How Much Does a Florida Contractor License Cost?
The total cost to get your FL General Contractor license ranges from $8,044 to $34,044. Use our interactive calculator to estimate your specific costs.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Every fee you need to budget for on your path to becoming a Florida Certified General Contractor.
Pearson VUE Exam Fee
Per attempt — covers all 3 exam parts
DBPR License Application
Initial license application fee to DBPR/CILB
Surety Bond
Bond amount — annual premium is typically 1-3% of bond amount
General Liability Insurance
Annual premium — required for active licensure
Reference Books
Up to 15 approved references for open-book exam
CPA Financial Statement
CPA-prepared financial statement required for application
Estimate Your Cost
Adjust the options below to get a personalized cost estimate.
Include General Liability Insurance
Required for active licensure (~$3,000/yr avg)
Your Estimated Total
~$20,544
Based on selected options. Actual costs may vary.
The Complete Guide to FL Contractor License Costs
Becoming a Florida Certified General Contractor requires a significant financial investment compared to many other professional licenses. However, with median annual earnings of $75,000 to $150,000+ for established general contractors, the return on investment is substantial. Understanding and budgeting for each cost component ensures there are no surprises on your licensing journey.
One-Time Costs
The exam fee ($295), license application ($249), CPA financial statement ($500-$2,000), and reference books ($500-$1,500) are one-time costs. The reference books are a critical investment since the exam is open book — choose wisely and tab them thoroughly. Many candidates also invest in an exam prep course ($500-$2,000), which can significantly improve first-attempt pass rates.
Recurring Costs
Ongoing costs include surety bond renewal (1-3% of bond amount annually), general liability insurance ($1,500-$5,000/year), workers compensation insurance (if you have employees), biennial license renewal ($209), and 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years ($100-$300). Budget approximately $3,000-$7,000 per year for recurring licensing costs.
Is the FL Contractor License Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. A Florida Certified General Contractor license opens the door to bidding on projects statewide with no dollar limit. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual earnings of $98,890 for construction managers, with the top 10% earning over $169,000. With a licensing investment of $8,000-$35,000 (including insurance and bond), most contractors recoup their costs within the first few projects.
$8,044
Minimum investment
$99K
Median annual salary
$169K+
Top 10% earners
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Florida contractor exam cost?
What is the total cost to get a Florida contractor license?
Do I need a surety bond for a FL contractor license?
How much does it cost to renew a FL contractor license?
Are contractor licensing costs tax-deductible?
What it costs in other states
The state’s own fees, read off the board or the statute. Bond and insurance cost you a premium rather than the face amount, so they are listed as what the state requires you to carry, not as a bill. A dash means the board publishes no figure we could verify.
| State | Application | Exam | Licence | Bond | Liability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $300 | — | — | None | — |
| Arkansas | $100 | $84 | — | $10,000 | None |
| California | $450 | — | $200 | $25,000 | None |
| District of Columbia | — | — | $99 | None | $2,500,000 |
| Florida | $335 | — | $200 | None | $300,000 |
| Georgia | — | — | — | None | $500,000 |
| Hawaii | $50 | — | — | None | $100,000 |
| Maryland | $281 | $63 | — | None | $50,000 |
| Michigan | $195 | — | — | None | None |
| Minnesota | $180 | $50 | $500 | None | $100,000 |
| Mississippi | $400 | — | — | None | $300,000 |
| Montana | $70 | — | $70 | — | — |
| North Carolina | $125 | $100 | — | None | None |
| North Dakota | $450 | — | $450 | None | — |
| New Mexico | $30 | — | $200 | $10,000 | None |
| Nevada | $300 | — | $600 | — | None |
| Oregon | $400 | — | $0 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Utah | — | — | — | None | $1,000,000 |
| Virginia | — | $85 | $400 | None | None |
| Wisconsin | — | — | — | None | None |
| West Virginia | $90 | — | $90 | None | None |
Explore More
Pass Your FL Contractor Exam on the First Try
Avoid the $295 retake fee by preparing with practice questions covering all 3 exam parts.