The demand for licensed electricians is high in Florida and expected to continue growing as new construction and infrastructure projects are undertaken. If you are considering a career as a licensed electrician, you can expect to earn a competitive salary, and have steady employment and job security. Skilled electricians are needed in various industries, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.  Electricians also have the flexibility to work independently, for an established company or start their own businesses which can give you more control over your work schedule, projects, and income potential. Although physical demands and challenging environments, such as cramped spaces, heights, or extreme weather conditions exist, those who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and working with electrical systems will find this profession rewarding, and you can continually expand your knowledge and expertise through ongoing training and certifications.

To be a licensed electrician in Florida, you must obtain a Certified Electrical Contractor license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This license requires that you pass the electrical licensing exam, provide proof of work experience, demonstrate financial responsibility, and pass a criminal background check. 

Interested in obtaining your electrician’s license? This guide will explain the process and answer some common questions about the documents and requirements that will need to be provided to the DBPR.

Testing Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation defines an electrical contractor as “a person who conducts business in the electrical trade field and who has the experience and knowledge to install, repair, alter, add to, or design electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, and conduit, including the electrical installations and systems within plants and substations and ALL alarm systems and specialty categories.” To earn this title, the first requirement is to successfully pass their two-part exam, which must be completed prior to submitting the application for license to the DBPR. 

To help you prepare for the exam, the DBPR has published the Electrical Contractors’ Licensure Examinations - Candidate Information Booklet. This is a great resource for anyone interested in obtaining their license. Covering everything from how to schedule your testing appointment, exam format, and scoring procedures; this guide is full of useful information.

The test is administered at a state approved testing center operated by Pearson Vue. There are many sites located throughout Florida as well as an option to test from home with an online proctor. Visit the Pearson Vue website for more information. A minimum score of 75% is needed to pass the exam and results are available immediately upon completion. To prepare for the exam there are online study guides available, and once you are ready for the test visit DPBR’s examination site to apply for the exam. Once approved you will receive your candidate identification number which is needed to register for the exam.

Education/Experience

Another important component to obtaining your electrical contractor’s license is documented work experience in the electrical trade. The exact requirements are detailed on the Instructions attached to the application for license. Applicants will need to be able to provide documentation (W2 forms and employment verification forms) of one of the following:

• 3 years as a licensed electrical professional engineer 
• 3 years of management experience in the trade 
• 3 years of experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor in the trade 
• 4 years of experience as a supervisor in electrical work in the U.S. Armed Forces
• 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education or broad experience associated with an electrical contracting business
• 6 years of technical experience in electrical work with the Armed Forces or a governmental entity 
• A combination of the above qualifications totaling 6 years of experience

Also note that in order to qualify for license, at least 40% of the required work experience must be in 3-phase services.

Application of License

Once you have passed the test and met the minimum work experience, you can submit the application to obtain your electrical contractor license. The application can be completed online or by submitting a paper form, details of both are located on the DBPR’s website. Along with the application, you will need to submit:

• Application fee of $296 (As a result of Governor Ron DeSantis signing HB 1091 into law, initial licensure fees are reduced by 50% for Fiscal Years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, making the cost $150.50 for these years)
• W2s supporting each year’s work experience for employment verification, or school transcripts if using education for part of the work experience
• Credit report for the applicant
• Other documentation may be required based on the individual applicant, refer to the application instructions for more details

If you have any questions about the application process or completing the application itself, customer service representatives are available to help by calling the DBPR Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.