Florida has dozens of contractor license types — and using the wrong one can get your work shut down. Here's a plain-English guide to Florida's contractor licensing structure.
The Two Tiers: Certified vs. Registered
Florida contractor licenses come in two tiers: Certified and Registered.
Certified contractors are licensed by the state through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and can work anywhere in Florida without additional local approval. The license is issued at the state level and is recognized statewide.
Registered contractors are licensed at the local level (county or municipality) and can only work in the jurisdiction where they're registered. To work in a different county, they need to register there as well.
For most contractors who work across multiple counties, a Certified license is the better choice.
Primary Contractor License Types
Florida's primary contractor licenses are issued by the CILB:
- Certified General Contractor (CGC): The broadest license — can perform any type of construction work, including structural work, on any size project. Requires 4 years of experience, passing the CILB exam, and proof of financial responsibility.
- Certified Building Contractor (CBC): Can perform most construction work but is limited to buildings of a certain size and type. Cannot perform structural work on buildings over 3 stories.
- Certified Residential Contractor (CRC): Limited to residential construction — single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-family buildings. Cannot perform commercial work.
Specialty Contractor Licenses
Florida also has specialty contractor licenses for specific trades, issued by various boards:
- Electrical Contractor (EC): Licensed by the Florida Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (ECLB)
- Plumbing Contractor (CFC): Licensed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
- HVAC Contractor (CAC): Licensed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
- Roofing Contractor (CCC): Licensed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
- Underground Utility Contractor (CUC): For underground utility installation
- Swimming Pool Contractor (CPC): For pool construction and repair
Use the Bright Coast Contractor License Lookup to verify any Florida contractor's license status in real time.
Insurance Requirements by License Type
All Florida contractor licenses require proof of insurance. Minimum requirements:
| License Type | GL Minimum | Workers' Comp |
|---|---|---|
| CGC | $300,000 per occurrence | Required if employees |
| CBC | $300,000 per occurrence | Required if employees |
| CRC | $300,000 per occurrence | Required if employees |
| Electrical (EC) | $300,000 per occurrence | Required if employees |
| Roofing (CCC) | $300,000 per occurrence | Required if employees |
| HVAC (CAC) | $300,000 per occurrence | Required if employees |
Note: These are minimums. Commercial project owners and GCs typically require $1M+ per occurrence.
How to Verify a Contractor's License
Before hiring any contractor or subcontractor in Florida, verify their license is active and in good standing. You can do this through the DBPR's online lookup or using the Bright Coast Contractor License Lookup tool, which queries the live DBPR database and returns the license status, type, and expiration date in seconds.
A contractor who presents a license number that's expired, suspended, or doesn't match their name is a red flag. Always verify before signing a contract or writing a check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a CGC and a CBC in Florida?+−
A Certified General Contractor (CGC) has the broadest scope — can perform any construction work including structural work on any size building. A Certified Building Contractor (CBC) has similar scope but is limited on structural work for buildings over 3 stories.
Can a Florida CRC do commercial work?+−
No. A Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) is limited to residential construction. For commercial work, you need a CGC or CBC.
How do I verify a Florida contractor's license?+−
Use the Bright Coast Contractor License Lookup tool to check any Florida contractor's license status in real time through the DBPR database. You can search by name, license number, or business name.
What happens if a contractor works without a license in Florida?+−
Unlicensed contracting in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a first-degree misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. Fines can reach $5,000 per violation. The DBPR actively investigates and prosecutes unlicensed contracting.
Published by Precision Underwriters Inc. dba Bright Coast Insurance — Licensed Florida Insurance Agency, License #L103957. This content was researched and written with AI assistance and reviewed by a licensed insurance professional. The information is general in nature and does not constitute insurance advice for your specific situation.