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What's the difference between a registered and certified contractor license in Florida?

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Two kinds of contractor license in Florida

Florida has two paths to become a licensed contractor: a certified license and a registered license. They are not the same thing, and they don't cover the same territory. This page explains the difference in plain language. It is general information, not legal advice — confirm current requirements with DBPR before you apply.

Registered contractor license

A registered contractor holds a local competency card. The license is registered with DBPR, but it is only valid in the jurisdiction — the county or city — that issued the underlying competency card.

• Tied to one local jurisdiction.
• Registered with DBPR after you have the local competency card.
• Working outside that jurisdiction generally means you need another license or registration there too.

Certified contractor license

A certified contractor's license is issued by DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board and is valid statewide.

• Requires passing an exam.
• Requires experience — typically four years, or a mix of education and experience.
• Requires proof of financial responsibility and insurance.

The exam and the experience affidavits are usually the longest part of getting certified. This page does not quote fees, exam pass rates or timelines — confirm those directly with DBPR.

Electrical contractors are licensed separately

Electrical contractors are not licensed through the same board as general certified or registered contractors. They are licensed by the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board.

Before you're licensed: what the law still requires

While you're deciding which path to take, two things matter for any work you do in the meantime:

• Florida's handyman exemption (Fla. Stat. 489.103(9)) can cover work that is minor, non-structural, and under $2,500 total for labor and materials — but not if it's part of a larger project, and not if you advertise as a contractor.
• Roofing, structural work, pools, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and gas work require a licensed contractor at any price (Fla. Stat. 489.105).
• Unlicensed contracting is normally a misdemeanor, and a third-degree felony for a repeat offense or during a declared state of emergency (Fla. Stat. 489.127).
• An unlicensed contractor generally can't enforce the contract or a lien in court (Fla. Stat. 489.128).

Even exempt handyman work should carry general liability insurance, and hiring helpers triggers workers' compensation rules for construction under Fla. Stat. 440.

What to do next

Start at DBPR's myfloridalicense.com to verify any license or begin a contractor application, and check with your county contractor licensing office about local competency card rules. If you want a fast first look at your own situation, our free tool reads the job and price you describe and tells you where it likely falls — exempt, over the line, or a licensed trade — before you decide which license path to pursue. It is not legal advice; confirm anything important with DBPR or a professional.

Contractor License Check FL explains Florida's contractor licensing rules in plain language; it can be wrong, and it is not legal advice. Statute references are to Fla. Stat. ch. 489 as published; counties add local licensing for many trades. Nothing you enter is stored.