Which Contractors License Type Is Right for You? Let’s Review the 38 Contractor Licenses in Florida
- Matthew Cannon
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Choosing the right contractor license in Florida can feel like navigating a maze. With 38 certified license types spread across three divisions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by requirements, exams, and paperwork. That’s where Application Specialist steps in: our experts cut through the noise, guiding you step-by-step toward the license that fits your skills, experience, and business goals.
Whether you’re dreaming of building high-rise towers as a General Contractor, installing cutting-edge solar systems, or specializing in marine bulkhead work, understanding each license category, and its eligibility criteria, is the first step to launching your contracting career. In this guide, we’ll break down every license type, explain the divisions, and show you how to fast-track your application so you can get to work sooner.
Table Of Contents
Contractor License Types in Florida
How Application Specialist Can Help You
Frequently Ask Questions
Contractor License Types in Florida
Starting with division one contractors, these are prime contractors that typically deal directly with the owner of the property and are responsible for the structural elements of the building.
Building Contractor
Residential Contractor
Division Two (Subcontractors)
Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor
Roofing Contractor
Mechanical Contractor
Air-A Contractor
Air-B Contractor
Pool Commercial Contractor
Pool Residential Contractor
Pool Servicing Contractor
Pollutant Storage Contractor
Sheet Metal Contractor
Solar Contractor
Specialty Contractors
Building Demolition Specialty Contractor
Drywall Specialty Contractor
Gas Line Specialty Contractor
Glass & Glazing Specialty Contractor
Industrial Facilities Specialty Contractor
Irrigation Specialty Contractor
Marine Specialty Contractor
Residential Pool/Spa Servicing Specialty Contractor
Specialty Structure Contractor
Tower Specialty Contractor
Rooftop Solar Heating Installation Specialty Contractor
Structural Aluminum or Screen Enclosures Specialty Contractor
Marine Seawall Work Specialty Contractor
Marine Bulkhead Work Specialty Contractor
Marine Dock Work Specialty Contractor
Marine Pile Driving Specialty Contractor
Structural Carpentry Specialty Contractor
Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor
Structural Pre-Stressed, Precast Concrete Work Specialty Contractor
Structural Steel Work Specialty Contractor
Window and Door Installation Specialty Contractor
Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor
Plaster and Lath Specialty Contractor
Your Experience Matters
Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) generally requires four years of verifiable construction experience. You can credit up to three of those years through college coursework or military service. Because each license has its own eligibility rules, let’s talk about how your background stacks up and which path makes the most sense for you.
For example, to qualify for a General Contractor (CGC) license, you must have at least one year supervising a new commercial construction project that’s four stories or higher. A Building Contractor (CBC) license also demands commercial experience but carries no height restriction. Many contractors start with the CBC credential and, once they reach the four-year experience mark, upgrade to CGC to tackle larger projects.
Call us today at 407-456-8444 to map out your exact experience requirements and fast-track your licensing journey.
State Certified Contractor Examinations
In Florida most contractors pass their exams before they submit the application for license. If you choose to submit the application prior to passing the exams, the DBPR will send you a letter requesting your exam results.
We recommend reaching out to a profession school like Florida Construction Academy to help you through the examination process. They can help you get registered to take the state exams with Professional Testing & PearsonVue. We can take you through the application process and get you approved as quickly as possible.
How Application Specialist Can Help You
At Application Specialist, we don’t just file your paperwork—we turbocharge your path to licensure. Here’s what sets us apart:
Initial Application Audit, navigation the DBPR licensing options is very difficult. each error you make cost a minimum of 30-45 days to correct. We'll get you licensed as quickly as possible. We perform a comprehensive review of your DBPR CILB application on first submission, catching errors, verifying documentation, and ensuring you sail through the initial review without delays.
Florida Contractor License Roadmap
We guide you through every milestone of your DBPR CILB application process, from fingerprinting and background checks to document submittal, exam scheduling, and final license issuance, so you always know what’s next and never miss a requirement.
Work Experience Write-Up Optimization
Incomplete or improperly formatted work histories are the top cause of application denials. Our experts craft, review, and validate your construction project narratives to meet DBPR CILB’s strict standards, ensuring your experience counts toward approval on the first submission.
Price Match Guarantee
Found a lower written quote from a reputable provider? We’ll match it, so you always get the best value.
Credit Report Included
We cover your credit report fee (up to $195) as part of our service. Most competitors pass that cost onto you; with us, it’s on the house.
Mock Board Review
Before you ever sit in front of the CILB, we run a simulated board review to identify and resolve any red flags—so your real application is rock solid.
State-Approved Continuing Education
As an official CILB CE provider (PVD#1573), we deliver top-quality courses, and you receive 20% off all future CE classes when you license through us.
Partner with us and turn what feels like a mountain of bureaucracy into a smooth, predictable process—so you can start your contracting career faster and with complete confidence.
Frequently Ask Questions
How long does the DBPR CILB take to process a Florida contractor license application?
We can typically complete the application in 4-5 days, including the credit reports, fingerprinting, and work history. The DBPR will typically take around 30-45 days to complete the review process.
What fees and costs should I budget for when applying for a contractor license in Florida?
The DBPR application fee is between $145-$345 depending on the license type and time of year. The Fingerprinting is approximately $75. Credit Report on the Applicant and the Business are typically around $200. Our fees vary depending on your situation, give us a call to discuss.
Can I submit my application before passing the state licensing exams?
Yes, but they DBPR will not issue the license until they receive your examination results. We typically only recommend this option when the applicant needs to licensed immediately upon passing and is willing to receive a deficiency incomplete on the initial application review.
How long are DBPR fingerprints and credit reports valid for?
Fingerprints are valid for 1-year. they must be completed by a live-scan provider approved by the FDLE. You have to provide the scanner with the DBPR CILB's O.R.I. number. Credit Reports are valid for 6-months. They also must be completed by an approved vendor. We include the credit reports in our scope of work. While most of our competitors make you pay for them at a cost near $200 or more. The DBPR wants to see a score of 660 or higher.
Is there reciprocity for out-of-state licensed contractors in Florida?
Florida has Reciprocity & Endorsements options available for out of state contractors. The Reciprocity option is only valid for three states: NC, LA, MS and it still requires that you pass the Florida Business & Finance Exam. the Endorsement option is of contractors license by another state for at least 10-years. *Endorsement is often denied if this not a perfect match to license category.
Conclusion
Navigating Florida’s contractor licensing landscape doesn’t have to be a solo journey. At Application Specialist, we pair our deep knowledge of DBPR regulations with hands-on support, handling everything from exam registrations with Professional Testing & PearsonVue to application paperwork and follow-up.
Ready to get licensed and start winning contracts? Visit us at www.Application-Specialist.com or email us at info@application-specialist.com to schedule your free consultation. Let’s turn your licensing goals into reality.
Comments