Florida Contractor Licensing Cost

Are you worried about your total Florida contractor license cost? The License Company breaks down the actual cost of your license below. Read on to learn what to expect including the hidden costs associated with licensing.

Let’s start with the Florida Contractor Application Fees

This fee varies depending on your license type. Additionally, the application fee changes based on the date. Let’s talk about the state fees in more detail below.

Certified Contractors

Florida certified contractors have taken and passed all parts of the state exam. They’re able to work anywhere within the state. Permits are still required but they’re exempt from local (city/county) licensing requirements.

The DBPR charges $149 to apply for a certified license between September 1st of an odd year and April 30th of an even year. They charge $249 to apply for a certified contractor’s license between May 1st of an even year and August 31 of an odd year.

Let’s look at an example: Your cost to apply for a certified construction license will be $149 if you apply on September 30th, 2019. This is because you’re applying after September 1st in a odd numbered year (2019). Your state application cost would be $249 if you applied on May 2nd 2020. This is because your application is after May 1 in an even numbered year (2020).

Registered Contractors

Registered contractors in Florida haven’t passed the state exam. They’re required to register with each city/county in which they work. The application fee charged by the DBPR is more expensive than a certified contractor.

The DBPR charges $209 to apply for a registered contractor license between September 1st of an even year and April 30th of an odd year. They charge $309 to apply for a registered contractor’s license between May 1st of an odd year and August 31 of an even year.

Using the certified license example from above: Your cost to apply for a registered construction license will be $209 if you apply on September 30th, 2018. This is because you’re applying after September 1st in a even numbered year (2018). Your state application cost would be $309 if you applied on May 2nd, 2021. This is because your application is after May 1 in an odd numbered year (2021).

Other Costs To Consider

The application fee charged by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation isn’t the only cost you need to consider.  Each application requires some, if not all, of the items listed below:

  • Copy of your local competency card (generally free)
  • Personal credit reports (about $50 depending on the provider)
  • Business credit reports (about $80 depending on the provider)
  • Fingerprinting (about $50 depending on the provider)
  • Financial stability bond (cost varies)
  • Financial responsibility bond (cost varies)
  • Financially responsible officer application ($200)

The cost of each of these items varies depending on your application.  For example: You’ll need to provide a surety bond if your credit score is under 660.  The higher your credit score, the lower your bond cost.  You can get a firm quote on your surety bond by applying online through a surety bond company.

Total Cost For A Florida Contractors License

The total cost for your contractors license is unique to your scenario.  It can be as low as $250 or much higher depending on your business.  However, we can help you narrow it down by learning more about your business.  Please complete the information below and we’ll email you pricing information specific to your individual needs.

Florida Contractor License Cost Estimator