When you’re ready to apply for your Florida contractor license, you’ll need to submit an application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The application will ask for your personal information, business information, and details about your work experience. You’ll also need to provide documentation of your financial responsibility, which can be in the form of a surety bond or insurance policy.
After you submit your application, you’ll need to take a written exam. The exam covers general knowledge, specific trade, and business and law. Once you pass the exam, you’ll be issued a license that is valid for two years.
In order to renew your license, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements. You must complete 14 hours of continuing education each year, which must include four hours of business and law and two hours of workers’ compensation. You can find approved course providers on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
Different Types of Contractor Licenses in Florida
There are different types of contractor licenses in Florida, depending on the type of work you’ll be doing. The four main categories of contractor licenses are general, residential, building, and mechanical. They all need to be renewed every two years. Here are more details on the different types of contractor licenses in Florida:
General Contractor License: A general contractor license allows you to work on projects that include multiple types of trades, such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and more. To qualify for a general contractor license, you must have at least four years of experience working in the construction industry.
Residential Contractor License: A residential contractor license allows you to work on projects that are three stories or less. To qualify for a residential contractor license, you must have at least two years of experience working in the construction industry.
Building Contractor License: It is a license that allows you to work on all types of building projects, including commercial and industrial. Qualifying needs you to have at least four years of experience in the construction industry.
Mechanical Contractor License: You can obtain this license if you want to work on projects that include HVAC, refrigeration, and other mechanical systems. You must have at least four years of experience in the construction industry to qualify for a mechanical contractor license.
Florida Contractor Continuing Education Requirements
Various types of contractor licenses in Florida come with different continuing education requirements. For general, residential, and building contractor licenses, you must complete 14 hours of continuing education each year. The education must include four hours of business and law and two hours of workers’ compensation.
For a mechanical contractor license, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education each year. The education must include four hours of business and law, two hours of workers’ compensation, and 10 hours of trade-specific education. You can find approved course providers on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
How to Renew Your Contractor License in Florida
The process to renew your contractor license in Florida is similar to the process of applying for a new license. You’ll need to submit an application, provide documentation of financial responsibility, and take a written exam. You can find the renewal application on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
If you’re renewing your license within 90 days of its expiration date, you won’t need to retake the written exam. However, if it’s been more than 90 days since your license expired, you’ll need to retake the exam. The renewal fee for a contractor license is $200.
