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Construction Work Regulated?

Who Regulates Construction?

Requirements?

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Construction Work Regulated?

Construction activities involving commercial, residential, and public works projects in Florida are regulated at both the state and local levels. Most contractor and electrical license classifications are available through statewide certification issued by the appropriate state licensing board.

Contractors holding locally issued licenses are generally authorized to work only within the jurisdiction that issued the license. However, many Florida cities and counties participate in reciprocal agreements through the Construction Licensing Officials Association of Florida (CLOAF), allowing eligible local licenses to be recognized in other participating jurisdictions. For license categories regulated by the state, locally licensed contractors may also be required to register their licenses with the state before performing work.

Contractors seeking to bid on state highway or bridge construction projects valued at more than $250,000 must first obtain prequalification approval.

Who Regulates Construction?

Highway prequalification applications are completed online and submitted electronically to:

Florida Department of Transportation/Road and Bridge Contractor Contracts Administration Office-MS55
605 Suwannee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 414-4100 Fax (850) 414-4947
https://www.fdot.gov/
https://www.fdot.gov/contracts/PreQualinfoprequalified.shtm

Applications for contractor licenses (other than electrical) are filed with:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Construction Industry Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 487-1395 Fax (850) 921-4216
https://www.myfloridalicense.com

Information and applications for electrical contractors' licensing may be obtained from:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Electrical Contractors Licensing Board
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 487-1395 Fax (850) 487-9529
https://www.myfloridalicense.com

Requirements?

Highway Prequalification:
Contractors must submit experience information and CPA-prepared financial statements. Audited financial statements are required for contractors seeking to bid on jobs estimated at $1,000,000 or more. Contractors seeking to bid on jobs estimated at less than $1,000,000 may submit CPA-reviewed financial statements. Maximum bidding capacity is set based on a 3 part formula. Prequalification is for 18 months from fiscal year end, and applications must be made within 4 months of the financial statement date. Prequalification is not normally required for maintenance projects regardless of the dollar amount. Processing time for prequalification is approximately 30 days.

Construction Contractors:
Applicants must pass a written exam covering business, finance and construction subjects with a passing grade of 70%. Applicants must document a minimum of 4 years of experience, as well as provide a credit report and a financial statement, not more than 12 months old. The applicant's credit report must indicate a FICO credit score of 660 or higher and not reveal any unpaid liens or judgments. Applicants whose credit score is below 660 must submit a licensing bond ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the licensure classification sought. Application processing times can vary depending on an applicant's circumstances; however, the Department recommends that applicants allow for a minimum of 30 days to complete the licensure process. Renewal is good for a 2 year period. 14 hours of continuing education are required for each 2 year cycle.

Exam Fee / License Fee / Renewal Fee
$295 / $409 Certified / $200 / $309 Registered

Since July 1, 1993, a recovery fund for the benefit of consumers has been in effect. The fund receives its revenues from a building permit surcharge and fines. The fund will reimburse consumers up to $50,000 per claim or transaction, not to exceed a lifetime cap of $500,000 per contractor.

Electrical Contractors:
Applicants must earn a score of at least 75% on an examination consisting of technical, general business and safety subjects. Experience requirement ranges from 3 to 6 years, depending on the type of experience . Applicants must provide credit reports and financial statements. Net worth must be a minimum of $5,000 or $10,000, depending on classifications . Liability, property damage and workers compensation insurance are required. Initial examination, application and license fees total $627.50 for a 2 year license . The 2 year renewal fee is $300. 14 hours of board-approved continuing education is required for renewal. The average time for processing an application is 30 days.

Fees / Fee Amount
Certified Examination Application / $327.50
Certified Computer Based Exam / $67.50 (Paid to vendor after approval)
Initial Certified License (active) / $300
I Initial Registered License (active) / $155
Add a County to a Registered License / $25
Initial Certified License (inactive) / l$55
Initial Registered License (inactive) / $55
Certified Transfer Application / $150
Registered Transfer Application / $50
Additional Business Application / $550
Endorsement Application / $500
*Some fees may not be applicable.

Other:
Contractors must execute a payment/performance bond when awarded a public works contract exceeding $100,000. The governing authority awarding the contract may exempt the contractor from the bond requirement, if the contract does not exceed $200,000.

Reciprocal Agreements

Construction Licensing Reciprocity: Florida maintains reciprocal contractor licensing agreements with California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Contractors licensed in other states may also qualify for reciprocity if their credential was obtained by successfully passing the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors (2009 edition or later).

Electrical Licensing: Florida does not offer formal reciprocity agreements for electrical contractor licenses. However, the state recognizes and endorses certain electrical licensing examinations from California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and the NASCLA program for specific electrical contractor classifications.