Electrical Contractors – FAQs

A certified contractor passed the state licensing examination to become licensed (except in cases of grandfathering and endorsement). Certified licensees can work anywhere within the State of Florida.

A registered contractor registered a local county or municipal certificate of competency with the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board to become a state registered contractor. Registered licensees can only work in the counties or municipalities where they hold a local license.

• Certified Electrical Contractor (EC)
• Registered Electrical Contractor (ER)
• Certified Alarm System Contractor I (EF)
• Registered Alarm Contractor I (EY)
• Certified Alarm Contractor II (EG)
• Registered Alarm Contractor II (EZ)
• Certified Electrical Specialty Contractor (ES)
  • Residential Electrical Specialty
  • Utility Line Specialty
  • Lighting Maintenance Specialty
  • Sign Specialty
  • Limited Energy Specialty
  • Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems Specialty
• Registered Electrical Specialty Contractor (ET)
  • Residential Electrical Specialty
  • Utility Line Specialty
  • Lighting Maintenance Specialty
  • Sign Specialty
  • Limited Energy Specialty

A complete description of the scope of work for each license is on the main page.

• Certified Examination Application – $263.25
• Certified Computer Based Exam – $123.75 (Paid to vendor after approval)
• Retake Examination Application – $67.25
• Initial Certified License (active) – $296.00
• Initial Registered License (active) – $151.00
• Add a county to a Registered License – $25.00
• Initial Certified License (inactive) – $51.00
• Initial Registered License (inactive) – $51.00
• Certified Transfer Application – $146.00
• Registered Transfer Application – $46.00
• Additional Business Application – $542.00
• Endorsement Application – $492.00

*Application fees are non-refundable.

You need to submit the application for examination with the required fees. After you pass both parts of the examination you will need to complete the application for an initial certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license. Both applications are on the main page, Apply For A License. The initial certified licensure application requires you to provide proof of experience in the category for which you wish to become licensed as well as information on the business you wish to qualify. All initial certified licensure applications must be reviewed and approved by the Board at a regularly scheduled Board Meeting. After you pass the examination you will need to complete the application for an initial certified license.

You must meet one of the following experience requirements:

• Must be licensed as an electrical professional engineer for three (3) years within the last 12 years; or
• Must have three (3) years of management experience in the trade within the last six (6) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have four (4) years of experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor in the trade within the last eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have at least four (4) years of experience as a supervisor in electrical or alarm system work in the United States Armed Forces, within the eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have six (6) years of comprehensive training, technical education or broad experience associated with an electrical contracting business within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have at least six (6) years of technical experience in electrical work with the Armed Forces or a governmental entity within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have a combination of these qualifications totaling six (6) years of experience.

In addition, if you are applying for the following categories these specific experience requirements will apply:

EC – Certified Electrical Contractor

•  The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in 3-phase services.

EF – Certified Alarm System Contractor I (All Alarm Systems)

•  The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in fire alarm systems.

EG – Certified Alarm System Contractor II (Excluding Fire)

•  The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in alarm systems other than fire alarm systems.

You will need to submit the following items with your initial certified licensure application.

• Evidence of your work experience
  • W2 forms
  • Employment verification forms signed by your employers
    • If self employed as a registered contractor in Florida or out of state you may submit 3 notarized letters of reference from other licensed contractors or building officials who are familiar with your experience.
  • Job Lists – listing 5 jobs per year for each year of experience you are claiming. Alarm Contractor I applicants who hold a current NICET Level III certification or higher may provide a copy of the certification in lieu of job lists.

Your application could be denied for many reasons even if you have passed the examination. Here are some of the more common reasons for denial:

• Failure to demonstrate the required experience – your W2’s, job lists or employment verification forms may not support that you have the experience required by the statute. This may occur if:
  • You are applying based on supervisory experience but your salary and job duties are not in line with someone with supervisory responsibilities in this industry.
  • Your work experience is not in the “trade” of electrical contracting, experience as an electrician or supervising electrician for a facility is not considered by the board to be electrical contracting experience. An applicant must have worked for an electrical contractor if they are applying based on experience in the “trade”.
  • Your job lists do not show enough specific experience in the category you are applying for. Such as 40% experience in 3 phase electrical work for Unlimited Electrical, fire alarms for Alarm I or burglar alarms for Alarm II. Be sure to concentrate your job lists on jobs that meet those requirements.

