Complete Guide Showing How to Get a Florida Contractor's License Quickly

The path to becoming a licensed contractor in Florida goes through many trials. Candidates have to first send out the application and provide the correct documents. They also need to appear in specially curated exams and provide full proof of their experience & skills in the field. 

If you want to get a certified license from the state of Florida, be prepared to go through this lengthy procedure. Here we provide a step-by-step guide highlighting the process by which you can become a general contractor in Florida. Go through the guide to see how to get your license and the intricate process that you need to follow.   

Different Types of Contractor Licenses in Florida

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation offers multiple types of licenses for people who want to work as contractors in Florida. Depending on your skillset, you might have to apply for a certain license type.

Mainly, there are two types of licenses in Florida the first one is the Certified License and the second is Registered License. 

Certified licenses are valid on a state scale and allow contractors to work anywhere in Florida. With a Registered license, contractors get clearance to work in specific local areas.

How to Get a General Contractor’s License in Florida

Getting a contractor license in Florida requires one to go through a systematic process governed by DBPR’s regulations. To achieve this feat, attention to detail is required so the candidates can apply them correctly. 

Here is the full breakdown of the process:

1. Go to https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2 and choose the type of license you need. 

   

2. After choosing a license, fill out its form and send it to DBPR. 

   

3. Now pass the Florida Contractor’s Licensing Exam.
4. Provide all the necessary documents. 
5. Secure bonds in case of liability. 
6. Provide workers’ insurance proof. 
7. Obtain a contractor’s bond worth $10,000 for Division 1 Contractors and $20,000 for Division 2 Contractors. 

After doing this, you have done everything from your end, and you just have to wait for DBPR to send your license to you. While the process may seem complicated at first, in reality, it can be divided into multiple steps and taken one step at a time. 

The next part of our guide explains things that you need to know about applying for a contractor license in Florida. Starting with the requirements and eligibility criteria, we will discuss further till you have all the information you need. 

Requirements for General Contractors License in Florida

The state of Florida has set special requirements for getting a contractor license. Regulated by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, these conditions are set in place to ensure the high quality of construction projects. To get a contractor license, you need to meet these regulations:

• Choose the correct license type that aligns with your skillset and experience.
• Be at least 18 years old. 
• A minimum credit score of 660 is required to showcase financial stability. 
• Proof of experience and skillset regarding your license. 
• At least four years of relevant experience in the field of construction. 
• Pass the examinations required for licenses.
• Provide all the required documents
• A contractor bond of $10,000 or $20,000. 
• An insurance in case of public liability and property damage. 
• A successful background check. 

By meeting these requirements, you will become eligible for a contractor’s license in Florida. It is crucial to conduct a thorough review of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s official website and properly go through all the information you see. 

When applying for a contractor license, it is important that you stay alert and do not miss any crucial information.

How to Prepare for Florida Contractors Exams?

Preparing for the Florida contractor’s exam requires a strategic and dedicated approach by the applicants. Whether you are taking a general contractor exam or a special trade exam, you need to study hard, as all exams are curated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. 

First things first, you need to identify which exam you’re going to be prepared for. DBPR offers multiple licenses and multiple exams as well. So, you need to make sure that you know which exam to prepare for. Next, you should review the exam syllabus online and familiarize yourself with the topics involved. 

Studying effectively and spending hours revising may help you, but you can always amp up your preparation with the help of study materials and coaching for the exams. Going through study materials, you can better understand how the industry works and better prepare yourself against the questions that might come in exams. 

By practicing all kinds of questions, you can ensure that you will pass with flying colors in the exams for the contractor license. If you are having trouble with studying, you can seek an online coaching program for contractors for guidance, or you can look for a mentor who has cleared such exams for their license as well. 

To learn more about contractor license exams, you can read the instructions from Florida Exam’s official website and learn what challenges you might face in upcoming exams. 

How Much Fees Do I Have to Pay to Get a Contractor License in Florida?

Getting your contractor license in Florida requires you to pay multiple fees and even secure bonds worth thousands. Before filling out any forms, make sure that you are capable of affording it. Below is a general overview of the multiple payments you have to make when applying for a license. 

• Application Fees: $145 to $245 for a certified contractor license, and $205 to $305 for registered contractor application fees, depending on the time of the year. 
• $375 examination fees and $112.25 for retaking the exam.
• $50 to $75 for the fingerprint scan.
• $10,000 for Division 1 Contractors.
• $20,000 for Division 2 Contractors. 

Apart from this, you also have to secure insurance for your employees and pay more fees. In total, having a savings of $25,000 will help you go through the process comfortably. 

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a contractor license in Florida is a demanding task that requires candidates to be dedicated to the process and prepare for all the challenges that may arise. Having a clear understanding of each important step involved will help you survive the difficult process and grant you the general license as soon as possible. 

From knowing which license you need to apply for and understanding the exam syllabus, there are many challenges that you will have to face before you become a certified contractor in Florida. 

The financial aspect makes it harder for most candidates to finish the process, but those having enough experience and many much-needed skills will find it possible to arrange the amount and secure the bond. 

Ultimately, you need to invest your time and resources, staying attentive to the details, and you will appear as a credible candidate for the state of Florida. Now that we have explained one of the most intricate and complicated processes in a simple step-by-step format, all you need to do is start working your way towards it and apply for a license.  

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