Construction Industry

Construction Industry

Amanda “Mandie” Ackermann, Executive Director

The Construction Industry Licensing Board is responsible for licensing and regulating the construction industry. The board meets regularly to consider applications for licensure, to review disciplinary cases, and to conduct informal hearings relating to licensure and discipline. The board engages in rule making to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.

List of CILB Acceptable Credit Reporting Agencies

Business Information

Workers’ Compensation
The Construction Policy Tracking Database provides information regarding the coverage status of contractors. This system will send contractors automatic electronic notification of any changes to their contractor’s coverage status. Source: Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Reciprocity and Substantially Equivalent Exams

Endorsement and Substantially Equivalent Exams

Getting Started in the Construction Industry

General Terms In general the term “contractor” means the person who is qualified for, and shall only be responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others; and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the subsequent paragraphs of this subsection. For the purposes of regulation under this part, “demolish” applies only to demolition of steel tanks over 50 feet in height; towers over 50 feet in height; other structures over 50 feet in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences over three stories tall.

A “certified contractor” means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “C“.

A “registered contractor” means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “R“.

A “swimming pool specialty contractor” means a sub-contractor whose scope of work is limited to the scope of work of their particular specialty license. Swimming pool specialty contractor licenses may be issued in the areas of layout, structural, excavation, trim, decking, piping, and finishes. Swimming pool specialty contractors may not contract directly with the public, and must work under contract, under the supervision, and within the scope of work of a contractor licensed pursuant to Sections 489.105(3)(j) – (l), Florida Statutes.

General Contractor

CG and RG – A “general contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do.

Building Contractor

CB and RB– A “building contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to the construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings. These buildings cannot exceed three stories in height. A building contractor may also construct the “accessory use structures” in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuildings. A building contractor is also a contractor whose services are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building – if the services do not affect the structural elements of the building.

Residential Contractor

CR and RR – A “residential contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences which are not more than two stories and the “accessory use structures” in connection with these buildings. An accessory use structure would be a garage, guest house, garden shed, or other outbuilding.

Sheet Metal Contractor

CS and RS – A “sheet metal contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade and who has the experience and skill necessary for the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge. A sheet metal contractor may also work with other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass.

Roofing Contractor

CC and RC – A “roofing contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade. Roofing contractors have the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof. The scope of work of a roofing contractor also includes required roof-deck attachments and any repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair or replacement.

Class A Air-Conditioning Contractor

CA and RA – A “class A air-conditioning contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems. Class A Contractors may also execute contracts requiring experience in the installation, maintenance, repair, fabrication, alteration, extension or design of duct work in connection with a complete system but only to the extent that such duct work is performed by the contractor as is necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with them. A “class A air-conditioning contractor” shall not perform any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines or connections, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring.

Class B Air-Conditioning Contractor

CA and RA – A “class B air-conditioning contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating in any one system in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system. A “class B air-conditioning contractor” shall not perform any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines or connections, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring.

Class C Air-conditioning Contractor

CA and RA – A “class C air-conditioning contractor” means a contractor whose business is limited to the servicing of air-conditioning, heating, or refrigeration systems, including any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling of the system, and whose certification or registration, issued pursuant to this part, was valid on October 1, 1988. NOTE: No person not previously registered or certified as a “class C air-conditioning contractor” as of October 1, 1988, shall be so registered or certified after October 1, 1988.

Mechanical Contractor

CM and RM – A “mechanical contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system. A “mechanical contractor” shall not perform work that involves potable water lines or connections, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters or electrical power wiring.

Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor

CP and RP – A “commercial pool/spa contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to:

  • the construction, repair, and servicing of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, including the repair or replacement of existing equipment or the installation of new equipment, as necessary;
  • the layout, excavation, operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes, steelwork, installation of light niches, construction of floors, guniting, fiberglassing, installation of tile and coping, installation of all perimeter and filter piping, installation of all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior, construction of decks, construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool equipment, and installation of package pool heaters; and
  • includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.
  • A “commercial pool/spa contractor” cannot perform direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.
  • The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment.
Residential Pool/Spa Contractor

CP and RP – A “residential pool/spa contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to:

