Florida Contractor License Requirements

Florida state has a contractor's system that has a contractor license for both general contractors and the following trades:

Certified Contractor License

Division 1

• General
• Building
• Residential

Division 2

• Mechanical
• Air Conditioning Class A
• Air Conditioning Class B
• Glass And Glazing Specialty
• Roofing
• Solar
• Sheet Metal
• Commercial Pool/Spa*
• Residential Pool/Spa
• Pool/Spa Servicing
• Plumbing
• Solar Water Heating Specialty
• Underground Utility And Excavation
• Pollutant Storage Systems
• Gypsum Drywall Specialty
• Structure Specialty
• Gas Line Specialty
• Tank Lining Applicator
• Precision Tank Tester
• Dry Wall Specialty

To qualify for a contractor license examination in these trades the applicant must be at least 18 years old and meet on of these requirements:

• Complete a four (4) year construction-related degree from an accredited college and one (1)year proven related experience
• Have three (3) years experience
• Have one (1) year of experience as a foreman and three years of credits for any accredited college-level courses
• Have one (1) year experience as a workman plus one (1) year proven experience as a foreman and two (2) years of credits for any accredited college level courses
• Have two (1) years experience as a workman plus one (1) year experience as a foreman and one (1) year of credits for any accredited college level courses
• Have four (4) years experience as a workman or foreman of which at least one (1) year must have been as a foreman
• Have an active certified or registered Florida contractor's license

A general and building contractor license applicant must have $300,000 insurance for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage. The other categories of contractors must have $100,000 insurance for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

Electrician Contractor License

To do electrical work in Florida requires a license in the following:

• Residential
• Lighting Maintenance
• Signs
• Limited Energy
• Utility Line

To qualify for the state exams for an electrician the Board requires the applicant to have:

• At least three (3) years of management experience in the electrical trade within the last six years (half can be an approved education)
• At least four (4) years of experience as a supervisor, foreman or contractor in the trade within the past eight (8) years
• At least six (6) years of comprehensive training, a schooled technical education or have experience with electrical or alarm system installation or service within the past twelve (12) years
• At least three (3) years experience as a licensed engineer

Asbestos Contractor License

A contractor license is needed for each category: asbestos consultants, asbestos contractors or business organizations dealing with asbestos.

Contractor License: Proof of completion of a 5-day contractor and supervisor course, a 3-day respiratory protection course plus having completed at least ten (10) asbestos projects within the last five (5) years.

Individual Asbestos Abatement License:  A person must produce:

• A credit report
• A financial statement showing positive net worth
• A statement of bonding limits, an irrevocable letter of credit, or a compliance bond of $10,000
• Documents showing worker's compensation insurance or exemption
• Documents showing public liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000/$300,000
• Documents showing property damage insurance in the amount of at least $100,000/$300,000

The fees for an asbestos contractor:

• Asbestos consultant application and license: $1,172.50
• Contractor application and license: $1,153.00
• Consultant exam: $32.50
• Contractor exam: $52.00

Consumers are advised to also check for municipal contractor license requirements
as contractor laws can differ from county to county. It is also advised to double check with the state's requirements before hiring a contractor.