General Contractor license in Florida

Application requirements

Working as a general contractor in Florida typically requires submitting an application packet to the Florida DBPR — CILB Certified General Contractor (CGC) — including proof of experience, exam scores, and insurance.

• Proof of relevant trade experience or apprenticeship hours
• Passing score on the state trade exam(s)
• General liability insurance + workers' comp
• Surety bond filed with the board (when required)
• Business entity registration with the Secretary of State
• Background check + license fee submitted with packet

This is the standard packet most U.S. state boards require. Verify the exact list with the Florida DBPR — CILB Certified General Contractor (CGC) before applying — requirements change by trade classification.

Fees and renewal cycle

Total cost to become a licensed general contractor in Florida ranges from $6,500 to $110,000 (typical $35,000). The range covers application + exam fees, bond + insurance premiums, and the first year of business registration.

Most state boards renew on a 1-3 year cycle and require continuing education credits. Verify the exact renewal window and CE requirement with the Florida DBPR — CILB Certified General Contractor (CGC) — late renewal typically triggers a reinstatement fee.

Reciprocity with neighboring states

Florida borders 2 other launched states ProFix Directory tracks. Reciprocity is set by each state board individually — check the destination state for the current rule before relying on it.

• General Contractor license in Alabama →
• General Contractor license in Georgia →

Where to apply

Why ProFix verifies every general contractor

Every pro we list in Florida is matched against the Florida DBPR — CILB Certified General Contractor (CGC) record, the Secretary of State business registry, and OSHA inspection data. We surface license status, revocation history, and bond filings on every profile so homeowners can shortlist verified pros without trusting a single review-platform score.

See the full verification methodology →

Common questions

Do I need a general contractor license in Florida?

Florida requires general contractor contractors to hold a Florida General Contractor license from the Florida DBPR — CILB Certified General Contractor (CGC). Apply through https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp with a typical $35,000 total fee (range $6,500-$110,000) and a 1-3 year renewal cycle. Verify the exact classification with the board before submitting.

Which board handles general contractor licensing in Florida?

Florida DBPR — CILB Certified General Contractor (CGC) is the relevant authority shown in the Florida licensing seed for this page. The verification or application URL in the loader is https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp.

How much does a general contractor license cost in Florida?

The recorded licensing cost range is $6,500-$110,000, with a typical total around $35,000. That range comes from the page loader and covers application, exam, bond, insurance, or registration costs where they apply.

What requirements should Florida general contractor applicants verify?

Certified General Contractor (CGC) is unlimited statewide; Certified Building Contractor (CBC) is limited to 3-story buildings; Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) is residential only.

What's the difference between certified and registered in FL?

Certified licenses are valid statewide and require state exam + financial/insurance proof; registered licenses are only valid in the local jurisdiction that endorsed them.