We’ve got you covered no matter where you are in your licensing journey.
We help you meet all contractor license requirements with the right tools, resources, and exam prep services. Our study programs include everything you need to get a strong start in building and growing your construction career. We have all the learning tools required for the exam and offer flexible courses to help you pass on the first try! Jump to a specific section if you are interested:
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LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
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EXAM OVERVIEW
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EXAM BOOKS
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Live Classes
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FAQs
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
This course, taught by expert and experienced licensed professionals, is designed to help you confidently pass your Florida Residential Contractor license exam and step into your new role with confidence. CEI’s Online Package is a self-paced course to help prepare you for your residential contractor license exam. By preparing for, and passing your license exam, you are one step closer to growing your career as a residential contractor in Florida.
Obtaining a Residential Contractor License in Florida
CEI takes the guesswork out of applying and preparing for your Residential Contractor License exam. Our step-by-step guide outlines all the information needed, including eligibility requirements, exam structure, and the application process.
License Scope
A licensed residential contractor in Florida is authorized to construct, remodel, repair, or improve one-, two-, and three-family residences that do not exceed two habitable stories above the ground. This license is designed for contractors who specialize in Florida residential properties, including single-family homes and small residential developments. Florida residential contractors are responsible for managing construction projects and working with architects, subcontractors, and clients to bring residential visions to life.
With a Florida Residential Contractor license, you can focus on the growing demand for residential construction and remodeling, offering a rewarding career within the residential construction sector.
License Requirements
Florida State Regulations:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Complete the contractor application form and pay the necessary application fee.
- Pass the state license exams.
- Complete a background check via Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE
- Submit credit reports for yourself and business entities, including FICO-derived credit score. You must have a credit score of 660 or higher. If you do not have a credit score of 660 or higher, you must complete an approved 14-hour financial responsibility course. Review our financial responsibility course here.
- Obtain public liability, property damage, and workers' compensation insurance or exemptions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Experience Requirements: You must have 4 years of construction experience, of which at least one year must have been as a foreman or supervisor; the experience should be structurally related experience performed in the field of residential construction.
- Educational Qualifications: College credits can substitute for up to 3 years of experience. Book a start-up consultation to learn the specifics if you're using college credits in place of hands-on experience.
- You do not have to have the necessary experience before you take the exam. After passing the exam, you have up to 4 years to gain the necessary experience to become a licensed Residential Contractor in the state of Florida.
For additional information about license or experience qualifications, book a start-up consultation here to make sure that you are signing up for the correct license based on your experience!
Licensing Steps
Application Process
Step 1. Register for one of our comprehensive exam preparation courses and select the exam-ready book purchase option. Please note: You are allowed to use the exam-ready approved books at the open-book Florida Residential Contractor State exams!
Step 2. Register for your Florida Certified Residential Contractor State exams. Let us help you with your exam registration — call CEI at 800-423-7058. If you are confident about the required registration process and steps, you can register through Professional Testing Inc. at www.floridaexam.com.
Step 3. Prepare for and pass your exam!
Step 4. Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. If you meet the license, experience, and financial requirements, you will receive your license within 60-90 days of submitting the completed application.
EXAM OVERVIEW
Preparing for your residential contractor license Florida exams includes knowing what to expect! The residential contractor license Florida exam is divided into three separate exams. Each of the exams is computer-based and must be completed in one session. All Florida Residential Contractor License Exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed.
What to Expect on the Residential Contractor Exam
There are three exams to pass in order to apply for a Florida Certified Residential Contractor license. You must score a 70% or higher on each exam to pass.
Residential Contractor Exams Duration
- Business & Finance Exam — 6.5-hour computer-based exam
- Contract Administration — 4.5-hour computer-based exam
- Project Management — 4.5-hour computer-based exam
All Florida residential contractor license exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed.
Reference books should be brought to all three open-book exams. Permanent book tabs and highlighting in books are allowed for the examinations.
You can take each exam at a state-approved testing facility and register directly with them. We recommend that you split the tests over three separate days, as each exam is quite lengthy; splitting them up likely gives you the best chances for success. You will be charged a $135 registration fee by Professional Testing and an $80 exam site admin fee per exam.
Contract Administration and Project Management Exams
The Contract Administration and Project Management examinations each contain 45 questions. Each exam is 4.5 hours long and administered via computer.
The Contract Administration examination will consist of 45 questions covering the management and operation activities of a construction company.
The Project Management examination will consist of 45 questions covering managing, controlling, and conducting projects.
Business & Finance Exam
The Business and Finance Examination is composed of 120 questions and is a 6.5-hour computer-based exam. It is administered in one session via computer in the calm atmosphere of a convenient testing center at a time of your choosing.
The exam questions cover topics such as establishing the contracting business, managing administrative duties, managing trade operations, conducting accounting functions, and managing human resources.
