New Information in Licensing
Recent changes in DBPR CILB licensing rules
13 new Specialty License Categories
The Construction Industry Licensing Board has created new certified specialty license types for the following 13 categories:
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Structural Aluminum or Screen Enclosures Specialty Contractor
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Marine Seawall Work Specialty Contractor
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Marine Bulkhead Work Specialty Contractor
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Marine Dock Work Specialty Contractor
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Marine Pile Driving Specialty Contractor
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Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor
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Structural Prestressed, Precast Concrete Work Specialty Contractor
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Rooftop Solar Heating Installation Specialty Contractor
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Structural Steel Work Specialty Contractor
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Window and Door Installation Specialty Contractor
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Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor
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Plaster and Lath Specialty Contractor
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Structural Carpentry Specialty Contractor
State examinations for the new specialty license categories are being finalized and will be available after August 1, 2024.
Pursuant to House Bill 1383 (2023), as extended by Senate Bill 1142 (2024), which was signed by Governor DeSantis on May 29, 2024
Grandfathering, Registered Local Contractors
Senate Bill 1966, which reopens the grandfathering provision for registered contractors. Effective July 1, 2021, certain state registered construction contractors can apply to grandfather their license into a certified license. For additional information please review sec. 489.118, Florida Statutes.
Florida Reciprocity with Mississippi,
North Carolina
Reciprocity requires a special application, and is approved by the executive director of the DBPR CILB (Department of Business & Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board). We can take care of the details and get you licensed through Reciprocity or Endorsement.
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Florida Reciprocity with Louisiana
Following recent updates to Florida Law, the Florida CILB has entered an agreement with the State of Louisiana that will allow Florida license holders to obtain Louisiana contractor licenses. The agreements with the State of Louisiana, effective June 2021, cover General, Commercial and Residential Contractors who have obtained 5 years of licensed experience. Applicants will be exempt from the respective trade exam and are likewise able to bypass some of the typical documentation when obtaining the same license in the new state. The remaining licensing requirements such as insurance, financial responsibility and background checks remain applicable. Applicants will take a Business & Finance course prior to approval.
Meanwhile, those applicants for a Florida license coming from Louisiana will take the Florida Business & Finance exam prior to making application on CILB Form 32. Applicants will also take a Florida Building Code test offered from a Florida approved CE provider, and those applicants for the Florida GC license will demonstrate 4-story new construction experience on the application form.
Occupational Freedom & Opportunity Act
Effective July 1, 2020, the bill provides the following changes:
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> Handyman Exemption
There has been a change to the previous handyman exemption to state licensing requirements. The provision in 489.103, Florida Statutes, formerly exempted projects totaling less than $1,000. The exemption amount will be raised to $2,500. The remaining stipulations, including that the work be of a casual, minor and inconsequential nature, remain in place. That phrase is defined in Rule 61G4-12.011, Florida Administrative Code, and essentially means, when no permit is required.
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> Bachelor's Degree in Construction, Architecture, or Civil Engineering
The testing requirements for incoming contractors have changed. Graduates with 3.0 or better GPA in building construction, Architecture, or Engineering will now be exempt from the trade knowledge portion of the state licensing exam. It appears that the intent is that prior graduates will benefit, as well as future graduates should they apply for new licenses. Likewise, the provision applies to any type of license covered in Chapter 489 Part 1, Florida Statutes. Those applicants who qualify for the exemption will so elect when applying for the exam, and apply only to take only the business and finance portion of the test.
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General, Building, Residential: Civil Engineering, Building Construction, or Architecture
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Mechanical, Air A, Air B: Mechanical Engineering
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Plumbing: Mechanical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering
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Pool Commercial, Residential, or Service: Building Construction or Civil Engineering
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Underground Utility: Building Construction, Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
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> Out of State License Holders for 10 years
"Endorsement Application"
Finally, applicants with an active or recently active out-of-state license held for 10 years or more may apply for the same license in Florida. Division I and roofing endorsement/reciprocity applicants must complete a 2 hour course on the Florida Building Code which includes information on wind mitigation techniques. If you hold the license in the business name, you will need to submit documentation from your home state agency indicating you were the test taker and qualifier. Also, make sure to apply for a license at the same level as you currently hold and include documentation showing what scope of work is allowed with your current license.
Links for Testing Information:
*Florida CILB accepts either exam
Florida Contractors Exam
Signup & Register to Test with Florida
Schedule your exam location, date, & time, must 1st be registered FloridaExam.com
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
National Contractors Exam
Accepted in 17 states
National Association of State Contractors
Resources and Preparation
Everything you need to pass the Contractors Exams