Florida General Contractor Licenses

With over 30 years in the industry, API Processing has the knowledge and resources to handle all of your Florida contractor licensing needs. Call today and speak with one of our experienced staff members.

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General Contractor License Holders needed in Florida for existing company!

Are you interested in obtaining a contractor’s license in the State of Florida? Do you need help with Florida reciprocity procedures? Does your business need a qualified listed agent? Do you need help forming a corporation, LLC, or partnership entity? Does your Florida business need a surety bond?

Roofing ContractorFlorida Alarm, Fire, Electrical, Roofing and General Contracting Licenses

API offers contractor licensing application assistance in Burglar Alarm, Electrical, and Construction license classifications. With over 30years in the Electrical and Construction Licensing Industry, API has the knowledge, resources, and expertise to help get you licensed.

API Processing can assist you with the following licensing classifications:


Florida has two types of Contractor Licenses:

1. Registered Contractor License

A registered contractor can only perform work within the city or county that issued the contractor license.

2. Certified Contractor License

A certified contractor is certified by the state and is allowed to work anywhere in the state of Florida on any type of construction project.

To apply for a Certified Contractor, the following steps are required.

  • Age - The applicant must be at least 18 years old to qualify
  • Experience - Provide proof of construction experience, including work as a foreman, and/or a construction related education.
  • Exam - A two-day open book exam that tests your financial skills and your knowledge in the construction trade
  • Fee - A fee specified in the application payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
  • Fee - Request a credit report from any of the 3 major credit reporting agencies, and submit credit check with your application
  • Application - Contact us to help with the application process

API provides assistance with License applications in Florida.

At API, our company understands how confusing and overwhelming state licensing laws and procedures can be. The state license application often requires specific knowledge and resources to accurately provide the necessary information. Numerous applications are constantly denied because of mistakes on the application or in the required documentation.

Let the License Experts handle it!

Call today and speak with one of our experienced staff about your licensing needs. With over 10 years in the licensing industry, API has the knowledge and resources to handle all of your licensing needs.

API Prepares and process contractor license applications for:

  • Initial Certification
  • New Businesses
  • Additional Business
  • Transfers
  • Re-Activations
  • Endorsements

As a client of API, you will receive the benefit of personal one-on-one attention from our experienced professional staff; licensing expertise that is unmatched in the industry and our commitment to your satisfaction and licensing goals.

Our company also provides other business services to help establish your company. Call today for a free consultation to get your Florida Contractors License.

Florida State Licensing Board Resources

Department of Business & Professional Regulation

Problems When Filing Your Florida Contractor License on Your Own

When filing your Florida contractor license on your own, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can cause delays or result in your application being denied. These pitfalls include submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation, not meeting the specific educational and experience requirements, and misunderstanding state and local regulations. Additionally, inadequate preparation for the required exams and underestimating the time it takes to navigate the bureaucratic process can lead to significant setbacks. To steer clear of these issues, ensure your application is thorough, accurate, and in full compliance with all Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) guidelines. Here are the problems to avoid:

Complex Application Requirements. Obtaining a contractor license in Florida involves a detailed process that requires specific documentation, such as proof of qualifications and financial stability. It's essential to ensure every part of the application is accurate and complete to avoid unnecessary delays.

Stringent Educational and Experience Requirements. Each type of contractor license in Florida has its own set of prerequisites related to education and professional experience. Meeting these criteria can be challenging, as applicants must demonstrate their qualifications and match the exact requirements.

Navigating State and Local Regulations. Understanding and complying with both state and local regulations in Florida can be confusing. Regulations may vary significantly between different jurisdictions, complicating compliance for contractors working across multiple areas.

Examination Preparation. Most contractor licenses in Florida require passing one or more examinations. These exams are rigorous and assess a wide range of knowledge and practical skills, making thorough preparation essential.

Delays and Bureaucratic Hurdles. The licensing process in Florida can be slow, with unexpected delays often arising, especially when applications are incomplete or contain errors. Navigating the bureaucratic aspects of the process can be a significant challenge.

Florida Contractor Licensing Terms You Need to Know

Navigating the complex world of contractor licensing in Florida requires a solid understanding of key terms. To help you on your licensing journey, here are the most important terms you need to know, along with explanations to clarify their meanings and how they impact the process.

  • Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). The state agency responsible for issuing and regulating contractor licenses in Florida. Click here to learn more about CILB.
  • Dual License. A type of license that allows a contractor to perform both residential and commercial contracting work in Florida.
  • Bond Requirement. A financial security measure required by CILB to ensure contractors fulfill their contractual obligations.
  • Workmanship Standards. The quality standards set by CILB that contractors must meet in their construction and repair work.
  • Qualifying Individual. The person within a contracting business who meets the experience and exam requirements necessary to obtain a license.
  • License Classification. The specific categories under which a contractor is licensed, such as General Contractor, Specialty Contractor, or Engineering Contractor.
  • Background Check. A mandatory review of a contractor’s criminal and financial history as part of the licensing process in Florida.
  • Registrar Complaints. Formal complaints filed by customers or other parties with CILB regarding a contractor's performance or compliance with regulations.
  • License Bond. A bond that contractors must secure as part of the licensing process, serving as a guarantee of the contractor's compliance with state regulations.
  • Renewal Requirements. The ongoing conditions and documentation necessary to maintain a valid contractor license in Florida, including continuing education and financial updates.

These terms are key to understanding the contractor licensing process in Florida and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

At API Processing, we're dedicated to making the contractor licensing process in Florida as straightforward as possible. Whether you're dealing with the state's complex regulations, meeting specific requirements, or ensuring your documentation is accurate and complete, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.

Let us handle the details so you can concentrate on what matters most—growing your business. Count on API Processing to make your licensing journey seamless and hassle-free.