How to Become an Underground Utility Contractor in Florida

To become an Underground Utility Contractor in Florida, you must meet the state's licensing requirements by gaining qualifying experience, passing the required contractor licensing exams, and applying through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Once licensed, Underground Utility Contractors can legally install, repair, and maintain underground utility systems throughout Florida. This guide explains the licensing requirements, required exams, insurance, and the steps to becoming a licensed Underground Utility Contractor.

What Is an Underground Utility Contractor in Florida?

An Underground Utility Contractor is licensed to install, repair, replace, and maintain underground utility systems used in residential, commercial, and public construction projects.

Typical work includes:

• Water distribution systems
• Sanitary sewer systems
• Storm drainage systems
• Fire lines
• Site utility infrastructure
• Excavation associated with underground utility installation

These contractors play an important role in Florida's growing construction industry by building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports homes, businesses, and communities.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an Underground Utility Contractor in Florida

1. Meet the Experience Requirements

Florida requires applicants to have four years of qualifying construction experience or an approved combination of education and experience.

Qualifying experience may include:

• Installing underground utilities
• Sewer or water main construction
• Utility excavation
• Supervising underground utility projects
• Working under a licensed Underground Utility Contractor

All qualifying experience must be documented and verified as part of your contractor license application.

2. Pass the Required Exams

Applicants must pass two state licensing exams.

Underground Utility Trade Knowledge Exam

This exam measures your knowledge of underground utility construction, excavation practices, safety regulations, and Florida construction codes.

Typical exam information includes:

• Open-book
• Multiple-choice format
• 70% passing score

Business & Finance Exam

All Florida state-certified contractors must also pass the Business & Finance Exam.

This exam covers:

• Construction contracts
• Accounting and financial management
• Estimating and bidding
• Lien law
• Risk management
• Business organization

Because both exams are open-book, knowing how to quickly navigate the approved reference materials is an important part of passing the exams. Many applicants prepare with CEI's Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep course before taking the exam.

Start Your CEI Underground Utility Exam Prep

3. Meet Financial Responsibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a personal credit report during the application process.

If financial requirements are not met, additional documentation or an approved Financial Responsibility course may be required before a license can be issued.

4. Obtain the Required Insurance

Before performing contracting work, licensed Underground Utility Contractors must maintain the required insurance coverage.

This generally includes:

• General liability insurance
• Workers' compensation insurance for contractors with employees

Maintaining proper insurance protects both contractors and their clients throughout construction projects.

5. Submit Your License Application

After meeting the experience requirements and passing both licensing exams, you can apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Your application typically includes:

• Completed license application
• Verified work experience
• Credit report
• Examination score reports
• Required application fees

Once approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), you will receive your Certified Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor license.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Underground Utility Contractor?

The timeline depends on your construction experience.

A typical path includes:

1. Four years of qualifying experience
2. Four to eight weeks of exam preparation
3. Passing both state exams
4. Approximately 30 to 60 days for application review and approval

Applicants who already meet the experience requirement can often become licensed within a few months after passing the required exams.

Salary and Career Outlook

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an Underground Utilities contractor is $28,635. Earnings can range, however, between $21,627 and $41,848 depending on where you work, with Molino, Five Points, and Port St. Lucie paying the most.

Underground Utility Contractors are in demand throughout Florida as the state continues to grow. Licensed contractors work on residential developments, commercial construction, municipal infrastructure, and utility projects.

Many contractors work for construction companies, utility contractors, or start their own businesses. Becoming state certified also allows you to work anywhere in Florida without obtaining additional local licenses.

Prepare for the Florida Underground Utility Contractor Exams

Passing the required licensing exams is one of the final steps toward becoming licensed. Although the exams are open-book, knowing how to quickly navigate the approved reference materials is essential.

Effective preparation includes:

• Studying the approved Florida Contractor Reference Books
• Learning how to quickly locate information
• Taking practice exams
• Completing a contractor exam prep course

Construction Estimating Institute's Florida Underground Utility Contractor Exam Prep program helps contractors prepare for both the Underground Utility Trade Knowledge Exam and the Business & Finance Exam. The program covers the approved reference materials, exam format, and test-taking strategies to help applicants prepare with confidence.

Get Ready to Pass Your Florida Underground Utility Contractor Exam

Get the books, training, practice tools, and exam strategies you need to prepare for the Underground Utility & Excavation Trade Knowledge and Business & Finance exams.

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