Overview & Benefits
Obtaining a Roofing Contractor's license in the state of Florida
Obtaining a roofing 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 Roofing Contractor's Exam in Florida
Preparing for your roofing contractor license Florida exams includes knowing what to expect! All Florida Roofing Contractor License Exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed. Approved reference books should be brought to both open-book exams. Permanent book tabs and highlighting in books are allowed for the examinations.
What to Expect on the Roofing Contractor License Florida Exam
You must pass each of the 2 exams with a score of at least 70%.
Business & Finance: 120 questions
Roofing Trade Knowledge: 80 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 Roofing Contractor license
CEI will be with you every step of the way on your path to obtaining a Florida Roofing 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 Roofing Contractor License, you must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 4 years of roofing construction experience (At least 1 year must be as a foreman or supervisor)
- College credits may substitute for up to 3 years of experience
- A 4-year college degree in any field counts as 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 Roofing Contractor in Florida
For detailed information, take a look at our Florida contractor requirements blog.
Exam Books
Books Allowed into the Florida Roofing Contractor Exam
The Florida Roofing 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 roofing contractor license Florida exams.
- Florida Contractor's Manual
- Builder's Guide to Accounting
- AIA Document A201 - General Conditions of the Contract for Construction
- AIA Document A401 - Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor
- AIA Document A701 - Instructions to Bidders
- Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book
- Code of Federal Regulations, (OSHA) 29 Part 1926
- SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual
- Roofing Construction and Estimating
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-Slope Roof Systems
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control
- The NRCA Waterproofing Manual
- Florida Building Code - Building
- Florida Building Code - Test Protocols for High Velocity Hurricane Zones