What are the requirements to be a general contractor in Florida?

• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Examination: Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.
• Experience / Education: A person will qualify for a Certified General Contractor’s license by meeting one of the following requirements.
• Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years’ experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• One year experience as a worker, one-year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• Two years’ experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
• Four years’ experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
• Be a certified residential or building contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of 4 years.
• Military Veterans: A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting one of the following.
• Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
• Applicants for the Certified General Contractor License must have experience in four or more of the experience areas listed below AND must provide at least one year of experience in the construction of structures at least four stories in height:
• Foundation/Slabs greater than 20,000 sqft.
• Masonry walls
• Steel erection
• Precast concrete structures
• Column erection
• Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
• Elevated slabs
• Financial / Credit: Applicants will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched. Credit report containing a credit score (FICO derived) on applicant from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. If credit score is below 660 (FICO derived) applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Note that Fifty percent (50%) of the bond or letter of credit requirement may be met by completion of a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
• Fingerprints: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.
• Insurance: Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain workers compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.

Licensing Requirements
Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Irrigation Contractor in the State of Florida:

Age
Must be at least 18 years of age.

Examination
Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Irrigation and Business & Law). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.

Experience / Education
A person will qualify for a Certified Irrigation Contractor’s license by meeting one of the following requirements:

Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years’ experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.

One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.

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

Two years’ experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.

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

Military Veterans
A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting on of the following:

Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.

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

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