Detailed information about which questions and topics will be on the Business & Finance exam, to evaluate your knowledge in a variety of business and finance areas: Click here to view Exam Overview
Preparing for Your Residential Contractor Exam
Don't waste your time with fluff—our online course teaches you exactly what you need to know to pass your exams. Since 1982, CEI has been helping contractors get licensed! Over 1 million professionals trust Colibri every year.
An important step in preparing for your exams is getting familiar with all of your exam books. You must know how to extract keywords from the test questions and quickly locate the answers within your book. Since these exams are open-book and allow book tabs and highlighting, it is crucial to know which books to use for each content area.
Managing your time effectively during the Florida Residential Contractor licensing exams is crucial, as these are timed, open-book tests. Our instructors equip you with the skills and strategies to swiftly and confidently navigate the exam materials, ensuring you can find the right answers without losing valuable time. With our prep course, you’ll gain the tools you need to master time management and excel under pressure.
This course provides you with absolutely everything you need to feel confident and prepared to pass your Florida Residential Contractors license exam the first time!
We recommend either the Cram Package or the Online Package to prepare for your exam.
Don’t wait to take control of your career.
Start your journey to becoming a licensed Residential Contractor in Florida.
100% One Year Course Guarantee
Students receive access to their course for a full year from the date of their registration!
EXAM BOOKS
CEI’s Online Package includes all approved books required to prepare for and pass the Florida Residential Contractor exam. We take it one step further to ensure you’re set up to learn more thoroughly and feel confident during exam day with our Digital Highlighting Guide and Printed Tabs!
Exam Books - Save 40 Hours!
Cram and Full Service Packages:
CEI’s Cram and Full Service Packages include Exam Ready Books. These books are specifically prepared to make passing your exam easier. Each book comes professionally highlighted and tabbed by CEI’s expert staff to indicate the answers to common test questions. Book tabs will help you find the correct section of the books much more quickly when looking for the answer to an exam question and highlight detailed parts of the books from where questions are often asked. Our Exam Ready Books make studying easier, allow you to retain information better, and feel better prepared for your open-book exams.
Online Package:
Our Online Package includes all 14 Unaltered Exam Books. While this package does not include tabbed and highlighted books, our Digital Highlighting Guide instructs you on how to highlight and tab each book to indicate the answers to common test questions. Our Printed Tabs are shipped directly to you so you can tab your books yourself. Tabs will help you find the correct section of the books much more quickly when looking for the answer to an exam question and highlight detailed parts of the books from where questions are often asked.
When you receive the books, they will be unaltered. As you read the books, you can follow our step-by-step Digital Highlighting Guide that instructs you on how to highlight and tab each book to indicate the answers to common test questions. Our Printed Tabs are shipped directly to you so you can tab your books yourself. Tabs will help you find the correct section of the books much more quickly when looking for the answer to an exam question on test day! Our Digital Highlighting guide will focus on highlighting detailed parts of the books from where questions are often asked on exam day.
Residential Contractor license exam book set includes all references required for the Trade Knowledge and Business & Finance exams as follows:
Business and Finance Exam Books:
- AIA Document A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction (2017)
- AIA Document A401 Standard Form of Agreement between Contractor-Subcontractor (2017)
- AIA Document A701 Instructions to Bidders (2018)
- Builder's Guide to Accounting (2001)
- Florida Contractors Manual (2021)
Trade Knowledge Exam (Contract Administration and Project Management):
- Florida Building Code (Building), 8th Edition (2023)
- Florida Building Code (Accessibility), 8th Edition (2023)
- Florida Building Code (Residential), 8th Edition (2023)
- Florida Building Code (Existing Building), 8th Edition (2023)
- Florida Building Code (Energy Conservation), 8th Edition (2023)
- Code of Federal Regulations, (OSHA) 29 Part 1926 (2023)
- Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition (2024)
- Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida (2024)
- Building Component Safety Information, BCSI-ED2-D, “Guide to Good Practices of Handling, Installing and Bracing of Metal Connected Wood Trusses” (2020)
These books are allowed to be tabbed and highlighted, but no additional written notes are allowed inside the books. It’s important to ensure you have the correct editions of each book, as using the wrong version may result in not being authorized for use during the exam. We will ensure you have the correct version of each book for all of the exams.
Live Classes
Our live classes are designed to get you exam-ready. If you choose our Full Service or Cram Package, CEI’s fully licensed expert and experienced instructors guide you through the residential contractor license exam content in a comprehensive and digestible format during in-person engaging classes available throughout the state of Florida. You’ll learn critical subjects needed to pass the exam, including business and finance, construction laws, project management, and safety protocols.
You’ll have direct interaction with our fully licensed expert instructors who have helped prepare thousands of students just like you for their Florida residential contractor exams. Our instructors create space for dynamic discussions and hands-on activities that help clarify complex construction and business management concepts using real-world examples specific to residential contracting. This format is perfect for those who excel in a classroom setting, offering in-class discussions, Q&A sessions, and hands-on support with course handouts and sample exam questions guided by our expert instructors.
Residential Contractor Class Near You
We offer in-person live classes in multiple Florida locations, dates, and times, to accommodate your schedule. When selecting your exam prep package, you will have a drop down menu option to select your preferred location, date, and time, before adding to your cart.
Residential Contractor Class Dates, Locations & Times
Sarasota, FL
October 21–24, 2024 | November 18–21, 2024
Location: CEI Office at 5016 Calle Minorga, Sarasota, FL 34242
Orlando, FL
December 3–6, 2024
Location: Spring Hill Suites by Mariott at 5828 Hazeltine National Drive, Orlando, FL, 32822
Fort Lauderdale, FL
November 4–7, 2024 | December 16–19, 2024
Location: Tamarac Campus of GoldCoast at 5600 Hiatus Road, Tamarac, FL 33321
FAQs
Am I required to take a class to get my contractor’s license?
No, you are not required to take a class to obtain a residential contractor’s license. A class is highly recommended to feel confident and increase your likelihood of success on the Florida residential contractor license exam, however. By enrolling in a Florida residential contractor license exam prep course, you are equipped with the information, strategies, and expertise needed to pass your exam and succeed in the field.
Do I actually need a contractor’s license?
Yes. In order to legally work as a residential contractor in Florida, you need a Florida Residential Contractors license.
Do I need to purchase the state reference books?
No! When you purchase one of our exam preparation course packages, all of the required state reference books are included. The Cram and Full Service Packages also include Exam Ready Books that are already highlighted and tabbed for easy reference during your open-book Florida residential contractors exam. Our Online Package includes instructions for highlighting key concepts and pre-printed tabbing for easy reference.
What study materials and resources are available with CEI courses?
The Cram Package includes:
- Full set of 14 approved exam books highlighted and tabbed for you! (saves you 40 hours of time!)
- Live intensive in-class sessions for 4 days
- Licensed expert and experienced instructors
- Live class handouts for hands-on training
- Sample practice questions to reinforce concepts and book familiarity
The Full Service Package includes:
All of the above plus:
- Self-paced online courses
- Learning modules dedicated to each book to cover key concepts
- Practice exams to test retention and help simulate state exams
- Unlimited practice exams within our online platform
- 24/7 course access for 1 year from purchase date for online material
The Online Package includes:
- Full set of 14 approved exam books unaltered
- Digital guide that instructs you on how to highlight your books with printed tabs shipped to you
- Learning modules dedicated to each book to cover key concepts
- Practice quizzes to increase familiarity with books and concepts
- Practice exams to test retention and help simulate state exams
- Unlimited practice exams within our online platform
- 24/7 course access for 1 year from purchase date for online material
How many questions are on the Florida Residential Contractor exam?
The Residential Contractor License Florida exam is divided into three separate exams. The Project Management and Contract Administration exams each have 45 questions, and the Business & Finance Exam has 120 questions.
How many people pass the Florida Residential Contractors exam?
The pass rate for the Florida Residential Contractor License Exam can vary from year to year. Many factors contribute to the pass rate of the exam, including the preparation of the candidates. Historically, the pass rate has been between 50–60% for applicants, which
the need to properly study before taking the exam. Our residential contractor license classes are the ideal way to prepare and feel confident on your Florida Residential Contractor License Exam!
Is the Florida residential contractor exam open book?
Yes, all exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed. Highlighted and tabbed books are allowed and recommended to increase your confidence and chances for success! Our Full Service and Cram Packages each provide you with all 14 allowed books needed for the open-book exams, highlighted and tabbed for you to make locating the information on exam day stress-free. Our courses teach you precisely what you need to know to pass the Florida residential contractors exams.
How long does it take to get a Residential Contractor license in Florida?
While many people take about three months to prepare for the exam while working, those who dedicate more time can be ready sooner.
Once you have passed your licensing exam (score 70% or higher) and obtained all required experience, you’ll need to complete a separate application process to prove your experience before receiving your license.
Upon submission of your application, if you meet license, experience, and financial requirements, you will receive your license within 60-90 days.
What is the difference between a residential contractor license and a general contractor license in Florida?
A licensed general contractor can perform structural construction without height restrictions on all types of buildings, including residential, condominiums, apartments, commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings. General contractors can take on any sort of building work from the ground up to be as broad as site and structural work or as limited as a bathroom remodel.
A licensed residential contractor can perform new construction and remodeling, repair, or improvement on residential property up to two habitable floors with one uninhabitable floor below. Residential contractors cannot provide services on any commercial, industrial, agricultural, or multi-family properties such as condominiums or apartments.
Become a Florida Residential Contractor — Your Time is Now!
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