Obtaining a general contractor’s license in Florida can be difficult. The process is long and intense, but for a good reason.  

If getting your license was easy, then just anyone could work on houses and commercial buildings. The elaborate process ensures that only qualified professionals can legally work in Florida.

Every state has specific laws when it comes to the construction industry. 

In Florida, you need a contractor’s license to perform construction work legally. The license will allow you to take on new building construction as well as working on existing structures.

Construction Estimating Institute provides you with all the resources you need to obtain your license! Read on to learn more about getting your Florida license and how we can help.  

Preparing for your general contractor license Florida exams includes knowing what to expect! All Florida General Contractor License Exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed. Approved reference books should be brought to all three open-book exams. Permanent book tabs and highlighting in books are allowed for the examinations.

What to Expect on the General Contractor License Florida Exam

You must pass each of the 3 exams with a score of at least 70%.

Business & Finance: 120 questions
Contract Administration: 60 questions
Project Management: 60 questions

You can take each exam at a state-approved testing facility and register directly with them.

For more information on testing policies, please refer to the DBPR bulletin.

CEI will be with you every step of the way on your path to obtaining a Florida General Contractor License. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete the contractor application form and pay the necessary application fee.
• Pass the state certification exam.
• Complete a background check via Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE
• Submit credit reports for yourself and business entities, including FICO-derived credit scores. You must have a credit score of 660 or higher.
• Obtain public liability, property damage, and workers' compensation insurance or exemptions.

Method of Qualification

In order to obtain your General Contractor License, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• 4 years as a worker (with at least 1 year as a foreman).
• Bachelor’s degree in construction-related field + 1 year of proven experience.
• 1 year as a foreman + 3 years of college credits.
• 1 year as a worker + 1 year as a foreman + 2 years of college credits.
• 2 years as a worker + 1 year as a foreman + 1 year of college credits.
• Certified Building Contractor with a license active for 4 years.
• Certified Residential Contractor with a license active for 4 years.
• Military service may count toward experience and can qualify you for waivers or discounts.

For detailed information, take a look at our Florida general contractor requirements blog.

The Florida General Contractor License Exams are open-book exams. CEI offers packages that gives you access to all the books required to prepare for and pass the general contractor license Florida exams.

• Florida Contractor's Manual
• Builder's Guide to Accounting
• AIA A201 2017 - General Conditions of the Contract for Construction
• AIA A401 2017 - Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor
• AIA A701 2018 - Instructions to Bidders
• Code of Federal Regulations, (OSHA) 29 Part 1926
• Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida
• BCSI-ED2-D “Guide to Good Practices for Handling, Installing and Bracing of Metal Connected Wood Trusses”
• Florida Building Code: Building
• Florida Building Code: Accessibility
• Florida Building Code: Residential
• Florida Building Code: Existing Building
• Florida Building Code: Energy Conservation
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction