Two-Tier System
Florida is one of the few states with a dual-tier statewide licensing system. Certified contractors pass state-level examinations and can work anywhere in Florida with no geographic limits. Registered contractors hold local county or municipal licenses and are restricted to their issuing jurisdiction. Both tiers are regulated by DBPR and held to the same insurance and disciplinary standards.
Hundreds of Thousands of Active Licensed Contractors
Florida maintains one of the largest contractor licensing databases in the nation with hundreds of thousands of active licensed contractors across certified and registered tiers. The entire database is publicly searchable through myfloridalicense.com, making Florida one of the most transparent states for contractor verification.
Emergency Penalty Escalation
When the Governor declares a state of emergency (hurricanes, floods, etc.), any violation of Fla. Stat. 489.127(1) by an unlicensed person is prosecuted as a third-degree felony under 489.127(2)(c) — regardless of whether it is a first offense. The escalation is flat rather than cascading (it does not bump an already-felony offense up another degree) and is specifically designed to deter predatory storm-chasing contractors who flood disaster areas offering unlicensed repair work.
Early Adopter of Mold Remediation Licensing
Florida established its dedicated mold assessor and mold remediation contractor licensing program under Fla. Stat. Chapter 468, Part XVI (§ 468.84), enacted by Chapter 2007-235, Laws of Florida, with full enforcement beginning July 1, 2011. It was one of the earliest comprehensive state mold licensing programs and has since been echoed by other states.
Florida Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in Florida?
Go to myfloridalicense.com and use the Verify a License tool. You can search by the contractor's name or license number. The lookup confirms the license type, address of record, and current status — Active, Inactive, Expired, Suspended, or Revoked. You can also call DBPR at 850-487-1395 or use the DBPR mobile app available on iOS and Android.
What is the difference between a Certified and Registered contractor in Florida?
A Certified contractor passed state-level examinations administered by the CILB and can legally work anywhere in Florida. A Registered contractor holds a local county or municipal certificate of competency and can only work within the jurisdiction that issued their local license. Both are regulated by DBPR and must meet comparable insurance and financial responsibility requirements. Certified license codes start with C (e.g., CGC, CBC, CRC), while Registered codes start with R (e.g., RG, RB, RR).
What insurance do Florida contractors need?
Division I contractors (General, Building, Residential) must carry minimum $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage insurance. All other contractors must carry $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage. Workers' compensation is required for any construction contractor with even one employee — a stricter threshold than non-construction businesses. Always request a current certificate of insurance before work begins.
Do I need a surety bond to get a Florida contractor license?
Generally, no. Under Rule 61G4-15.006 (as amended May 2022), financial responsibility for a certified contractor license is satisfied by either (a) a FICO score of 660 or higher, or (b) completion of a 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course. The prior $100,000 surety bond option for sub-660 applicants was eliminated by that amendment. A separate $100,000 Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) bond under Fla. Stat. 489.1195 applies only if you qualify a business entity through a designated FRO; an irrevocable letter of credit is accepted in lieu of that bond.
Can a homeowner do their own construction work in Florida?
Yes, under the owner-builder exemption. Property owners may act as their own contractor on one- or two-family residences for their own occupancy — not for sale or lease within one year of completion. Commercial property owners can self-contract for projects under $75,000 for their own occupancy. Owner-builders must still obtain permits and meet building codes, and the exemption does not apply to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work that requires separate trade licenses.
How much does a Florida contractor license cost?
The application fee for certified contractors is $245 (full cycle) or $145 (off-peak). Exam fees total approximately $295 for Business & Finance and Trade Knowledge exams combined. DBPR fingerprinting is $36 (or ~$50–$90 through third-party vendors). Active license renewal runs $105–$155 every two years. Applicants with a FICO below 660 must complete a 14-hour board-approved financial responsibility course (fees vary by provider) instead of posting a bond. Total initial licensing cost typically ranges from $700 to $2,500 depending on the trade and education/exam prep choices.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Florida?
You lose access to DBPR's complaint investigation and disciplinary process, and you cannot file a claim with the Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund — that fund only covers losses from licensed contractors. The unlicensed contractor carries no required insurance, so property damage or worker injuries may become your liability. Report unlicensed activity to DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440.
How do I file a complaint against a Florida contractor?
File a complaint online at myfloridalicense.com, call DBPR at 850-487-1395, or report unlicensed activity at 1-866-532-1440. Gather documentation before filing — contracts, receipts, photos of work, permits, and correspondence. DBPR investigates violations and can issue fines, suspend or revoke licenses, and order restitution. For financial recovery beyond what DBPR can order, you may need to pursue civil court or, for losses caused by a licensed contractor, file a claim against the Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund.
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Florida?
The typical timeline from application to active license is 4 to 8 weeks. DBPR reviews complete applications within 10–15 business days. After approval, exam scheduling takes an additional 5–10 days. Post-exam licensing is processed within 2–5 business days of passing. Delays occur if the application is incomplete — DBPR will notify you of deficiencies within 10 business days. You can check application status at myfloridalicense.com.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- Florida DBPR — Home — Department of Business and Professional Regulation homepage — entry point for licensing services, verification, and complaints. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) — Home page for the CILB with application, exam, and licensing information for certified and registered contractors. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Verify a License — DBPR — Official license search portal; also accessible via the 'Verify a License' link on myfloridalicense.com. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CILB Fee and Application Insert — Current application, examination, and renewal fee schedule for Certified contractors. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Construction Industry FAQs — Financial Responsibility & Insurance — DBPR/CILB explanation of financial responsibility (FICO 660 or 14-hour course per Rule 61G4-15.006), Division I vs Division II liability/property damage minimums, and workers' comp requirements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C. — Financial Responsibility — Board rule governing financial responsibility for certified contractors. May 2022 amendment eliminated the prior $100,000 surety bond option for sub-660 applicants; the 14-hour board-approved course is now the sole alternative to a FICO 660+ credit score. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- File a Complaint — DBPR — Instructions for filing consumer complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Unlicensed Activity FAQs — Confirms ULA hotline 1-866-532-1440 and ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com for reporting unlicensed contractors. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Florida Statutes Chapter 489 — Construction Contracting — Governing chapter including 489.103 (exemptions and $2,500 threshold), 489.115 (financial responsibility; bond caps at $20K Div I / $10K Div II), 489.117 (registered contractors), 489.1195 (FRO bond), and 489.127 (unlicensed activity penalties). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Florida Statute 489.103 — Exemptions / Owner-Builder — Source for the $2,500 casual/minor exemption and owner-builder rules including the $75,000 commercial owner-occupancy threshold. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Florida Statute 489.127 — Unlicensed Activity Penalties — Codified criminal penalty structure uses offense count (not contract price): 489.127(2)(a) first-offense first-degree misdemeanor; 489.127(2)(b) repeat-offense third-degree felony; 489.127(2)(c) flat third-degree felony during a declared state of emergency. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
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