Florida Contractor License Requirements: What You Need in 2026

Florida's Licensing System

Florida has two levels of contractor licenses: State Certified (work anywhere in FL) and County Registered (work only in that county).

Who Needs a License?

Almost everyone. Florida requires licensing for: general contractors, building contractors, residential contractors, roofing, sheet metal, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pool/spa, solar, and specialty trades.

Exemption: Handyman work under $1,000 (was $500 before 2023 law change).

State Certified License

• Managed by DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation)
• Exam: trade-specific + business/finance
• Experience: 4 years under a licensed contractor
• Insurance: $300,000 public liability, workers' comp
• Fee: ~$300 application + $200 exam + biennial renewal

County Registered License

• Apply through your local county building department
• May or may not require an exam (varies by county)
• Only valid in that county
• Lower cost but limited territory

The License Number Rule

Your license number must appear on: all contracts, all advertising (including truck lettering and websites), all invoices, and all proposals/estimates.

Penalties

• Working without a license: $5,000 fine minimum
• Second offense: $10,000 fine + potential felony
• Unlicensed contractors cannot file mechanics liens
• Cannot enforce contracts in court

Your next step: Verify your license status at myfloridalicense.com and make sure your license number is on every document.