Q. How do I obtain a Florida contractor’s license?
There are two types of Florida contractor licenses:

• Certified - Certified contractors are authorized to contract anywhere in Florida.
  Requirements:

1. Four years of experience in the category for which he or she seeks licensure, of which one year must be supervisory experience. Experience must be attested to by a Florida Certified Contractor or by a licensed architect, engineer or building official in the U.S.
2. Successful completion of the Florida Certified Contractor’s Examination, administered through Professional Testing, Inc. Application and testing Dates
3. Workers’ Compensation (or an exemption), Liability, and Property Damage Insurance. The Florida Department of Financial Services governs workers’ compensation requirements and can be reached at 800.342.2762. Liability and Property Damage premium limits are set forth in board rule 61G4-15.003, Florida Administrative Code (FAC).
4. Must provide credit reports, proof of satisfaction of liens and judgments, and proper showing of financial stability, including net worth requirements under Rule 61G4-15.005, FAC.

• Registered - Registered contractors must meet local requirements for counties or municipalities and obtain a local competency card and occupational license and must register the competency card with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. A registered contractor can only work in the county or municipality for which he or she has obtained a competency card.
  Requirements:

1. Workers’ Compensation (or an exemption), Liability, and Property Damage Insurance. The Florida Department of Financial Services governs workers’ compensation requirements and can be reached at 800.342.2762 2762. Liability and Property Damage premium limits are set forth in board rule 61G4-15.003, FAC.
2. Must provide credit reports, proof of satisfaction of liens and judgments, and proper showing of financial stability, including net worth requirements under Rule 61G4-15.005, FAC.

Q. What if I have an out-of-state license?
Florida Statutes provide for licensure by endorsement as an option. However, licensure by endorsement is not guaranteed. Licensure by endorsement requires board approval. Applicants must be scheduled to appear before the board, which meets monthly. Board Meeting Schedule
Applicants must provide the following:

• Proof of having passed a national, state, or U.S. Regional examination that is substantially similar to the Florida Examination.
• Applicant must provide the information listed above regarding insurance, credit, finances, net worth, etc.