  • the construction, repair, and servicing of any residential swimming pool or hot tub or spa including the repair or replacement of existing equipment or the installation of new equipment, as necessary;
  • the layout, excavation, operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes, steelwork, installation of light niches, construction of floors, guniting, fiberglassing, installation of tile and coping, installation of all perimeter and filter piping, installation of all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior, construction of decks, installation of housing for pool equipment, and installation of package pool heaters; and
  • includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.
  • A “residential pool/spa contractor” cannot perform direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.
  • The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment.
Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing Contractor

CP and RP – A “swimming pool/spa servicing contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work involves the servicing and repair of any swimming pool or hot tub or spa. The scope of such work may include any necessary piping and repairs, replacement and repair of existing equipment, or installation of new additional equipment as necessary. The scope of such work includes:

  • the reinstallation of tile and coping, repair and replacement of all piping, filter equipment, and chemical feeders of any type, replastering, reconstruction of decks, and reinstallation or addition of pool heaters;
  • the installation, construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; and
  • however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of such equipment.
Plumbing Contractor

CF and RF – A “plumbing contractor” means a contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, when not prohibited by law, design plumbing. A plumbing contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design the following without obtaining any additional local regulatory license, certificate, or registration:

  • sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities;
  • venting systems; public or private water supply systems;
  • septic tanks; drainage and supply wells;
  • swimming pool piping;
  • irrigation systems; or
  • solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with these, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas, and storm and sanitary sewer lines; and water and sewer plants and substations;
  • the design and installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of air-piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems;
  • fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers to the extent authorized by law; ink and chemical lines;
  • fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants; and
  • pneumatic control piping systems.
Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor

CU and RU – An “underground utility and excavation contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to the construction, installation, and repair of:

  • main sanitary sewer collection systems;
  • main water distribution systems;
  • storm sewer collection systems;
  • the continuation of utility lines from the main systems to a point of termination up to and including the meter location for the individual occupancy, sewer collection systems at property line on residential or single-occupancy commercial properties, or on multioccupancy properties at manhole or wye lateral extended to an invert elevation as engineered to accommodate future building sewers, water distribution systems, or storm sewer collection systems at storm sewer structures; and
  • install empty underground conduits in rights-of-way, easements, platted rights-of-way in new site development, and sleeves for parking lot crossings no smaller than 2 inches in diameter, provided that each conduit system installed is designed by a licensed professional engineer or an authorized employee of a municipality, county, or public utility and that the installation of any such conduit does not include installation of any conductor wiring or connection to an energized electrical system.
  • An underground utility and excavation contractor shall not install any piping that is an integral part of a fire protection system as defined in s. 633.021 beginning at the point where the piping is used exclusively for such system.
Solar Contractor

CV – A “solar contractor” means a contractor whose services consist of the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, relocation, or replacement of solar panels for potable solar water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with these systems.

Pollutant Storage Systems Contractor

PC – A “pollutant storage systems contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to the installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, extension, or design and use of materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of, pollutant storage tanks.

Specialty Contractor

SCC, RX – A “specialty contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is limited to a particular phase of construction and whose scope is limited to a subset of the activities described in the categories established in s. 489.105, F.S.

Certified Contractor Licenses
A “certified contractor” means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “C“.

Air Conditioning

Certified Air Conditioning Contractor – Class-A

Certified Air Conditioning Contractor – Class-B

Grandfathering

Pool / Spa

Commercial Pool Contractor

Residential Pool Contractor

Pool Servicing Contractor

Grandfathering

Specialty

Forms Applicable to All


Building Demolition

Drywall

Gas Line

Glass & Glazing

Industrial Facilities

Irrigation

Marine

Residential Pool/Spa Servicing

Structure

Swimming Pool Layout

Swimming Pool Structural

Swimming Pool Excavation

Swimming Pool Trim

Swimming Pool Decking

Swimming Pool Piping

Swimming Pool Finishes

Tower

Rooftop Solar Heating Installation

Structural Aluminum or Screen Enclosures

Marine Seawall Work

Marine Bulkhead Work

Marine Dock Work

Marine Pile Driving

Structural Masonry

Structural Pre-stressed, Precast Concrete Work

Structural Steel Work

Window and Door Installation

Garage Door Installation

Plaster and Lath

Structural Carpentry

Underground Utility and Excavation
Registration for Certified Swimming Pool Specialty Practical Examiner

Registered Contractor Licenses
A “registered contractor” means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “R“.

