How to Become a General Contractor in Florida

Florida is renowned as the land of sunshine and palm trees. It also has a booming construction industry, with new homes, businesses, and offices going up every day. For those looking to break into this lucrative industry, a Florida contractor’s license is necessary. Read on to find out how to go about getting one.

Florida General Contractor License Requirements

In order to get a general contractor license in Florida, there are several requirements that must be satisfied. All applicants must be at least  18 years of age.

First, one must know the difference between the  two types of licenses : registered and certified. When someone is registered, it means they are authorized to work in the city or county in which they are registered. Once they complete the Florida general contractor license exam, they may become certified, and can work anywhere throughout the state.

An application is required, which can be accessed online via the state of Florida’s website.

The contractor’s exam contains three parts, and it is an open book test. Applicants need to set it up themselves and bring all necessary materials.

In addition to the exam, applicants must provide a record of financial stability. A credit check is required. The individual cannot have any liens against him or her, and must have a credit score of 660 or higher. A credit report can be ordered from any of the three major reporting agencies (Equifax, Transunion, or Experian). It must be included with the application. All supporting documentation, such as bank verifications or release of judgments, must also be included. All assets  must be reported  and documented, such as cash, stocks/bonds, life insurance, real estate, vehicles, etc.

Applicants must also show proof of experience in their field. This should include four years of relevant experience, with at least one year in a supervisory role. Some of this experience can substituted with undergraduate study in a relevant field. It could be two years of school and two in the field, or three years in the classroom and one on the job. As long as four years of relevant experience are provided, the requirements will be met. If applying based on experience, past employers must fill out the proper section of the application, then sign it and have it notarized.

Anyone applying for a general contractor license must provide information about their criminal history (if applicable). Fingerprinting should also be arranged with an outside agency (such as Pearson VUE). This needs to be done within six months of application.

Insurance is required prior to licensing. The  minimum requirement  for liability insurance for bodily injury is $300,000. The minimum for property damage liability is $50,000. The contractor must also carry workers’ compensation coverage or an exemption.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs?

There are many requirements for attaining a Florida contractor’s license. To pursue this path takes dedication. But it can lead to many lucrative opportunities for expansion in the Sunshine State. It is definitely worth investing the time, energy, and funds in the long run.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave,
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

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