What is a Florida Contractor License Bond?
As part of the licensing process in Florida, contractors need to get a Contractor License Bond approved by the authorities. This bond ensures that contractors will fulfill their construction duties and follow state laws. It serves as financial protection for both the state of Florida and the public.
Pricing
Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of various bond types required for contractors in different cities and counties in Florida.
- City of Auburndale Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Baker County Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Cape Coral Contractor License Bond: $25,000, starting at $225
- Town of Dundee Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Fort Meade Contractor Bond: $1,000-$25,000, starting at $90
- City of Gainesville Contractor Bond: $1,000-$25,000, starting at $90
- City of Haines City Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Hillsborough County Contractor License Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Jacksonville Sign Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Kissimmee Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Lake Alfred Building Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Lakeland Electrical Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Lake Wales Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Lake County Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Lynn Haven Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Maitland Contractor Bond (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Aluminum Specialty, Fence, and Gas Contractors): $1,000, starting at $90
- City of Maitland Contractor Bond (General, Pool, Sign, Roofing, and Underground Contractors): $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Mulberry Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Nassau County Contractor License Bond: $2,000, starting at $90
- City of Orlando Contractor Bond (Specialty Contractors - Not Regulated by State): $1,000, starting at $90
- City of Orlando Contractor Bond (Regulated by State): $5,000, starting at $90
- Osceola County Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Orange County Contractor Performance Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Palm Beach County Contractor License Bond: $2,000, starting at $90
- City of Panama City Beach Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Pasco County Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Polk County Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- Putnam County Contractor Bond: $5,000, starting at $90
- City of Sanford Contractor Bond: $2,000, starting at $90
- City of Winter Haven Contractor Bond: $10,000, starting at $90
- Town of Windermere Contractor Bond: $10,000, starting at $90
What are the License Types Offered in Florida?
In order to obtain a Florida contractors license, approval at the state level is necessary, which is overseen by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, operating under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The state provides two main classifications for licensing purposes:
- Certified License: This allows the licensed contractor to operate across the entire state of Florida, enabling them to work in any location within the state's boundaries.
- Registered License: You can only work within specific cities or counties where you possess a certificate of competency, as it confines your operations to those local jurisdictions.
Once applicants obtain these classifications, they can then proceed to apply for more specialized contractors licenses. For a contractor, the primary focus would be on applying for the following:
- Air Conditioning
- Building
- General contractor
- Glass and gazing
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
- Pollutant Storage System
- Pool/Spa
- Precision Tank Tester
- Residential Contractor
- Roofing
- Sheet Metal
- Solar
- Specialty Contractor
- Tank Lining Applicator
- Underground Utility and Excavation
Please be aware that the applications for these specialized contractor licenses differ depending on whether you are applying with a registered license or a certified license.
Who Regulates Contractor Licensing in Florida?
The Florida contractor license process is overseen by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). If you have any licensing or general inquiries, you can contact them at (850) 487-1395.
What are the primary requirements that the CILB mandates for applicants to apply for a license?
Regardless of the type of license you are applying for, whether it's a registered license contractor or a certified licensed contractor, the Construction Industry Licensing Board has certain fundamental requirements that all applicants must meet:
- At least be 18 years or older
- Submit a certificate of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- Pass a background check the state requires, which includes fingerprinting
- Successfully pass the Florida State Construction Examination
- Fill out your application
- Pay all licensing and application fees involved
How do I become a Registered License Contractor in Florida?
To obtain a Registered Contractor's license, the applicant must:
- Download and fill out the application form for the Florida State Construction Examination.
- Once you pass the exam, download and complete the application for either an individual or qualified business license.
- Provide a copy of the Certificate of Competency issued by the local jurisdiction, if you decide to present this over taking the written exam.
- Pay the required fee, which varies depending on the type of contractor work (refer to the Florida State Construction for more information)
Applications can be submitted to:
State of Florida
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
How do I become a Certified License Contractor in Florida?
To obtain a Certified Contractor's license, an applicant must:
- Download and fill out the application form for the Florida State Construction Examination.
- Once you pass the exam, download and complete the application for either an individual or qualified business license.
- Provide the following documents required: A credit score report as evidence of your financial stability and responsibility and proof of education and experience (must have a total of four years of experience, which can be a combination of college education and work experience)
- Pay the required fee, which varies depending on the type of contractor work (refer to the Florida State Construction for more information)
Applications can be submitted to:
State of Florida
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Does Florida have the Handyman Rule?
In Florida, there's a special rule for "basic handyman services." It means that you can do small tasks without a contract amount limit. However, you can only offer certain types of services under this exception. This includes:
- Cleaning gutters
- Repairing a leaky faucet
- Fixing wall holes
- Installing shelves
- Fixing wall trim
In the state of Florida, if the total value of the project or work exceeds $500, a general contractor license will be necessary. Also, while the "handyman exception" permits you to do work that doesn't require state licensing, certain counties may still demand you to obtain a license. For example, in Lee County, painters are required to obtain a license before carrying out any work. Therefore, it's crucial to verify with your local county licensing board whether you need an additional license or not before starting your painting projects.
Are there penalties for performing contractor work without a license in Florida?
Yes, there are penalties for people who perform contractor work without a license in Florida. If you perform contractor work without a license in Florida, the first offense is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, which could lead to a maximum of one year in jail or probation. For subsequent offenses or unlicensed work during a state of emergency, it becomes a third-degree felony, resulting in up to five years of jail time or probation. Additionally, you may face civil penalties of up to $10,000.
