In general, you must satisfy the following:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a minimum of 4 years’ experience in the category for which you are applying.
• Experience may be offset with college or military service for up to 3 years.
• FICO credit score of over 660
• Get fingerprinted
• Pass your Florida State Construction Exam(s)
• Fill out and submit the application with respective fees.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation states that the following requirements must be met if you do not have a credit score of 660 or higher:

If an applicant does not have a 660 credit score at the time of application, the applicant may still establish financial responsibility by completing a CILB approved 14-hour financial responsibility course.

There is no statutory minimum credit score for the ECLB. However, the board will require you to either fully statisfy or have a payment plan plan for any late payments, bankruptcies, liens or judgements.

(CILB) Division 1

1. General contractor – there is no limit on the new construction or improvement of any structure or building type. A general contractor can carry out construction, repairs, alterations, remodeling, and improvements for both commercial & residential projects.
2. Building contractor – for commercial or residential buildings that do not exceed three stories high. A building contractor may also construct accessory use structures in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding.
3. Residential contractor – for dwellings of between one and three families that are no more than two stories high, you can work on construction, repair, remodeling or improvements. A residential contractor may also construct accessory use structures in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding.

(CILB) Division 2

• Air Conditioning
• Building
• General
• Glass & Glazing
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Pollutant Storage System
• Pool/Spa
• Residential
• Roofing
• Sheet Metal
• Specialty
• Building Demolition
• Drywall
• Gas Line
• Glass & Glazing
• Garage Door Installation
• Industrial Facilities
• Irrigation
• Marine
• Marine Bulkhead Work
• Marine Dock Work
• Marine Pile Driving
• Marine Seawall Work
• Plaster & Lath
• Rooftop Solar Heating
• Installation
• Structure
• Structural Aluminum or
• Screen Enclosures
• Structural Carpentry
• Structural Masonry
• Structural Pre-stressed, Precast Concrete Work
• Structural Steel Work
• Swimming Pool Decking
• Swimming Pool Excavation
• Swimming Pool Finishes
• Swimming Pool Layout
• Swimming Pool Piping
• Swimming Pool Structural
• Swimming Pool Trim
• Tower
• Window & Door Installation
• Solar
• Underground Utility and Excavation

(ECLB) Electrical

• Electrical Contractor
• Alarm Systems Contractor I
• Alarm System Contractor II
• Residential Alarm System Contractor
• Specialty Electrical Contractor
• Lighting Maintenance Specialty Electrical Contractor
• Sign Specialty Electrical Contractor
• Residential Electrical Contractor
• Limited Energy Systems Specialty Contractor
• Utility Electrical Line Contractor
• Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems Specialty

The difference between the two licenses primarily has to do with the location for which the license is valid; one is statewide, the other local (county or city) only.

A Certified License is valid throughout the state, so you are permitted to work anywhere in Florida.

A Registered License limits you to working within a local jurisdiction, usually a county or city.

Typically, the CILB application process takes around 30 days if the application is submitted correctly. If a deficiency occurs and the State requests additional information, the process will run another 30 days.

The ECLB application process generally takes 30 to 90 days if the application is submitted correctly. Initial and Additional Entity applications for the ECLB require a board appearance. The board meets approximately every 6 to 8 weeks.

Applications for construction and electrical can be reviewed by the CILB and ECLB for many reasons. Some of these include the following:

• Experience Reviews
• Recent criminal history
• Unlicensed activity / complaints
• Unresolved credit issues
• Additional license qualifications (CILB: 3 or more)

Applications for electrical are required to go to the board for Initial and all Additional Entity applications.

To obtain a Florida Electrical Contractor's License, you must meet specific education, experience, and examination requirements. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements:

• Be licensed as an electrical professional engineer for three (3) years within the last 12 years; or
• Have three (3) years of management experience in the trade within the last six (6) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Have four (4) years of experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor in the trade within the last eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Have four (4) years of experience as a supervisor in electrical or alarm system work in the United States Armed Forces, within the eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Have six (6) years of comprehensive training, technical education or broad experience associated with an electrical contracting business within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Have at least six (6) years of technical experience in electrical work with the Armed Forces or a governmental entity within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Have a combination of these qualifications totaling six (6) years of experience.

In addition, if you are applying for the following categories these specific experience requirements will apply:

EC – Certified Electrical Contractor
The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in 3-phase services.

EF – Certified Alarm System Contractor I (All Alarm Systems)
The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in fire alarm systems.

EG – Certified Alarm System Contractor II (Excluding Fire)
The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in alarm systems other than fire alarm systems.

2. Complete the Application:
Submit an application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) with details of your experience and qualifications.

3. Pass the Exam:
You’ll need to pass the required exam, which tests your knowledge of electrical codes, safety regulations, and other relevant laws.

4. Submit Documents:
Provide supporting documents such as proof of experience, financial stability, and any background checks.

5. Obtain Your License:
Once approved, you’ll receive your Florida Electrical Contractor’s License, allowing you to work legally in the state.