Contractor licenses in
Florida
Florida licenses some contractors and trades statewide. Cities and counties license others.
Official search run by Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board at myfloridalicense.com
Which work needs a license
The state licenses general, building, residential, roofing, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, sheet metal, pool and spa, underground utility, solar, electrical and alarm system work.
Small jobs
Under $2,500
Casual, minor work where the aggregate contract price for labor, materials and all other items is under $2,500 is exempt; it does not apply to work split to evade the law, part of a larger project, or anyone who advertises as a contractor.
What a licensed contractor had to show
- Exam
- Must pass the state contractor exam, administered by Professional Testing, Inc.
- Bond
- Not confirmed
- Insurance
- General and building contractors need $300,000 liability and $50,000 property damage; residential need $100,000 and $25,000.
- Experience
- Generally 4 years of active experience with at least 1 year as a foreman, or a combination of college credit and experience.
State license searches
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Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board
General, building, residential, roofing, plumbing, air conditioning, mechanical, pool/spa, solar and other construction contractors
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
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Florida DBPR Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board
Electrical, alarm system and specialty electrical contractors
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
City and county licenses
Much of the licensing happens here. These are the largest local programs with an online search.
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Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County Board and Code Administration (Contractor Licensing). County Certificates of Competency for locally registered contractors
Not listed? Call the building department for the city or county where the work is.