Different Types of Contractors Defined 

At Licenses, Etc., we help contractors get their license in Florida and other states. In this article, we wanted to share brief descriptions of different types of contractor occupations defined by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). 

Contractor – Overall, this “contractor” defines a person who is qualified and responsible for a project contracted for and “means, except as exempted in this part, the person, who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others.” 

Certified Contractor – This is any contractor that has a certificate of competency issued from the DBPR. These contractors can work in the state without being required to fulfill competency requirements of any particular jurisdiction. 

Registered Contractor – This is any contractor who has registered with the DBPR and must fulfill the competency requirements in the jurisdiction where their registration is listed and issued. They can only contract in such jurisdictions. 

 General Contractor – This is a contractor who can perform unlimited services in terms of what type of work he or she does. 

 Building Contractor – A building contractor’s services who are limited to the construction of commercial, single-dwelling, and multiple dwelling buildings. These buildings cannot be more than three stories in height. 

 Residential Contractor – This is a contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair and improvement of residential homes (no more than two stories) and “accessory use structures” in connection to these buildings. 

Electrical contractor – This is a contractor who has 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. 

There are many more types of contractors and licenses than the few listed above. To view more types of contractors and licenses, visit our contractor license page.  

Whether you are certified, registered, or a specialty contractor, you need the proper license. We can help you get licensed! 

If you’re looking to become a contractor yourself, let us help you get your Florida contractor’s license and the right license fast. Click our Get Your Florida Contractor License page or contact us at 239-777-1028.