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How To Become Florida Contractor: The Proven Process

Updated: 11 minutes ago

Wondering how to become a Florida contractor? You're not alone. Every day, hardworking professionals like you take that first bold step toward building their own construction business in the Sunshine State, often starting with a license application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Here at Florida Construction Academy, we've helped thousands transform their contracting dreams into reality. While the licensing process might seem overwhelming at first glance, we've seen firsthand that it's absolutely achievable with the right guidance. With recent changes to Florida House Bill 735 streamlining the process, there's never been a better time to start your journey. Let us walk you through exactly how to make it happen.


Key Takeaways

  • A thorough understanding of license types and requirements

  • Meeting financial and experience prerequisites

  • Proper exam preparation and documentation for your certified general contractor license application.


Table of Contents


Choosing Your License Type: Think Big

As an experienced construction professional, you'll want to consider the 'Certified' contractor license over the 'Registered' option. Here's why:


  • Certified can work anywhere in Florida without geographical restrictions

  • Greater flexibility in taking on projects

  • More opportunities for business growth through compliance with Florida State requirements.

  • Higher earning potential


While registered licenses limit you to specific jurisdictions (local licensing), a certified license opens doors statewide, perfect for someone with project management experience looking to build a serious contracting business.


There are 38 different certified license types in Florida, separated into 3 divisions.

Division One

Division Two (Subcontractors)

  • Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor

  • Plumbing Contractor

  • Roofing Contractor

  • Mechanical Contractor

  • Air-A Contractor

  • Air-B Contractor

  • Pool Commercial Contractor

  • Pool Residential  Contractor

  • Pool Servicing Contractor

  • Pollutant Storage Contractor

  • Sheet Metal Contractor

  • Solar Contractor

Specialty Contractors

  • Building Demolition Specialty Contractor

  • Drywall Specialty Contractor

  • Gas Line Specialty Contractor

  • Glass & Glazing Specialty Contractor

  • Industrial Facilities Specialty Contractor

  • Irrigation Specialty Contractor

  • Marine Specialty Contractor

  • Residential Pool/Spa Servicing Specialty Contractor

  • Specialty Structure Contractor

  • Tower Specialty Contractor

  • Rooftop Solar Heating Installation Specialty Contractor

  • Structural Aluminum or Screen Enclosures Specialty Contractor

  • Marine Seawall Work Specialty Contractor

  • Marine Bulkhead Work Specialty Contractor

  • Marine Dock Work Specialty Contractor

  • Marine Pile Driving Specialty Contractor

  • Structural Carpentry Specialty Contractor

  • Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor

  • Structural Pre-Stressed, Precast Concrete Work Specialty Contractor

  • Structural Steel Work Specialty Contractor

  • Window and Door Installation Specialty Contractor

  • Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor 

  • Plaster and Lath Specialty Contractor


The Good News: Your Experience Counts

If you're currently working as a foreman or superintendent, here's some encouraging news: you're likely already meeting one of the biggest requirements. The state requires:

  • 4 years of construction experience, (they'll count up to 3 years of any college or military).

  • 1 year in a supervisory role Both of these are typically covered by your current position, giving you a significant head start in the licensing process.


The Application Process

Setting Up Your Business Foundation

Think of this as building a house - you need a solid foundation first. You'll start by choosing your business structure and getting it officially registered in Florida. Whether you go with an LLC or corporation, make sure it reflects how you want to run your business. We recommend reaching out to Application Specialist for help with the DBPR application.


Timeline and Process Management

For busy construction professionals, here's what to expect timeline-wise:

  • Overall process: 3-6 months from start to finish

  • Application processing: 30-45 days with DBPR

  • Exam preparation: Flexible scheduling to work around your current job


Making the Financial Investment Work

Let's be realistic about the costs involved:

  • Application fees: $145-245

    • Fingerprints $75

    • Credit Reports $150-$300

  • Total investment: $2,000-4,500 (including exam fees, insurance, and business registration)

  • Required liability insurance: $100,000- $300,000 (Depending on license type)

  • Required property damage insurance: $25,000-$50,000 (Depending on license type)


For someone in the $65-85K income range, this investment is significant but manageable, especially considering the potential return. Many successful contractors started exactly where you are, viewing these costs as an investment in their future earning potential.





Breaking Down the Exams: What You Need to Know

Listen, as someone who's been running job sites, you already know the nuts and bolts of construction. But Florida needs to make sure you can handle the business side too.


Here's what you're looking at:


The Business and Finance Section

  • This is likely the part that's newer territory for you. We suggest taking this exam 1st, because its only 3 books.

  • The exam is 6.5 hours long and 125 questions in total.

  • Covers how to run the business side: contracts, estimates, money management, depreciation, accounting methods, ect.

  • Think of it like learning to handle the office work you see your current boss dealing with


The Trade Knowledge Section

  • This is where your hands-on experience pays off toward obtaining your registered contractor license.

