How to Obtain Your General Contractor's License in Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

In Florida, there are three types of contractor licenses available: 

• Certified General Contractor (All Residential and Commercial structures unlimited) 
• Certified Building Contractor (Residential and Commercial structures up to 4 Stories) 
• Certified Residential Contractor (Residential Work Only No Multi-Family)

You can take one of the Florida State-specific exams for any of these three licenses or you can take the NASCLA exam instead. (All EXAMS ARE OPEN BOOK) The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a one-time exam that can be used for any of the three license types in Florida. Additionally, everyone is required to take the Florida Construction Business and Finance Exam which is required no matter which exam you take.

The NASCLA exam offers much more value, as it is a commercial trades exam accepted in multiple states. Contractors who pass the NASCLA exam will only need to take it once, and it is accepted in the following states:

Arizona	Mississippi	North Carolina	Tennessee	West Virginia
Arkansas	Nevada	Oregon	Utah
Louisiana	New Mexico	South Carolina	Virginia

Choosing the NASCLA exam is a great option for contractors looking to work across state lines or in commercial construction, offering broader opportunities and flexibility.

1. Understanding the Licensing Requirements

To become a licensed general contractor in Florida, you'll need to:

• Meet the experience requirements – Typically, this means having four years of experience or a combination of education and experience.
• Pass two exams – The Florida Construction Business and Finance Exam and Trades exam. One of the Florida specific trade exams or the NASCLA Exam.
• Complete additional training , such as the Certified Florida Wind Mitigation Course , to meet state requirements.

2. Study Resources for Your General Contractor’s License Exams

To ensure success, it’s essential to use reliable study resources that cover all aspects of the exam content. Below are two recommended courses that will help you prepare for the exams:

• Florida Complete NASCLA Study Course
  This comprehensive course will prepare you for the NASCLA Trades Exam and the Florida Construction Business and Finance Exam. It covers all necessary materials, so you’re ready for both components. You can learn more and enroll in the course at  My Contractors License.
• Certified Florida Wind Mitigation Course
  This 2-hour online course is a must for contractors in Florida. It covers essential building codes related to wind mitigation, which is particularly important given Florida's climate. The course is available at  My Contractors License.
• Florida Construction Business and Finance Exam Prep Course

3. Taking the Exams: Locations and Platforms

Once you’ve completed your studying, the next step is scheduling your exams. Here’s where to take each exam:

• NASCLA Exam
  Before scheduling your exam, you must register at NASCLA Registration.. Once registered, you can schedule your exam with  PSI Exams. Test is available is almost all 50 states. 
• Florida Construction Business Finance Exam
  This exam can be scheduled through Pearson VUE, a leading testing center provider. Visit  Pearson Vue to find a test center near you.

4. Application Assistance and Final Steps

After passing your exams and meeting the experience requirements, you can submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). If you need help with the application process, consider contacting  Nationwide Contractors State License. They offer professional assistance to ensure that your application is completed and submitted correctly.

5. Importance of Obtaining Your License Now

With recent hurricanes, such as Helene and Milton, affecting areas of Florida, there is an increasing demand for licensed general contractors to assist in rebuilding and repair efforts. Having the proper credentials not only helps in serving these communities but also ensures that contractors are in compliance with state regulations and can operate legally in Florida. Becoming licensed now is a timely opportunity to contribute to the recovery and growth of impacted areas.