Quick FAQ About Florida Contractor Licensing: Part 1 

If you think getting a contractor license in Florida is hard, think again. The contractor licensing application process can be easy when you work with a contractor licensing company like us at Licenses, Etc.  

We do all the heavy lifting for you! We make sure you have the right requirements, passed the exams, and meet all the deadlines. When applying for a contractor’s license, there’s a lot to know and remember. If you work with us, we’ve got you covered. 

When you work with us, we know there’s a lot of questions you will have, and you should! We will answer all your questions every step of the way. However, we are asked certain questions frequently, so we thought we’d share some with you.  

These questions/answers will help you with information for the pre- and post-license application process. 

Pre-License Questions: 

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO GET MY WORKER’S COMP INSURANCE/EXEMPTION and GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE INTO PLACE? 

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

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

Construction licenses do not require a minimum net worth. The requirement is based on your credit.  Applicants with a FICO or BEACON score lower than 660 will require a financial stability bond.  A contractor license applicant must be free of unresolved liens/bankruptcies/judgments to be eligible for licensure. Electrical licenses do require minimums, including: The applicant must have a positive net worth; EC, EG, and EF licenses require a $10,000 net worth of the business entity if there is one; and all specialty electric licenses require $5,000 net worth of the business. 

Post-License Questions: 

CAN THE JOINT VENTURE BID A PROJECT PRIOR TO YOU BECOMING APPROVED AS A QUALIFYING AGENT? 

Yes, but the joint venture must obtain approval of the Construction Industry Licensing Board’s Executive Director prior to submitting the bid on a construction project. The joint venture must provide the Executive Director a copy of the written joint venture agreement and a statement of authority signed by an officer of each company giving the proposed qualifying agent full authority to conduct the contracting business of the joint venture. 

We hope these few FAQ help you, but we know you may have many more questions. We are happy to answer all your questions ! It’s our job to help you through the process and help you understand the steps to take to get you a contractor license. If you need help with getting a Florida contractor’s license, contact us today. Call us at 239-777-1028 or click our Florida Contractor License page for more information.