  • Tests what you already know: building codes, construction methods, safety regs

  • Your years of field experience give you a serious advantage here


Our pass rates are solid because we focus on turning site experience into exam success. We've got practice tests that feel like the real thing, study guides that cut through the fluff, and one-on-one help when you need it. Best part? You can study around your current work schedule - we know you can't just drop everything to prep for an exam.


We've helped plenty of foremen and superintendents make this exact jump. They came in with the same field knowledge you have, and we helped fill in the business gaps. That's why our first-time pass rate stays high - we know exactly what experienced pros like you need to focus on.


Making the Jump from Foreman to Business Owner

Let's talk about what happens after you get that license. You've already built relationships with crews and handled major projects, but running your own show means adding some new skills to your toolbelt:


Setting Up Shop

  • Put those supplier connections you've built over the years to work

  • Set up systems to handle contracts (way more than just work orders now)

  • Join local contractor associations - your experience will be valued here

  • Get a solid estimating and accounting system (this is where many new contractors stumble)


Breaking Down the Costs

Here's what you're looking at investment-wise:



Total startup costs typically run $1,000-4,500. That might sound like a chunk of change on a foreman's salary, but think about it this way: you're investing about one week's worth of what you'll be able to bill as a licensed contractor. Most of our successful graduates say the return on investment came faster than they expected. Think of it as the cost of going business. You can make that back in the 1st month.


You're not just buying a license, you're investing in moving from earning a salary to building real wealth through your own business. Your experience managing projects and crews is worth its weight in gold - now you're just adding the paperwork piece to run your own show.


How To Become Florida Contractor

Why Experienced Pros Choose Florida Construction Academy


Look, we get it. You're already putting in long hours on the job site, and the last thing you need is someone treating you like a rookie. That's why we've built our program differently, in alignment with the Florida Department of Business standards. As Florida's #1 School for Contractors, we focus on turning your years of hands-on experience into a contractor's license – without wasting your time.


What Makes Us Different for Working Professionals:

  • Study When It Works for You: Access practice exams and materials 24/7 around your schedule. Dynamic exams that constantly change to prevent order memorization. Large question banks to keep the questions new and changing every time.

  • Real-World Focus: Our scenarios come from actual job sites, not just textbooks. We get student feedback on the exams to keep the program current and realistic.


Learn Your Way with the Florida State Construction resources

Whether you're a late-night studier or weekend warrior, we've got you covered with:

  • Unlimited practice exams that feel like the real thing. Try before you buy.

  • Quick-study tools like flashcards for those lunch break review sessions

  • Highlighted study guides that cut straight to what you need to know

  • One-on-one help from instructors who've been in your boots


We offer programs for wherever you want to take your career:

  • General Contractor

  • Building Contractor

  • Underground Contractor

  • Plumbing Contractor

  • And many more including other specialty licenses


The Numbers Don't Lie: Our fast-track programs have some of the highest first-time pass rate in Florida. Why? Because we understand what working professionals like you need to succeed. We won't waste your time with theory – we focus on getting you that license so you can start building your own business.


Want proof? Start with free access to our practice questions. See for yourself why foremen and superintendents across Florida choose us when they're ready to level up their careers.


FAQs

How do I become a certified contractor in Florida?

The path begins with choosing your contractor type and completing four years of verified construction experience. You'll need to pass the state examination, secure appropriate insurance coverage, and register your business entity. The process also includes background screening and providing proof of financial stability. Florida Construction Academy guides you through each step seamlessly.

How much does it cost to be a licensed contractor in Florida?

Total investment typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,500. This includes application fees ($145-$245 depending on timing), examination fees ($295), insurance premiums, and business registration costs. Renewal fees are additional, ranging from $105-$130 for active licenses. Our academy can help you plan for these expenses effectively, including those related to the contractor license application.

How long does it take to get Florida Contractors License? 

Once you submit a complete application, the DBPR typically processes it within 30-45 days. However, the entire journey from starting preparation to receiving your license usually takes 3-6 months, depending on your exam preparation and documentation gathering speed.

Do I need to go to school to be a general contractor in Florida? 

No formal education is required, but college credits can substitute for up to three years of the four-year experience requirement for the Florida State Construction Examination. Military service can also count toward this requirement. What matters most is demonstrating your construction knowledge and expertise through experience or education.

How do you prove experience for contractor license in Florida? 

You'll need to self certify four years of construction experience through detailed experience history forms, including project descriptions, dates, and supervisor references. This form is the most common reason for denial. We help simplify this documentation process for our students.


Conclusion

Your dream of becoming a licensed Florida contractor is closer than you think. With the right preparation and guidance, you can join the thousands of successful contractors who started exactly where you are today. At Florida Construction Academy, we're committed to being part of your success story every step of the way.


Ready to take the first step? Contact us today! Let's discuss your goals, answer your questions, and create a personalized roadmap to your contractor's license. Your future in construction starts with a single conversation – let's have it today at the Florida State Construction Academy.


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