Any business or individual who wants to perform contracting work in Florida must have a valid license from the state. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regulates the licensing of general contractors in Florida. You must have a license to work as a general contractor in the state, regardless of the size or scope of the project. The license is a legal requirement, and it protects both you and your customers.
To get your general contractor license in Florida, you must first pass an examination administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The examination tests your knowledge of the Florida Building Code, business law, and other relevant topics. You must also submit proof of financial responsibility, which includes a surety bond or workers’ compensation insurance. Once you pass the examination and submit the required documentation, you will be issued a license.
If you are already licensed as a general contractor in another state, you may be able to obtain a reciprocal license in Florida. To do so, you must submit an application to the DBPR and provide proof that you meet the requirements for licensure in Florida. If you are granted a reciprocal license, you will still be required to take the examination.
Types of the Projects You Can Handle With General Contractor License Florida
There are two types of general contractor license Florida: the Residential Building Contractor license and the Nonresidential Building Contractor license. The type of license you need will depend on the type of projects you plan to work on.
If you only plan to work on single-family homes, you will need the Residential Building Contractor license. This license allows you to work on projects that are three stories or less, including detached garages and carports. You can also build or remodel swimming pools that are 600 square feet or less and have a depth of five feet or less.
If you want to work on larger projects, such as multi-family homes, office buildings, or shopping centers, you will need the Nonresidential Building Contractor license. This license allows you to work on projects of any size.
The General Contractor License Florida Process
The first step in getting your general contractor license Florida is to pass the examination administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The examination is divided into two parts: the Business and Law examination and the Building Code examination. You must pass both parts of the examination to be eligible for licensure.
The Business and Law examination test your knowledge of business law, including contracts, insurance, and workers’ compensation. The Building Code examination tests your knowledge of the Florida Building Code.
You can register for the examination online or by mail. The registration fee is $95, and you must pay the fee when you register. The examination is offered at various locations throughout Florida.
Once you pass the examination, you must submit an application for licensure to the DBPR. The application fee is $200, and you must submit it along with your proof of financial responsibility. You can submit the application online or by mail.
Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by the DBPR. If you are found to be qualified, you will be issued a license. If you are not qualified, you will be given the opportunity to appeal the decision.
The General Contractor License Florida Renewal Process
Your general contractor license Florida must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $200, and you must submit it along with your renewal application. You can renew your license online or by mail.
You will also be required to complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years. The continuing education must be approved by the DBPR and must relate to the business of contracting. You can find a list of approved courses on the DBPR website.
Once you have your license, you must renew it every two years. The renewal process involves completing continuing education courses and submitting proof of financial responsibility. If you fail to renew your license, you will be required to re-take the examination.
If you are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, your license may be suspended or revoked. In some cases, you may be allowed to continue working if you complete a probationary period and meet other requirements.
The requirements for licensure are different for each state. If you plan to work as a general contractor in Florida, make sure you understand the requirements and take the necessary steps to obtain your license.