CONTRACTOR LICENSE FAQ

At Licenses, Etc., we take pride on giving the highest and best service in our industry. Getting a Florida contractor’s license is a complex and confusing application process. We routinely assist contractors you are stuck who have been denied or those who have yet to start the process. Since the process can be complicated, we wanted to share with you the top Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that we get during the pre-license and post-license process.

We’ve listed our FAQ below, but they are also available on the FAQ page on our websitehere.

If you’re looking to get your Florida contractor’s license and need help with the application process, contact us at 239-777-1028 or click here for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PRE-LICENSE

HOW LONG ARE MY TEST SCORES VALID?

Construction – Four years.

Electrical – Two years

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REGISTERED AND A CERTIFIED LICENSE?

A “certified contractor” is a state wide contractor licensed at the state level. Certified license numbers begin with the letter “C”.

A “registered contractor” is a contractor who has a county license (or multiple) who then had to register that license with the state because it was a major trade. Registered contractors can only work in the county in which they have a competency card. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “R”.

I CURRENTLY HOLD AN ACTIVE CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE IN ANOTHER STATE, WILL THIS LICENSE BE ACCEPTED BY OR RECIPROCATE WITH FL?

The Construction Industry Licensing Board does not have a reciprocal agreement with any other state, but applicable out-of-state work history will work toward your experience requirements.

The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board will allow reciprocation for the Unlimited License with North Carolina, California, and Georgia. *restrictions apply

CAN I USE OUT-OF-STATE / OUT-OF-COUNTRY EXPERIENCE?

Experience is valid no matter where it was done as long as it was done legally in that area at that time and projects meet the minimum requirements.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY EMPLOYER SIGN OFF?

For Construction Licenses, no one needs to sign. The Board requests project details now that meet certain requirements.

For Electrical Licenses if you worked under a Florida License holder who is willing to sign, your application will not require project details for that time frame. If the individual won’t or can’t sign, then notarized letters and project details are able to be submitted in its place.

I HAVE A CHECKERED PAST, CAN I GET A LICENSE?

There are a number of variables that can come into this. It depends on the severity, number of incidences and how recent these incidences are. Call us to learn more.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I HAVE TO HAVE IN THE BANK TO APPLY FOR A LICENSE?

Construction licenses do not require a minimum net worth. Instead, the requirement is based on your credit.  Applicants with a FICO or BEACON score lower than 660 will require a financial stability bond.  In addition, an applicant must be free of unresolved liens/bankruptcies/judgments to be eligible for licensure.

Electrical licenses do require minimums:

The applicant must have a positive net worth, regardless for which license they apply.

EC, EG, and EF licenses require a $10,000 net worth of the business entity if there is one.

All Specialty Electric Licenses require $5,000 net worth of the business.

IF MY CREDIT IS BAD, CAN I DESIGNATE A SEPARATE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE OFFICER?

The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board does not allow the license holder to alleviate financial responsibility unless they are a secondary qualifier.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board will allow for a license holder to alleviate their financial responsibility by designating a third party, but this does not alleviate the financial stability requirement of a public record search and bond if they do not meet a minimum score.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO GET MY WORKER’S COMP INSURANCE/EXEMPTION & GL INSURANCE INTO PLACE?

General Liability should be in place for the license to be issued.

Since Worker’s Compensation Exemptions are filed after the license is issued, the state gives you up to 30 days after the issuance to have Worker’s Comp in place.

POST-LICENSE

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO RENEW MY LICENSE AND DO CONTINUING EDUCATION?

Certified Contractors need to complete 14 hours board-approved continuing education every 2 years by August 31st of an even numbered year.

Registered Contractors renew in odd numbered years by August 31st.

I BELIEVE MY CREDIT SCORE IS NOW ABOVE THE 660 REQUIREMENT, CAN I LET GO OF MY BOND?

If a new report that meets the state’s requirement of 660 or higher is available, you can submit that to the state and the bond will not need to be renewed.

DO I NEED TO UPDATE THE BOARD IF OWNERSHIP OR OFFICERS CHANGE?

No, the only time this information is provided to the board is in the course of submitting an application.