Florida Building Contractor License
Florida Building Contractor License Requirements & Application Help
Getting your Florida Building Contractor license doesn't have to be difficult. Maybe you've tried before and hit a wall. Maybe you've held off starting, or just don't have the time. Contractor Licensing Inc. offers a fast, straightforward path through the application process — and we take real pride in getting our clients licensed in an unmatched timeframe.
Every applicant's situation is different, so we spend the time to understand yours and verify your experience the right way. Application assistance is only one small part of what we do. Knowing every factor that goes into a successful application is what actually takes experience.
Quick Answer
- A Building Contractor can construct commercial and residential buildings up to three stories tall, statewide.
- Five experience-and-education pathways qualify you to apply, plus documented experience in specific building trades.
- Two exams are required: the Florida Business and Finance exam, plus a trade exam (Florida's two trade exams, or the NASCLA Commercial Building exam instead).
- A 660+ FICO credit score is expected; below that, a 14-hour Financial Responsibility course fills the gap.
- General liability insurance is required for every certified license, with workers' comp required unless exempt.
- Renewal is every two years, on even years, with 14 hours of continuing education including 1 hour of wind mitigation.
- Review every application type and purchase the Initial Issuance application service on our Florida Contractor License Information page.
- All other application types are quoted individually based on your specific situation.
What Is a Florida Building Contractor?
A Florida Building Contractor is a contractor whose work is limited to constructing commercial buildings. It also covers single- or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, as long as they don't exceed three stories in height. It's a Certified license issued by the DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). That means it's valid across the entire state, not just one city or county — unlike a locally-issued Registered license.
Five Ways to Qualify
To submit your Building Contractor application to the DBPR, you need to document one of these five combinations of education and on-the-job experience:
- A 4-year construction-related degree from an accredited college, plus 1 year of on-the-job experience.
- 1 year of experience as a foreman, plus at least 3 years of credit from accredited college-level courses.
- 1 year as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, plus 2 years of college-level course credit.
- 2 years as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, plus 1 year of college-level course credit.
- 4 years as a worker or foreman, with at least 1 of those years spent as a foreman.
Building Contractor Construction Experience
Beyond the education and experience combinations above, your work history needs to cover specific areas of building construction. The DBPR looks for documented experience in:
Foundations & Slabs
Greater than 20,000 square feet.
Masonry Walls
Load-bearing and non-load-bearing.
Steel Erection
Structural steel framing.
Column Erection
Structural column installation.
Formwork
For structural reinforced concrete.
Elevated Slabs
Above-grade concrete decking.
Multi-Story Sites
Construction sites up to three stories in height.
Ways to Apply for a Building Contractor License
Initial Issuance
For a first-time Building Contractor license, filed as either an individual or a business entity.
Change of Status
For moving your existing license between business structures, or updating how it's held.
Qualify an Additional Business
For an already-licensed qualifier who wants to extend their license to cover a second business entity.
Start Your Building Contractor Application
Initial Issuance Application
Review all Florida contractor license application types and purchase our Initial Issuance application service directly on our main application page.
- Review every Florida application type side by side
- Purchase the Initial Issuance application service
- Experience review & required document checklist
- Financial responsibility review
- Application package review & submission guidance
Need a Different Application Type?
Change of Status, Qualify an Additional Business, endorsement, and Financial Responsible Officer applications are quoted individually based on your specific situation — they aren't a flat-rate, self-checkout service.
- Tell us about your current license status
- We review your situation and the right application path
- We send you a quote specific to your case
Business & Finance Exam, Trade Exam, and NASCLA
Every Building Contractor applicant must pass the Florida Business and Finance exam. That part is non-negotiable, NASCLA or not. For the trade portion, you have two options. You can sit for Florida's own two trade exams — Contract Administration and Project Management. Or you can take the NASCLA Commercial Building exam instead, which replaces both.
NASCLA's advantage is portability. A Florida-only exam path only licenses you in Florida, while NASCLA is recognized in 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands — worth considering if you might work outside Florida down the road.
Credit Score & Financial Stability
The CILB checks financial responsibility as part of every certified application. It looks for a 660 FICO-derived credit score or higher, along with no unsatisfied liens or judgments against you or your company. Both your personal and business credit are pulled from nationally recognized agencies.
If your score comes in under 660, you're not automatically disqualified. Completing a board-approved 14-hour Financial Responsibility course satisfies the requirement in place of the credit threshold.
General Liability & Workers' Compensation
Every Certified Building Contractor must carry general liability insurance before the DBPR will issue a license. Workers' compensation coverage is also required, unless you qualify for a state exemption.
We work closely with our sister company, Artisan Insurance Inc., to provide these coverages. Both businesses are family owned and operated, so your license paperwork and your insurance move together instead of stalling on each other.
Renewing a Building Contractor License
Certified licenses renew every two years, due by August 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires 14 hours of continuing education, covering topics like workplace safety, workers' compensation, and business practices. At least 1 hour of that must be wind mitigation coursework.
Florida Building Contractor License Reciprocity
Florida's CILB has direct reciprocity agreements covering General, Building, and Residential contractor licenses with three states: Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi. Contractors licensed in one of those states can apply through a reciprocal path rather than starting from scratch. Outside of those three, out-of-state applicants typically qualify through Certification by Endorsement using a NASCLA exam score instead.
Licensing rules vary widely by state. If you're weighing Florida against another market, our national contractor licensing guide breaks down requirements state by state.
Let Us Handle Your Application
Whether you're applying for a new Building Contractor license, changing from one business to another, or qualifying an additional business entity, we're here to help. Every step of the way.
Don't have someone to qualify your business yet? Our Contractor Qualifier Connect network can match you with a qualified individual.
Florida Building Contractor License FAQ
What is a Florida Building Contractor license?
A Certified, statewide license limited to commercial and residential buildings that don't exceed three stories.
What experience do I need?
One of five education-and-experience combinations, plus documented experience in specific building trades like masonry and steel erection.
Does Florida accept the NASCLA exam?
Yes — NASCLA's Commercial Building exam replaces Florida's two trade exams. The Business and Finance exam is still required either way.
What credit score do I need?
A 660 FICO-derived score is standard. Below that, a 14-hour Financial Responsibility course fills the gap.
What insurance do I need?
General liability insurance is required, and workers' comp unless you're exempt. Artisan Insurance Inc. handles both.
How often do I renew?
Every two years, on even years by August 31, with 14 hours of continuing education.
Contact
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Construction Industry Licensing Board
Customer Contact Center: 850.487.1395
Ready to Get Your Florida Building Contractor License?
Whether you're ready to hire us today or need help determining the correct application path, Contractor Licensing Inc. can help you move forward.
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