Getting a Florida general contractor license follows a fixed sequence: confirm your experience qualifies, meet the financial-responsibility rule, pass the state exam, secure insurance, and file the CILB application with fees and documents. The license is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the DBPR. This page walks each step in order so nothing stalls your file.
Step 1 — Confirm your experience qualifies
Map your work history against the DBPR CILB 5-A qualifying methods. The common path is four years’ experience including at least one year as a foreman; a four-year construction-related degree substitutes for three of those years. General contractors must additionally show one year of experience on structures of at least four stories. The detail lives on Florida GC license requirements.
Step 2 — Meet financial responsibility
Provide a FICO-derived credit score of 660 or higher, or complete a 14-hour Board-approved financial responsibility course (Fla. Admin. Code 61G4-15.006). No state surety bond is required under the current rule.
Step 3 — Pass the state examination
Register with the state exam vendor and pass the general contractor examination. Preparation options and exam structure are covered on the Florida general contractor exam page.
Step 4 — Secure required insurance
Obtain general liability / property-damage coverage and, if you employ workers, workers’ compensation. Confirm current amounts with the DBPR.
Step 5 — File the CILB application
Submit the DBPR CILB 5-A application with the application fee, experience verification, exam results, insurance proof, and fingerprinting. Work through the document set on the Florida GC license application page so you file complete the first time.
Step 6 — Maintain the license
After issuance, the license runs on a biennial cycle with continuing-education requirements. Plan ahead for renewal early.
Pillar and related steps
For the full overview, see the Florida general contractor license guide. Each step above links to its detailed page so you can drill in where you need it.
This page summarizes Florida law and DBPR procedure and is general information, not legal advice. Verify every detail with the Florida DBPR before acting.
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.