Overview & Benefits
Obtaining a Residential Contractor's license in the state of Florida
Obtaining a residential 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.
What's on the exam?
Preparing for the Residential Contractor's Exam in Florida
Preparing for your residential contractor license Florida exams includes knowing what to expect! All Florida Residential 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 Residential 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: 45 questions
Project Management: 45 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.
License Requirements
How to get your Florida Residential Contractor license
CEI will be with you every step of the way on your path to obtaining a Florida Residential 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 Residential Contractor License, you must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 4 years of construction experience
- At least 1 year as a foreman or supervisor
- Experience must be structurally related and performed in the field of residential construction
- College credits may substitute for up to 3 years of experience
- You do not need the required experience before taking the exam
- After passing the exam, you have up to 4 years to gain the necessary experience to become a licensed Residential Contractor in Florida
For detailed information, take a look at our Florida contractor requirements blog.
Exam Books
Books Allowed into the Florida Residential Contractor Exam
The Florida Residential 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