If you’re interested in pursing a career in residential contracting in the Sunshine State, getting a Florida Residential Contractor License is a vital step towards success. This license allows you to work on residential buildings up to two stories tall with one uninhabitable floor such as a garage, storage area, etc. beneath. Let’s learn a bit more about the residential contractor license in Florida and how to get it below.
How do I get a Florida Residential Construction License
Obtaining a state contractors license in Florida is no joke! The process is difficult and highly regulated. Listed below are the requirements to obtain a Florida Residential Construction License.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- You must have the necessary work experience. This is typically four years of combined worker/foreman experience, college credits, or a combination of both.
- Passing scores on the trade knowledge and business & finance exams must be obtained.
- Payment of the state application fee.
- You must obtain special credit reports on you and your business.
- You must submit the proper application.
Please note there are some caveats to the list above such as military experience and others. Additionally, you must obtain the appropriate workers compensation and general liability insurance policies.
Can I get a Florida Residential Contractor License without passing the state exams?
Yes! You can use an existing licensee to qualify your business. This is a fairly common practice in Florida. However, this method requires multiple applications and experience in submitting them. Please click here to learn more about qualifying an additional business entity.
How long will it take to get my Residential Construction license?
This question is a bit difficult to answer and depends on how you’re applying for it. Florida requires a two-step application process. The first application qualifies you to sit for the exam. Once passed, the state then requires an additional application to apply for your actual license. Seems odd right? Well, the second application is typically where most applicants who self-apply experience issues. The DBPR is very particular on how the application is to be completed along with the information submitted with it. We always recommend using a third-party license application processor such as ourselves as opposed to going it alone which we’ll discuss below.
Why should I use The License Company to apply for my Florida Residential Contractor License?
We process multiple license types throughout the country with Florida Construction Licenses being one of our most requested services. Our proven experience, processes, and procedures generally allow us to get our clients approved faster and easier than going it alone. In fact, a lot of our clients come to us halfway through the process out of sheer frustration with the state. They often spend hours waiting on hold with the DBPR only to be given the same, non-descript information. Let us do the work for you so you can do the work you need to do.