Under Florida law, a "sheet metal contractor" is a contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade, with the experience, knowledge, and skill to manufacture, fabricate, assemble, handle, erect, install, dismantle, condition, adjust, insulate, alter, repair, service, or design ferrous or nonferrous metal work, duct systems, and air-handling systems, including the setting of all material and related appurtenances for such work.

It's a Certified license issued by the DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), meaning it's valid across the entire state, not just one city or county — unlike the many local, registered specialty trade licenses.

Like other Certified CILB license categories, you must generally be able to prove one of the following options in order to submit your Florida Sheet Metal Contractor License application to the DBPR:

• 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 not less than 3 years of credit from accredited college-level courses.
• 1 year as a worker, 1 year of experience as a foreman, plus 2 years of credit from accredited college-level courses.
• 2 years as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, plus 1 year of credit from accredited college-level courses.
• 4 years as a worker or foreman, of which at least 1 year must have been as a foreman.

In every case, your experience should be specific to the sheet metal trade. We'll confirm the current pathway requirements with DBPR as part of your application review.

Experience documented for this license is generally centered on the following areas of the sheet metal trade:

Review Every Application Type & Purchase Initial Issuance

See every Florida contractor license application type side by side, and purchase the Initial Issuance application service directly, on our Florida Contractor License Information page.

Every Certified Sheet Metal Contractor must carry general liability insurance before the DBPR will issue a license. Workers' compensation coverage is also required if your business has employees, 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.

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.

Whether you are applying for a new Sheet Metal Contractor license, changing from one business to another, or wanting to qualify an additional business, we are here to help.