Registration for Registered Swimming Pool Specialty Practical Examiner

Examination Information

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation has contracted with Professional Testing, Inc., to register candidates, develop, and score professional examinations for the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Individuals desiring to sit for construction trade knowledge, contract administration, project management, or business & finance examination parts are required to apply directly with Professional Testing, Inc. For more information, including scheduling and examination references, visit the Construction Examinations Information page.

Fee Waiver Applications

Prior Criminal Offenses

HB 7125 required the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to post lists of crimes that do not relate to the practice of contracting [as defined in s. 489.105(3)(d)-(q), F.S] or the ability to practice contracting, and criminal offenses that were used as a basis for denial of licensure to practice contracting. The bill prohibits the consideration of certain convictions for licensure purposes if the convictions occurred over five years before the date of the application, but allows the consideration of convictions for crimes listed in s. 775.21(4)(a)1, and s. 776.08, Florida Statutes, as well as crimes that relate to good moral character.

Certified Contractor Licenses

Registered Contractor Licenses


Certified Contractors

Licenses expire August 31st every even year. However, because the 31st falls on a Saturday this year, and September 2nd is a holiday, the deadline has been extended to September 3rd.

DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.

Before midnight EST on September 3rd, 2024, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:

  • Complete the continuing education requirement; and
  • Pay the renewal fee

See the “CE Requirements” tab for further information on Continuing Education to renew your license.

For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:


Continuing Education Providers

Continuing Education Provider licenses expire May 31st every odd year.

DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license. This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.

Before midnight EST on May 31, 2023, you will need to complete the renewal requirements. For more information, please click this link:
Renewal Information For CE Providers


Registered Contractors

Licenses expire August 31st every odd year.

DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.

Before midnight EST on August 31, 2023, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:

  • Complete the continuing education requirement; and
  • Pay the renewal fee

See the “CE Requirements” tab for further information on Continuing Education to renew your license.

For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:


We encourage you to renew online. However, you can mail your renewal form and fee to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Print a Blank Renewal Form


All continuing education providers and courses are subject to approval by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Board must approve the provider before they can begin offering courses for continuing education credit, and the Board must approve all courses before those courses can be advertised/offered for continuing education credit. (Please note that renewals of providerships and/or courses are not subject to Board approval).

Links to CE Provider and CE Course applications can be found below, and please visit our FAQs for additional information.


Education Course Lists

You may also use the department’s Find a CE Course tool to locate specific subject areas or course topics.


Renewal Requirements for Certificateholders and Registrants

License Types Continuing Education Requirements Renewal Fees Renewal Dates
Air Conditioning Contractor – Class A, B and C 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business)) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Building Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, 1 hour of wind mitigation, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
General Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, 1 hour of wind mitigation, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Mechanical Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Plumbing Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Pollutant Storage System Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Pool/Spa Contractor – Commercial, Residential and Servicing;
Residential Pool/Spa Servicing Specialty
14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, 1 hour of pool electrical requirements*, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction.
*effective beginning with 2019 renewal cycle for registered contractors
$205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Precision Tank Tester Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Residential Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, 1 hour of wind mitigation, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Roofing Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, 1 hour of wind mitigation, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Sheet Metal Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Solar Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Specialty Contractors – Glass & Glazing; Structure; Tower; Structural Aluminum or Screen Enclosures; Structural Masonry; Structural Prestressed, Precast Concrete; Structural Steel Work; Window and Door; Garage Door; Structural Carpentry 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, 1 hour of wind mitigation, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Specialty Contractors – Demolition; Drywall; Gas Line; Industrial Facilities; Irrigation; Marine; Marine Seawall; Marine Bulkhead; Marine Dock Work; Marine Pile Driving; Rooftop Solar Heating; Plaster and Lath; Swimming Pool Layout; Swimming Pool Structural; Swimming Pool Excavation; Swimming Pool Trim; Swimming Pool Decking; Swimming Pool Piping; Swimming Pool Finishes 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR
Tank Lining Applicator Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor 14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction. $205 (+$50 per qualified business) Registered:
8/31/ODD YEAR
Certified:
8/31/EVEN YEAR

Need Help?

All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.

Division of Professions
Construction Industry Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791

Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040