The Florida general contractor application is the DBPR CILB 5-A certified-contractor form, filed with the Construction Industry Licensing Board. A complete file includes verified experience, a passing exam result, proof of financial responsibility, insurance, fingerprinting, and the application fee ($245 or $145 depending on the biennial window). Filing incomplete is the most common cause of delay, so assemble every item before you submit.
Florida GC license application checklist
- Experience requirement met
- Exam passed
- Financial responsibility satisfied
- Insurance obtained
- Fingerprinting completed
- Application submitted
Enable JavaScript for the interactive checklist with saved progress.
What the application requires
- Experience verification — documentation matching one of the CILB 5-A qualifying methods (four years including a year as foreman, or a qualifying degree-plus-experience combination), plus the GC-specific four-story experience year.
- Examination — proof you passed the state general contractor examination.
- Financial responsibility — a FICO-derived credit score of 660 or higher, or a certificate of completion for the 14-hour Board-approved course (Fla. Admin. Code 61G4-15.006). No surety bond.
- Insurance — general liability / property-damage coverage, and workers’ compensation if you have employees.
- Fingerprinting — a background check through the DBPR-designated vendor.
- Fees — the application fee for your filing window, payable to the DBPR.
Use the interactive checklist above to track each item; your progress is saved in your browser only.
Filing tips
- Confirm names match across every document.
- File within the more favorable biennial fee window if your timing allows.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Forming a business entity
Many contractors file under an LLC. If you plan to operate as a company, set up the entity before you submit so the license is issued to the correct applicant.
Insurance for your application
You will need proof of coverage as part of the file — line up a quote early.
Related pages
Work the full sequence on the step-by-step path to a Florida GC license, budget with the Florida GC license cost breakdown, and confirm coverage on Florida contractor insurance requirements. For the overview, see the Florida general contractor license guide.
This page summarizes DBPR procedure and is general information, not legal advice. Verify the current CILB 5-A requirements and fees with the Florida DBPR before filing.
Form your contracting business
Most new Florida contractors register an LLC before applying. These services handle formation and registered-agent filing.
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Compare contractor insurance quotes
Florida general contractors need general-liability coverage, and workers’ compensation if they have employees. Compare quotes from providers that specialize in the trades.
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Last verified: 2026-06-18
Not affiliated with the Florida DBPR. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) — it is an independent informational guide. Always verify requirements, fees, and deadlines with the Florida DBPR/CILB.
Not legal advice. This is general information, not legal or professional advice, and does not create any advisory relationship. For your situation, consult a qualified professional.