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Florida - 2026 Contractor License Requirements
Official Florida contractor license lookup information, agency details, and homeowner notes for verifying a contractor before hiring.
Official agency
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Official state portal; use DBPR license search.
Visit official lookupAbout Florida contractor licensing
Florida gives homeowners a strong statewide search tool through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The most important Florida nuance is the difference between certified and registered contractors: both may be legitimate, but one can work statewide and the other is tied to specific local jurisdictions where it is registered.
How licensing works in Florida
Florida licenses many contractors through DBPR, and the credential type matters. Certified contractors can work anywhere in the state, while registered contractors are limited to the local jurisdictions where they have met local competency requirements and then registered with the state. Homeowners should not assume both are interchangeable. If your contractor is registered rather than certified, you need to make sure the contractor is authorized in the county or city where your property is located.
What to verify in Florida
Use the DBPR license search and look up the contractor by license number, business name, or qualifier name. Check whether the license is active and read the credential description carefully so you can see whether it is certified or registered. Review any discipline, expiration date, and business association details shown in the state record. If the license is registered, confirm separately that your city or county is one of the jurisdictions where the contractor can legally work.
State-specific tips
- › Ask early whether the contractor is certified or registered; in Florida that is a practical permission question, not just a label.
- › For coastal roofing and storm repairs, verify the exact classification instead of assuming a general contractor can lawfully handle every scope.
- › If the property is in a different county from the contractor's office, double-check local authorization before signing.
- › Use DBPR records to confirm the qualifying individual tied to the company, especially on larger corporate contractors.
- › After hurricanes, be wary of out-of-area companies that have a Florida entity name but no valid local authorization for your county.
Free template
Florida Contractor Agreement Template
Download a free homeowner-contractor agreement template built for Florida law.
Building permits
Florida Building Permit Guides
Permit authority, fees, application process, and requirements for every county and city in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What work requires a licensed contractor in Florida?
- Florida requires contractor licensing through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under Florida Statutes Chapter 489 for most construction, remodeling, and repair work. The key distinction in Florida is between Certified contractors — who can work anywhere statewide — and Registered contractors — who are limited to the specific local jurisdictions where they have met local competency requirements. Always confirm which type your contractor holds and whether it authorizes work in your county.
- What is the difference between bonded, licensed, and insured?
- Licensed means the contractor holds an active DBPR credential — either Certified (statewide) or Registered (jurisdiction-specific). Bonded means the contractor carries a surety bond required by the DBPR or the relevant licensing board, providing limited recourse if work is not completed as agreed. Insured refers to general liability and workers' compensation; always request certificates and verify them independently with the insurer.
- What is the difference between a certified and a registered contractor in Florida?
- A Certified contractor has passed the state examination and is licensed to work anywhere in Florida without additional local approval. A Registered contractor has met local jurisdiction competency requirements and registered with the state, but can only work in the specific local areas where they are authorized. For homeowners, this matters most on coastal, multi-county, or storm-repair projects — if your contractor is Registered, verify their authorization covers your exact location.
- Can I do my own home improvement work without a licensed contractor in Florida?
- Yes. Florida's owner-builder exemption under §489.103 allows homeowners to perform work on their own primary residence without a contractor license. You must own and intend to occupy the property. Florida requires you to personally supervise the work and prohibits hiring unlicensed persons to do the work on your behalf under the exemption. If you sell the property within one year of completion, you must disclose the owner-builder work to the buyer.
- What license does a general contractor need in Florida?
- The DBPR issues several license types relevant to homeowners. A General Contractor license covers construction of commercial and residential buildings involving multiple trades. A Building Contractor license covers construction and remodeling of buildings up to three stories. A Residential Contractor license covers single-family and small multi-family residential construction. Specialty trade contractors hold separate licenses for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing. Verify the contractor's specific license type covers your project scope.
- How do I verify a contractor's license in Florida?
- Use the DBPR license lookup at myfloridalicense.com. Search by contractor name, business name, or license number. Confirm the license is Active, identify whether the contractor is Certified or Registered, and verify the license classification covers your project type. The DBPR record shows the qualifying individual, license class, expiration, and any disciplinary history. For Registered contractors, also confirm they are locally authorized for your specific jurisdiction.
- What does an active vs. inactive license mean in Florida?
- An Active license means the contractor is in good standing with the DBPR and legally authorized to perform work. An Inactive license means the contractor cannot legally take on new work — typically because continuing education or renewal requirements have lapsed. A Delinquent or Suspended status is a serious warning sign. Always verify Active status on the DBPR website immediately before hiring.
- What insurance and bond does a licensed contractor need in Florida?
- DBPR-licensed contractors are required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have employees, and general liability insurance is required for most license classifications. Bond requirements vary by license type. Florida's insurance requirements are among the more detailed in the country — always request current certificates of insurance and verify them directly with the insurer before work begins.
- What happens if a contractor works without a license in Florida?
- Performing contracting work without a valid DBPR license is a first-degree misdemeanor under §489.127, and a third-degree felony for repeat offenses. The DBPR can issue cease-and-desist orders, fines, and refer cases for prosecution. Under §489.128, contracts with unlicensed contractors are unenforceable — the contractor cannot sue for payment — and homeowners may be able to recover money already paid through civil action.
- My contractor's license expired mid-project — what now?
- An expired DBPR license means the contractor is no longer legally authorized to perform work. Stop payments for work performed after the expiration date and require renewal before continuing. Verify Active status on myfloridalicense.com before releasing further payments. Florida's §489.128 unenforceability provision may apply to work performed during the unlicensed period.
- Am I liable if an unlicensed worker gets hurt on my property in Florida?
- Potentially yes. If a contractor has no workers' compensation insurance and an employee is injured, Florida law may expose you to liability for medical costs and disability benefits as the de facto employer. Florida's workers' comp requirements for contractors are strictly enforced — hiring a licensed contractor with verified current coverage is the clearest way to protect yourself.
- How do I file a complaint against a contractor in Florida?
- File a complaint with the DBPR at myfloridalicense.com or call 850-487-1395. The DBPR investigates, can suspend or revoke licenses, issue fines, and order corrective action. For unlicensed contractor activity, the DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Unit handles enforcement. File as early as possible — Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board has specific timelines for complaint processing.