How to Become a General Contractor in Florida
A step-by-step guide to getting your Florida General Contractor license. From experience requirements to passing the exam and getting bonded.
Timeline
4-7 months
after experience
Total Cost
$1,500-$3,500+
all-in
Exam Parts
3 parts
240 questions
Pass Rate
~50%
first attempt
6 Steps to Your FL Contractor License
Meet Experience Requirements
- 4 years of construction experience as foreman, supervisor, or contractor
- Can substitute up to 3 years with a construction or engineering degree
- Experience must be documented and verified by employers or clients
- CILB evaluates your experience as part of the application process
- Military construction experience may qualify (check with DBPR)
Pro tip: Start documenting your experience now. Get letters from employers on company letterhead detailing your role, dates, and responsibilities.
Complete Pre-License Education (If Needed)
- Florida does not mandate pre-license education for the GC exam
- However, exam prep courses are strongly recommended due to the exam difficulty
- Approved prep schools cover all 3 exam parts and reference book navigation
- Online and in-person options available from multiple providers
- Some courses include exam simulation and practice questions
Pro tip: While not legally required, 85% of first-time passers use some form of exam prep. The open-book format means knowing your reference books is critical.
Register with DBPR / CILB
- Submit your application to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) reviews your qualifications
- Application includes experience documentation, education records, and financial statements
- Background check and fingerprinting required
- CILB meets monthly to review applications, so timing matters
Pro tip: Apply well before you plan to take the exam. CILB approval can take 4-8 weeks. You cannot schedule the exam until CILB approves your application.
Pass the 3-Part PSI Exam
- Part 1: Business & Financial Management (120 questions, 6.5 hours)
- Part 2: Contract Administration (60 questions, 4.5 hours)
- Part 3: Project Management (60 questions, 4.5 hours)
- All parts require 70% to pass, and the exam is open-book (15 reference books allowed)
- Parts can be taken separately; you only retake failed parts
- Exam administered at PSI testing centers throughout Florida
Pro tip: Tab your reference books extensively. The exam is a test of how quickly you can find information, not memorization. Budget ~$500 for reference books.
Obtain Surety Bond & Insurance
- Surety bond: $100-$500/year depending on your credit and bond amount
- Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance: $1,000-$3,000/year
- Workers compensation insurance (required if you have employees)
- Builder's risk insurance recommended for active projects
- Bond amount varies: typically $5,000-$25,000 depending on license type
Pro tip: Shop around for bonding. Contractors with good credit and clean records get the best rates. Some insurers specialize in new contractor packages.
Apply for Your License
- Submit proof of passing all 3 exam parts to DBPR
- Provide surety bond and insurance certificates
- License issued as Certified General Contractor (CGC)
- License is valid statewide in Florida
- Must renew biennially with 14 hours of continuing education
- Active license required before pulling permits or advertising services
Pro tip: Once licensed, register your business with the FL Division of Corporations and set up your contractor qualification with local building departments.
Cost Breakdown
Florida Contractor Licensing Overview
Florida is one of the most regulated states for contractor licensing. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), under the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), oversees all contractor licensing. A certified general contractor (CGC) can work anywhere in the state, while a registered contractor is limited to specific local jurisdictions.
The certification process involves proving your construction experience, passing a rigorous 3-part exam, and meeting financial responsibility requirements through bonding and insurance. The exam itself is administered by PSI and covers business management, contract administration, and project management.
Key Statutes and Rules
- Florida Statute Chapter 489 - Contracting licensing requirements
- Florida Statute Chapter 455 - General business regulation
- Florida Statute Chapter 713 - Construction lien law
- FAC 61G4 - CILB administrative rules
Continuing Education
Once licensed, Florida contractors must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. This includes 1 hour of workplace safety, 1 hour of business practices, 1 hour of workers compensation, 1 hour of Florida building code updates, and 10 hours of elective courses.
Ready to Start Preparing?
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