Under Florida law, a "Residential pool/spa contractor" is a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of a residential swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, regardless of use.

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. The classification is limited to residential pools, hot tubs, and spas — a separate, broader Certified Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor license exists for pools serving public or commercial use.

You must be able to prove one of the following options in order to submit your Florida Residential Pool/Spa 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.

Beyond the education and experience combinations above, you must provide experience in the following areas of residential pool construction in order to be eligible for the license:

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 Residential Pool/Spa 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.

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 Residential Pool/Spa Contractor license, changing from one business to another, or wanting to qualify an additional business, we are here to help.