What do I need to know about changes to Florida's Contractor's licensing in 2025?

Important Deadline: On July 1, 2025, SB 1142 ends the local specialty contractor licensing extension in Florida. If you currently hold a locally registered specialty license, its time to upgrade to a state-certified credential or face permitting delays. This article breaks down the affected license types, statutory requirements, and your step-by-step path forward.

Table of Contents

• Local Specialty Contractor Licensing Extension Ending July 1, 2025

• Florida Contractor License Types: Complete List

• What Local Governments Can - and Cannot - Require

• Frequently Ask Questions

• Conclusion

Local Specialty Contractor Licensing Extension Ending

SB 1142 extended all local specialty contractor licensing until June 30, 2025. However, effective July 1, 2025, local governments may only license specialty contractor license types that substantially correspond to the specialty contractor license types offered by the State of Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) or those which local governments are statutorily authorized to continue to provide pursuant to section (s.) 489.117, Florida Statutes (F.S.). If you're a local 'Registered' Contractor it's time for you to become a state-wide 'certified' contractor.

Florida Contractor License Types: Complete List 

Here is a complete list of license categories issued by the DBPR Construction Industry. Let me know if any of the license types interest you and we'll provide you with their scope of work and requirements to qualify:

Division One (Prime Contractors)

1. General Contractor CGC

2. Building Contractor CBC

3. Residential Contractor CRC
   

Division Two (Subcontractors)

4. Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor CUC

5. Plumbing Contractor CFC

6. Roofing Contractor CCC

7. Mechanical Contractor CMC

8. Air-A Contractor CAC

9. Air-B Contractor CAC

10. Pool Commercial Contractor CPC

11. Pool Residential  Contractor CPC

12. Pool Servicing Contractor CPC

13. Pollutant Storage Contractor

14. Sheet Metal Contractor

15. Solar Contractor
    

Specialty Contractors

16. Building Demolition Specialty Contractor

17. Drywall Specialty Contractor

18. Gas Line Specialty Contractor

19. Glass & Glazing Specialty Contractor

20. Industrial Facilities Specialty Contractor

21. Irrigation Specialty Contractor

22. Marine Specialty Contractor

23. Residential Pool/Spa Servicing Specialty Contractor

24. Specialty Structure Contractor

25. Tower Specialty Contractor

26. Rooftop Solar Heating Installation Specialty Contractor

27. Structural Aluminum or Screen Enclosures Specialty Contractor

28. Marine Seawall Work Specialty Contractor

29. Marine Bulkhead Work Specialty Contractor

30. Marine Dock Work Specialty Contractor

31. Marine Pile Driving Specialty Contractor

32. Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor

33. Structural Pre-Stressed, Precast Concrete Work Specialty Contractor

34. Structural Steel Work Specialty Contractor

35. Window and Door Installation Specialty Contractor

36. Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor 

37. Plaster and Lath Specialty Contractor

38. Structural Carpentry Specialty Contractor 

The contractor license types offered by the CILB can be found in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(q), F.S., Rule 61G4-15.100, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Rule 61G4-15.032, F.A.C., Rule 61G4-15.027, F.A.C., Rule 61G4-15.015, F.A.C., and Rule 61G4-15.012, F.A.C.

What Local Governments Can - and Cannot - Require

Under s. 489.117(4), F.S., local governments may only require a local or state license to obtain a permit for work that substantially corresponds to the scope of a license type issued by the CILB.  Local governments may not require either a local or state license to obtain a permit for work if the work does not substantially correspond to the job scope of a license type issued by the CILB.

If a local government fails to adhere to this statutory requirement, its local ordinances and decisions may be challenged both judicially and through the local government’s established appeal process. Additionally, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will investigate and prosecute complaints related to building officials failing to adhere to the requirements of s.489.117(4), F.S. Florida contractor licensing changes 2025

How to Transition from Registered to Certified

If you're a local 'Registered' Contractor it's time for you to become a state-wide 'certified' contractor.

1. Gather you documents.

2. Submit live-scan fingerprints and credit reports.

3. Complete and submit the CILB state application.

Receive your state-certified license - valid statewide.

Pro Tip: We recommend using a professional licensing service like Application Specialist to streamline paperwork and ensure your work history meets CILB standards.

Read FL Statute 489.118 Certification of registered contractors; grandfathering provisions

The board shall, upon receipt of a completed application and appropriate fee, issue a certificate in the appropriate category to any contractor registered under this part who makes application to the board and can show that he or she meets each of the following requirements:

(1) Currently holds a valid registered local license in one of the contractor categories defined in s. 489.105(3)(a)-(p).

(2) Has, for that category, passed a written examination that the board finds to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor under this part. For purposes of this subsection, a written, proctored examination such as that produced by the National Assessment Institute, Block and Associates, NAI/Block, Experior Assessments, Professional Testing, Inc., or Assessment Systems, Inc., shall be considered to be substantially similar to the examination required to be licensed as a certified contractor. The board may not impose or make any requirements regarding the nature or content of these cited examinations.

(3) Has at least 5 years of experience as a contractor in that contracting category, or as an inspector or building administrator with oversight over that category, at the time of application. For contractors, only time periods in which the contractor license is active and the contractor is not on probation shall count toward the 5 years required by this subsection.

(4) Has not had his or her contractor’s license revoked at any time, had his or her contractor’s license suspended within the last 5 years, or been assessed a fine in excess of $500 within the last 5 years.

(5) Is in compliance with the insurance and financial responsibility requirements

Frequently Ask Questions - Florida contractor licensing changes 2025

How would I file a complaint against a Building Official?

Complaints may be filed against building officials using the department’s uniform complaint form.

What happens if I don't upgrade my registered license to a certified license (state issued) by July 1, 2025?

Depending on the license category, you may be unable to obtain local permits for specialty work until you hold a state certification.

Can I grandfather in my local experience?

Yes, local experience counts towards state certification. The grandfathering provision to convert a Registered contractor to a Certified contractor requires 5 years of holding the registered license without any citations.

What fees are involved in the state application?

Application fee: varies throughout the year & application types ($150-$350) Fingerprinting: depending on where you go ($60-$90) Credit reports: typically need a personal & business ($160-$200)

How long does the state application process take?

It takes about a week to put the application together. the DBPR typically take 4-6 weeks from submission to license issuance, assuming no deficiencies.

How do I turn my local 'Registered' license into a State-wide 'Certified' contractor's license?

The application process has been streamlined for registered contractors. We recommend using a professional service to save time and frustration anytime you're dealing with the state: www.Application-Specialist.com can handle all applications, including the 'Grandfathering' of local contractors.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Don’t wait until the last minute, start your transition now to avoid permitting delays. Visit www.passflexam.com or call (407) 456-8444 to learn more about our exam prep courses, application services, and live workshops. Florida’s contracting landscape is evolving, make sure your license evolves with it.