If you have a passion for construction and dream of becoming a certified contractor in the sunshine state of Florida, you’re embarking on an exciting journey.

The construction industry in Florida is booming, with countless opportunities for skilled professionals. However, before you can dive into this promising career, there are specific requirements and steps you need to follow to become a certified contractor. In this blog post, we will explore the essential prerequisites and the process you need to undertake to achieve your goal.

Understanding the Different License Categories

The first step on your path to becoming a certified contractor in Florida is to grasp the various license categories that exist. Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) oversees these classifications, and they are primarily based on the type of construction work you plan to undertake. The main license categories include:

a. General Contractor (CG): This license allows you to work on a wide range of construction projects, from residential to commercial, and includes new construction, remodeling, and renovations.

b. Building Contractor (CBC): This license focuses specifically on construction related to residential and commercial structures.

c. Residential Contractor (CRC): This license is limited to residential construction, including single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

d. Specialty Contractor (SC): This category covers various specialized trades such as electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and more.

Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a Division I or Division II Contractor license in the State of Florida, specific requirements must be met. These requirements are based on the number of years of field experience in the desired category of licensure. Without any educational credits, a minimum of 4 years of field experience is necessary, including at least one year in a Foreman or supervisory role. While there are no minimum educational requirements, up to 3 years of this requirement can be offset with college credits and/or military service.

The following are the requirements outlined in Florida Statute 489.111 for licensure by examination:

Eligibility:

• The applicant must be 18 years of age.
• The applicant must possess good moral character.

Criteria for Eligibility:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college in the relevant field of engineering, architecture, or building construction, along with 1 year of proven experience in the category for which qualification is sought. A minimum of 2,000 person-hours is used to determine full-time equivalency. Applicants exempt from passing an examination under s. 489.113(1) are eligible for a license under this section.
• At least 4 years of active experience as either:
  • A worker who learned the trade through an apprenticeship and has the skills of a skilled worker who can command the rate of a mechanic in that trade, or
  • A foreman who supervises a group of workers and is accountable to a superintendent, contractor, or equivalent. However, a minimum of 1 year of active experience must be as a foreman.
• • A combination of experience and college-level course credits, including:
    • Not less than 1 year of experience as a foreman and not less than 3 years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
    • Not less than 1 year of experience as a skilled worker, 1 year as a foreman, and not less than 2 years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
    • Not less than 2 years of experience as a skilled worker, 1 year as a foreman, and not less than 1 year of credits from accredited college-level courses. All junior college or community college-level courses are considered accredited college-level courses.

Please note that these requirements do not need to be met prior to passing the state exams; however, all requirements must be fulfilled before applying for the license. After successfully completing the exam process, you have a four-year window to obtain the minimum required experience and apply for the Certified Contractor’s license.

Prepare for the State Examination

Passing the state examination is a crucial step in obtaining your certified contractor license. The exam’s content and format will vary based on the chosen license category. It is essential to thoroughly prepare for the exam by utilizing study materials, practice tests, and attending exam prep courses if necessary.

This is where Construction Pros comes in. If you plan on taking your license exam, check out our Exam Prep to make sure that you’re ready.

Becoming a certified contractor in Florida opens doors to a rewarding and dynamic career in the construction industry. To achieve this goal, aspiring contractors must meet specific requirements, prepare for the state examination, submit the necessary documents, and complete the application process.

Once you’ve obtained your license, remember that continuous learning and adherence to industry best practices will be crucial to thriving in this competitive field. So, roll up your sleeves, study hard, and embark on your journey to a successful contracting career in the Sunshine State!