Under Florida law, a "Specialty contractor" is a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is limited to a particular phase of construction established in a category adopted by CILB rule, and whose scope is limited to a subset of the activities otherwise covered by broader contractor classifications.

The Specialty Structure Contractor category, adopted under CILB rule, covers the fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, replacement, dismantling, adjustment, alteration, repair, servicing, and design work involving aluminum, metal, canvas, vinyl, and fiberglass materials — including screened enclosures, pool enclosures, sunrooms, siding, gutters, aluminum fences, guardrails, and the installation or replacement of windstorm protective devices (except impact-resistant glazing, which is unlimited under this license). It cannot be used to alter a building's structural integrity, including roof trusses, lintels, load-bearing walls, and foundations — that work must be subcontracted to the appropriately licensed trade. 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.

Florida Administrative Code states that certification procedures and fees for Specialty Structure Contractors follow the same process used for other certified contractors. In practice, that generally means documenting one of the following combinations of education and on-the-job experience. We recommend confirming the exact experience-verification requirements for this classification with DBPR/CILB directly, and our team walks through this with you as part of every application review:

• 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.

Your license covers work on the following structures and materials:

This license cannot be used to alter a building's structural integrity — including roof trusses, lintels, load-bearing walls, and foundations. That work must be performed or subcontracted by an appropriately licensed 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 Specialty Structure 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 Structure Specialty Contractor license, changing from one business to another, or wanting to qualify an additional business, we are here to help.