How to Become a General Contractor in Florida

To qualify for a Florida Certified General Contractor (CGC) license, you must have at least 4 years of experience in the construction industry, with at least 1 year as a supervisor or foreman. The experience must be documented and verified.

Experience can be documented through:

• Employment records and W-2s showing construction work
• Affidavits from former employers or clients
• Business records if you operated your own construction business
• A college degree in construction management, engineering, or architecture can substitute for up to 3 years of experience

The Florida CILB requires passing two exams administered by Pearson VUE:

• Business and Finance exam: Covers business practices, contracts, lien law, workers' comp, OSHA, and financial management
• Trade Knowledge exam: Covers construction methods, building codes, project management, and technical knowledge

Both exams are open-book and use the Florida Building Code and other reference materials. Prep courses are available from several Florida providers. Most candidates spend 60–120 hours studying. The exams can be taken in any order and at any Pearson VUE testing center in Florida.

The CILB requires proof of financial responsibility. You must demonstrate a net worth of at least $20,000 (for a CGC) through one of the following:

• A credit report showing adequate financial standing
• A surety bond in the required amount
• A letter of credit from a financial institution

The financial requirement is designed to ensure that licensed contractors have the resources to complete projects and pay claims.

Before submitting your license application, you must obtain:

• General Liability: Minimum $300,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate
• Workers' Compensation: If you have employees. If you're a sole proprietor with no employees, you can file for an exemption.
• Property Damage: Minimum $50,000 (often included in the GL policy)

Your insurance must be filed directly with the CILB by your insurance carrier. A certificate of insurance is not sufficient — the carrier must file the coverage electronically with the state. Get a quote from Bright Coast — we're familiar with the CILB filing requirements and can handle the filing for you.

The CGC application is submitted through the DBPR's online portal. Required documents include:

• Completed application form
• Experience verification (affidavits, employment records)
• Exam score reports
• Financial responsibility documentation
• Proof of insurance (filed by your carrier)
• Application fee ($249 as of 2026)

Processing time is typically 4–8 weeks. The CILB meets monthly to review applications. If your application is complete and meets all requirements, it may be approved administratively without a board hearing.

Realistic timeline from start to license:

• Exam prep: 2–4 months
• Exam scheduling and testing: 1–2 months
• Application preparation and submission: 2–4 weeks
• CILB processing: 4–8 weeks
• Total: 6–12 months

Costs:

• Exam prep course: $500–$1,500
• Exam fees: $150–$200 per exam
• Application fee: $249
• Insurance (first year): $2,000–$5,000 depending on your business size