Florida contractor license requirements
An overview of who regulates contractors in Florida, when you need a license, the license types available and how the qualifying agent fits in.
Who issues contractor licenses in Florida?
Contractor licensing in Florida is overseen by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
Some trades are licensed by separate boards:
When do you need a license?
Florida licenses construction trades at the state level. A Certified license lets you work anywhere in Florida; a Registered license is limited to the local jurisdictions where you hold a competency card. Many counties and cities also require their own local registration and bonds.
Classifications
General, Building, Residential, Roofing, Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning (Class A/B), Mechanical, Plumbing, Pool/Spa, Underground Utility and other specialty categories.
The Qualifying Agent requirement
A business that contracts in Florida must be qualified by a licensed Qualifying Agent — a primary qualifying agent responsible for supervising all operations, or a secondary qualifying agent responsible for the work they supervise.
Don’t have one? We can place a licensed qualifying agent with your business.
License types & levels
Certified (statewide)
Pass the state exam for your category; work in any Florida county.
Registered (local)
Based on a local certificate of competency; valid only in those jurisdictions.
Division I & II
Division I covers general, building and residential contractors; Division II covers specialty trades such as roofing, pool, HVAC, plumbing and more.
How to get licensed in Florida
- Pick the license category that matches the work you perform.
- Secure a licensed Qualifying Agent — your own or one placed through our network.
- Gather credit report, financial stability documentation and proof of insurance.
- Register your business entity with Sunbiz and file the qualify-a-business application with DBPR.
- Complete local registrations and bonds for the counties and cities where you work.
This page is a general overview. Thresholds, fees and requirements change — confirm current rules with the DBPR / CILB or call us for a review of your situation.
Need a bond for your license?
Many Florida state and local licenses require a surety bond. Buy yours online in minutes.
Get help with your Florida contractor license
Tell us a little about your business and the work you do. A Contractor Licensing Inc. specialist will follow up with the exact license you need, the steps, and a clear quote.
- License applications prepared for you
- Business entity setup in as little as 2–3 days
- Qualifying Agent placement if you don’t have one
- Bonds & insurance through Artisan Insurance Inc.
Ready to get licensed in Florida?
Talk to a licensing specialist today — we handle the paperwork so you can keep working.