Florida Electrical Contractor License
Florida Electrical Contractor License Requirements & Application Help
Getting your Florida Electrical Contractor license does not have to be difficult! The application may seem overwhelming — maybe you've already tried and received deficiencies, maybe you're scared to start, or you simply don't have the time to get it done. At Contractor Licensing Inc., we have a fast and easy system that takes the guesswork out of the application process. We take great pride in licensing our clients in record time!
We know that each application is unique, so we take the time to really get to know our clients. Application assistance is just one small part of our operation. Knowing all of the factors that go into that application is what takes time and experience.
Quick Answer
- A Certified Electrical Contractor can work statewide after passing Florida's state exam; a Registered Electrical Contractor is limited to the county or municipality that licensed them.
- Six experience pathways qualify you to apply, and at least 40% of that experience must be in three-phase electrical services.
- Two exams are required — Business Practices and Technical/Safety — each needing a 75% passing score, administered by Pearson VUE.
- NASCLA is not accepted for a first-time Electrical Contractor license; Florida's own exam is required for initial applicants.
- Review every application type and purchase the Initial Issuance application service on our Florida Contractor License Information page.
- General liability and workers' compensation insurance are required; renewal is every two years with continuing education.
What Is a Florida Electrical Contractor?
The Florida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB) licenses and regulates electrical and alarm contractors under Chapter 489, Part II of the Florida Statutes and Rule 61G6. There are two levels of licensure:
Certified
Passed the state exam — can work anywhere in Florida.
Registered
Holds a local county/municipal certificate — limited to that jurisdiction.
Beyond the general Electrical Contractor category, the ECLB also licenses Alarm System Contractors (I & II) and Electrical Specialty Contractors covering residential, utility line, lighting maintenance, sign, limited energy, and two-way radio work.
Six Ways to Qualify
To submit your Certified Electrical Contractor application to the DBPR, you need to document one of these experience pathways:
- 3 years as a licensed Professional Engineer, within the last 12 years.
- 3 years of management experience in the electrical trade, within the last 6 years.
- 4 years as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor, within the last 8 years.
- 4 years of supervisory electrical experience in the U.S. Armed Forces, within the last 8 years.
- 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education, or broad electrical experience, within the last 12 years.
- 6 years of technical experience with the Armed Forces or government, within the last 12 years.
For the general Electrical Contractor classification, at least 40% of your required experience must be in three-phase electrical services. Documentation can include W-2 forms, employer verification letters, job lists, or official transcripts.
Business Practices & Technical/Safety Exams
Certified Electrical Contractor applicants must pass two computer-based exams, administered through Pearson VUE:
Business Practices
50 questions, 150 minutes, 75% passing score.
Technical/Safety
100 questions, 300 minutes, 75% passing score.
Passing scores are valid for 3 years from the test date — you must apply for licensure before they expire. A retake costs $67.25 per exam part.
Unlike Florida's General, Building, and Residential contractor licenses, the NASCLA exam is not accepted for a first-time Electrical Contractor license. Initial applicants must take Florida's own exam. NASCLA's Residential Electrical exam is only accepted for endorsement by applicants who already hold a license in another state.
Florida Electrical Contractor License Application Types
Initial Issuance Application
For a first-time Certified or Registered Electrical Contractor license, filed as either an individual or a business entity.
Change of Status (Transfer) Application
For moving your existing license between business structures, or updating how it's held.
Qualify an Additional Business Application
For an already-licensed qualifier who wants to extend their license to cover a second business entity.
Endorsement Application
For applicants who already hold an electrical contractor license in another state and want to apply that licensure toward a Florida license.
Start Your Electrical 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, and Endorsement 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
General Liability & Workers' Compensation
Every Certified Electrical Contractor must carry general liability insurance meeting one of these minimums: $300,000 per occurrence combined with either $500,000 in property damage coverage or an $800,000 combined single limit. Workers' compensation coverage is also required, though up to three corporate officers may file for an exemption.
We work closely with our sister company, Artisan Insurance Inc., to provide these insurance needs. Both businesses are family owned and operated, so your license paperwork and your insurance move together instead of stalling on each other.
Renewing an Electrical Contractor License
Certified and Registered Electrical Contractor licenses renew every two years, due by August 31 of even-numbered years, for a $296 renewal fee (a $25 penalty applies if filed late). Renewal requires 11 hours of ECLB-approved continuing education, including 1 hour each of workers' compensation, workplace safety, business practices, and Florida laws and rules, plus technical training hours.
What It Costs to Apply
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified exam application | $263.25 |
| Initial certified license | $296.00 |
| Initial registered license | $151.00 |
| Change of status / transfer | $46.00 – $146.00 |
| Qualify an additional business | $542.00 |
| Endorsement | $492.00 |
| Reactivation | $116.00 – $291.00 |
Let Us Handle Your Application
Whether you're applying for a new Electrical Contractor license, changing from one business to another, qualifying an additional business entity, or applying by endorsement, we're here to help every step of the way.
Florida Electrical Contractor License FAQ
What is a Florida Certified Electrical Contractor license?
A statewide license issued by the ECLB after passing the state exam. A Registered Electrical Contractor, by contrast, is limited to the county or municipality that issued the local license.
What experience do I need?
One of six qualifying experience pathways, with at least 40% of that experience in three-phase electrical services.
What exams do I need to pass?
A Business Practices exam and a Technical/Safety exam, both through Pearson VUE, each requiring a 75% passing score.
Can I use the NASCLA exam?
Not for a first-time license — Florida requires its own exam for initial applicants. NASCLA's Residential Electrical exam only applies to endorsement applicants who already hold an out-of-state license.
Can I purchase my application online?
Yes — review all application types and purchase the Initial Issuance application service on our Florida Contractor License Information page. Change of Status, Qualify an Additional Business, and Endorsement are quoted individually.
Official Resources
DBPR — Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board FAQs DBPR — Electrical Contractors' Licensing BoardContact
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Customer Contact Center: 850.487.1395
Ready to Get Your Florida Electrical Contractor License?
Whether you're ready to start your Initial Issuance application today or need a quote for a different application type, Contractor Licensing Inc. can help you move forward.
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