Florida General contractors can legally engage in contracting involving the following type of work:

• Build, repair, and remodel any type of building, regardless of size or number of stories

• Construct or alter the structural components of a building or structure

• Remodel any type of commercial or residential property

• Clearing, grubbing, grading, excavation, and any site work for any construction project

• Install and perform warranty repairs of wood shingles, wood shakes, or asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofing on new buildings of the GC's own construction.

• Structural swimming pool work

• Construction of main sanitary sewer collection systems, storm collection systems, and water distribution systems

• Continuation of utility lines from the mains in mobile home parks

License Requirements

• Be 18 years of age.

• Pass all parts of the exam(s) (within four years of the first attempt).

  If an applicant has a Bachelor's degree in building construction or a related field, as well as a 3.0 GPA or higher, the applicant is only required to take the business exam.

• Pay the fee for the Application.

• Complete the application form using the Online Services, or the Printable Application.

• Be of good moral character.

• Obtain worker's compensation and general liability coverage.

• Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a Credit Report:

  • 660 FICO credit score or higher (applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit if below 660 - FICO derived).

  • If FICO score is less than 660, the applicant must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.

  • If applicable, provide proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and bankruptcy discharge.

• Background check with Electronic Fingerprints.

• Obtain public liability and property damage insurance.

  • Obtain workers' compensation or exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.

• Satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:

  • A combination of Experience and Education

    • One year proved experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 yrs. experience), or

    • No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or

    • Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or

    • One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker, or

    • Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.

    • The board expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the General trade:

    • Masonry walls

    • Elevated slabs

    • Column erection

    • Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft

    • Steel erection

    • Formwork for structural reinforced concrete

    • Construction of structures at least four stories in height (1 year of experience)

  • Upgrade an Existing Residential or Building license (must have held the license for a minimum of 4 years).

  • Military Service

    Note: As part of the application applicant must submit the Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification for licensure

    • One year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and three years of military service.

    • One year of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of military service.

    • Two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and one year of military service.

• Pass the Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance exams.(sign up for the exams)

• Submit the complete General Contractor License application form to:

  Department of Business and Professional Regulation

  2601 Blair Stone Road

  Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

You must pass 3, open book exams in order to become a Florida General Contractor. The first two make up the trade portion and the third exam is for Business and Finance.

Florida General Contractor License Exam

• Testing Method: Computer-based testing

• Testing Company: Pearson Vue©

• Number of Questions: 120

• Types of Questions: Multiple Choice

• Time Allowed: 540 Minutes (two exams)

• Minimum Passing Score: 70%

• Subjects Involved:

  Contract Management Content for the exam (60questions|270Minutes)

  Project Management Content for the exam(60 questions | 270 Minutes)

Florida General Contractor Business and Finance Exam

• Testing Method: Computer-based testing

• Testing Company: Pearson Vue©

• Number of Questions: 120

• Types of Questions: Multiple Choice

• Time Allowed: 390 Minutes

• Minimum Passing Score: 70%

Business and Finance Content and Subjects for the exam(120 questions I 390 minutes)

List of Books for the General Contractor Trade Exams

The trade exams for General Contracting are Contract Administration and Project Management. The exact same list of books is used for both of them.

Title: General, Building, and Residential Contract Administration & Project Management Computer Based Examination Reference List. This reference list is Valid from January 2023– December 2023.

• A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, 2017

• A401 Standard Form of Agreement between Contractor-Subcontractor, 2017

• A701 Instructions to Bidders, 2018

• Code of Federal Regulations, (OSHA) 29 Part 1926

• Florida Contractors Manual 2021

• Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida, 2020

• Building Component Safety Information: BCSI-ED2-D “Guide to Good Practices for Handling, Installing and Bracing of Metal Connected Wood Trusses”, 2020

• Florida Building Code - Building, 2020

• Florida Building Code - Accessibility, 2020

• Florida Building Code - Residential, 2020

• Florida Building Code - Existing Building, 2020

• Florida Building Code - Energy Conservation, 2020

• Builder's Guide to Accounting, 2001

The following books are used for studying but are not allowed within the testing center for the trade exams (Contract Administration and Project Management):

• Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book

• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures

• Placing Reinforcing Bars

• Specifications for the Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products, GA-216

We have all the books required for the Florida Certified General Contractor exams in stock and ready to ship, including our Highlighted and Tabbed versions. We beat all other schools with our prices, speak to one of our Trade Specialists today! Call 954-908-7010 or Fill out our EZ Form To Get Started

List of Books for the Certified General Contractor Trade Exams (ALL trade and business and finance books included in all 3 packages)

This reference list is Valid from July 1, 2024

The following books are used for studying but are not allowed within the testing center for the trade exams (Contract Administration and Project Management)