Licensing of non Florida contractors

As recently reported from multiple sources, Florida remains one of the most prolific states for the construction industry. As the industry booms, more and more out-of-state contractors will become interested and becoming licensed in Florida.

In 2020, the Florida legislature recognized this opportunity for growth in the construction industry and made it easier for out-of-state contractors to become licensed in Florida. Under the Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act, the Florida legislature made it known that it shall be a goal of the Construction Industry licensing Boad it has to create reciprocity with other states in order to make it easier to obtain licenses.

Also, § 489.115 Florida changed its contractor licensing statute to make it easier for contractors who have been licensed in other states for to obtain a Florida contractor license without having to take a licensing exam. 

Generally there are 10 requirements for an out-of-state general contractor license holder to obtain a Florida license. Those requirements are as follows:

1. Have been licensed in their state for 10 years in the same category that they will be applying for in Florida.
2. The existing license must be active or have been active within the last two years.
3. For certified general, building, residential, and roofing contractors, take a two-hour Department of Business and Professional Regulation-approved (DBPR) course on the Florida Building Code, including information on wind mitigation techniques.
4. Pay a filing fee to the Florida DBPR.
5. Obtain electronic fingerprints from an Florida Department of Law Enforcement-approved vendor.
6. Submit a personal credit report
7. If you plan to operate in Florida through a business entity, you must also submit a credit report for your business.
8. Pass a background check.
9. Have commercial general liability insurance with limits ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on license type.
10. Obtain workers’ compensation insurance or be exempt.

To obtain more information about the licensing process, please feel free to contact one of our attorneys.

By Chase P. Leonard