How to Obtain a Florida Contractor License?

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Getting a Contractor’s License in Florida?

API Processing‘s responsibility is to assist clients like you in quickly and easily obtaining your contractor’s license. Since the procedure for obtaining a Florida contractor’s license can be challenging, we wanted to share some of the commonly asked questions we receive during the licensing process.

What’s the Difference Between a Certified and Registered License?

A “certified contractor” is a statewide contractor licensed at the state level. A “registered contractor” is a contractor who has a county license (or multiple) who also must register that license with the state because it is a major trade. Registered contractors can only work in the county in which they have a competency card.

What Is the Difference Between the Florida General, Building, and Residential Contractor Licenses?

The primary distinctions among these contractors lie in their project scope, specialization, and licensing requirements. While General Contractors have a broad purview, Building and Residential contractors offer more specialized services tailored to the structural and personal needs of their projects.

Florida General Contractor’s License:

• Responsibilities: The Florida General Contractor’s License covers the construction and remodel of residential properties plus construction of structures higher than three stories. General contractors manage a wide array of projects, including commercial, industrial, and some residential. They coordinate with subcontractors, secure permits, and ensure that all aspects of a project, from plumbing to electrical work, are executed flawlessly.
• Licensing Requirements: To operate legally, general contractors must obtain a license from the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. This involves passing rigorous exams, proving financial stability, and carrying workers’ compensation insurance. Additionally, to qualify for this license, applicants must have hands-on experience in constructing commercial buildings of four stories or more. This includes working on projects involving foundation/slabs greater than 20,000 square feet, masonry walls, steel erection, elevated slabs, precast concrete structures, column erection, and formwork for structural reinforced concrete.

Florida Building License(CBC Certified Building Contractor):

• Responsibilities: The Florida Building License (CBC Certified Building Contractor) covers the scope of the residential license plus the construction of commercial buildings up to three stories in height. Building contractors specialize in constructing commercial and single or multiple-dwelling buildings from the ground up, that do not exceed three stories in height. They can also undertake renovation and remodel work on buildings exceeding three stories, provided it does not affect the building’s structural integrity.
• Licensing Requirements: Like general contractors, building contractors must meet specific experience requirements and pass exams, demonstrating their expertise and adherence to state construction regulations. This license is a testament to their ability to handle complex building projects with precision and care, particularly in construction projects spanning up to three stories.

Florida Residential License(CRC Certified Residential Contractor):

• Responsibilities: Florida Residential License (CRC Certified Residential Contractor) covers the construction and remodel of residential properties up to two habitable stories (i.e., house, duplex). These contractors are adept at navigating the personal aspects of home construction, from selecting the right materials to designing spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their work transforms blueprints into livable, welcoming homes.
• Licensing Requirements: To become a licensed residential contractor in Florida, professionals must meet specific experience requirements and pass state-administered exams. This rigorous process ensures they are well-equipped to handle the nuances of residential construction.

How Often Do I Need to Renew My License and/or Complete Continuing Education?

In Florida, a certified contractor needs to complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years by August 31 of an even-numbered year. For registered contractors, they need to renew in odd-numbered years.

How Long Do I Have to Get My Worker’s Comp Insurance/Exemption and General Liability Insurance In Place?

Since Worker’s Compensation Exemptions are filed after the contractor license is issued, the state gives you up to 30 days after the issuance to have Worker’s Comp in place. General Liability should be in place for the contractor license to be issued.

Am I Able to Use Out-Of-State / Out-Of-Country Experience?

When it comes to contractor’s licenses, experience is important and valid no matter where it occurred, as long as it was legal experience and the projects meet requirements.

Can a Contractor Work Under Someone Else’s License?

The answer may depend on the relationship between the two parties but in most cases, a contractor cannot legally work under another’s license. The unlicensed contractor’s work can result in financial penalties to both parties and may lead to license revocation for the registered contractor.

Are contractor licenses transferable?

Yes, they are…to a degree. Contractor license reciprocity is when states recognize a license acquired in another state, without requiring the contractor to go through all of the steps to get a new license. Depending on where your company operates, there may be numerous options to streamline the process because certain U.S. states allow reciprocity for contractor licenses. This saves the contractor time and money and allows them to get to work and expand their business faster. Read more detailed information on reciprocity here.

What do I need to know to become a general contractor?

As general contractor (GC) in charge of a project, you’ll need to deal directly with the client, manage other workers, place orders with vendors and get approvals from officials. You’ll also have to manage your receivables, payables, balance sheet, profit and loss, taxes, and business insurance. If you have full-time employees, you’ll need to manage their PTO, health insurance and possibly 401K match.

Most states have general contractor license requirements. Check with your local licensing board for requirements and the licensing process. To get a general contractor license, you’ll typically need to demonstrate years of work experience and pass an exam. These exams vary by state but usually cover legal, financial and safety regulations and professional topics like construction materials, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing. Many construction industry associations provide training courses for becoming a GC. For example, you can enroll in a program like the Building Trades Academy, run by the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), or a course by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

Your state’s criteria for obtaining a general contractor license will vary, but in general, you should have a few years of professional experience and be knowledgeable about the many trades involved in construction. While there are various ways to become an expert in a given trade, most entail a combination of training instruction and supervised job experience, frequently through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships, which can last up to four years, are sponsored by numerous unions and professional associations.

In sum, a general contractor must possess broad knowledge, excellent people skills, and business management abilities to be successful.

Is there a Way to Get Help in Obtaining My Contractors License?

That is exactly what API Processing offers—step-by-step assistance through all the phases of earning your contractor’s license, from administrative paperwork and exams to certification, registration and forming corporations. For more than 30 years, API has operated as a full-service firm, successfully helping thousands of contractors like you to gain their license. Click on API to find out more how we can help you now!