How to Get Your GC License in Florida

Foreign nationals may encounter difficulty when trying to obtain their general contractor license in Florida. The state requires contractors to pass a stringent exam, submit numerous documents, and meet insurance requirements before beginning construction projects. Receiving your license not only allows you to run your own business more easily but it can protect lien rights or avoid lawsuits from clients not satisfied with work performed on their property.

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board offers two general contractor licenses: certified and registered. A certified license enables you to do contracting work throughout Florida while registered licenses limit you to specific communities. In order to become certified or registered contractor, one must pass a state certification examination; to do so one must have at least four years experience either through professional apprenticeships, college degrees in construction management, or by serving as foreman under an established licensed contractor.

State requirements also dictate that you present an approved background check, credit report and proof of financial responsibility in the form of a surety bond with a premium depending on your credit score; those with lower scores typically incur greater premium costs. You must also register your business and acquire worker’s compensation insurance policies as additional requirements for registration.