• Failure to demonstrate financial responsibility – this could be a basis for denial based on your personal financial statement or personal credit report. This may occur if:
  • Your personal credit report shows delinquent accounts, collection accounts, unpaid liens or judgments.

• Criminal history that relates to the practice of electrical contracting.
  • If you have criminal history you must disclose it in your application – it will be up to the Board to determine if it relates to the practice of electrical contracting and if it is sufficient grounds to deny your application.

Evidence of financial responsibility

• A personal credit report

Business Information

1. Business credit report
2. Business financial statement
3. Certificate of Status from the Department of State Division of Corporations

Note: All credit reports are required to include a public records statement indicating records have been checked by County, State, and Federal levels.

You need to complete the application for initial registration, provide a copy of your local competency card and proof of examination. The application for an initial registered contractor’s license is on the main page, Apply For A License.

A registered license permits the licensee to work only in a specific county or municipality and to perform the type of work covered by the registration.

Yes. You need to provide proof you passed an examination in the appropriate category before you can obtain a registered license (See Section 489.513, Florida Statutes).

Application packages and individual forms are on the main page, Apply For A License. You may also contact our Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for assistance.

You can hold both a registered license and a certified license at the same time only if they are in different categories.  For example, an individual can hold a registered electrical contractor’s license and a certified alarm system contractor I license.

Yes. Your registered license is only good for the counties and municipalities which you registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  The application to add an additional county is on the main page, Apply For A License.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation does not license or regulate the journeyman’s license. You must contact the local county licensing office in the jurisdiction where you intend to practice.

No. Alarm contracting is not within the scope of work for the ER license. You must hold a registered or certified alarm license.

Yes.  A certified electrical contractor license (EC) covers all types of electrical and alarm work.

Yes, a license is required to install a photovoltaic system.

Yes, solar electric is within the scope of the certified and registered electrical contractor’s licenses.

No, solar water systems require a license from the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

No, a license is not required to install lightning protection systems.

Yes. If you are not licensed as an electrical or alarm contractor, you must have a limited energy (low voltage) specialty license unless the system falls under the following exemption:

489.503 Exemptions. – This part does not apply to (24) A person who installs low-voltage landscape lighting that contains a factory-installed electrical cord with plug that does not require installation, wiring, or other modification to the electrical wiring of a structure.

Yes, if you are installing wiring within a structure for any reason including the items listed a license is required. Low voltage wiring work (any wiring under 98 volts) can be done by someone with a certified or registered Limited Energy Specialty license, an Alarm System I or II license, an Electrical Contractor License or a Residential Electrical Specialty license. The license specifically for this work is called the Limited Energy Systems Specialty.

Yes. If you are not licensed as an electrical or alarm contractor, you must have a limited energy (low voltage) specialty license unless you are licensed under Chapter 364, F.S., as a public service/utility company.

This is the definition of the Limited Energy Systems Specialty license.  The scope of certification of a limited energy systems specialty contractor includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, and fiber optics (transmission of light over stranded glass) or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts, (RMS). The scope of work of this license does not include installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, that are part of an alarm system.

Yes. The sale, installation and service of an alarm systems falls under the scope of work of an alarm contractor. If you are selling an alarm system that requires installation or monitoring, you must have a license.

Yes, if the majority of the work is within the scope of the certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license. See 489.516(5), F.S.

Applicants must first submit an application for examination to the Department.  Once the exam application is approved applicants will contact PearsonVue to schedule to take the examination.  PearsonVue will offer the first exam on April 6, 2020.  The Candidate Information Booklet is available online, this provides a reference list and study guide.

Once applicants have passed the examination they will submit an application for licensure, once the application for licensure is reviewed and found to be complete it will be scheduled for review at a meeting of the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board.  Applicants are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting when their application is reviewed.

The scope of certification of a two-way radio communications enhancement system specialty contractor includes the installation, repair, alteration, addition to, testing, replacement and design of electrical wiring, fixtures, antennae, amplifiers, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), for two-way radio communications enhancement systems in all structures.  The scope of this license does not include the connection of a system to a fire alarm panel.  The scope of work of this license may also be performed by the following license categories:  Certified Unlimited Electrical Contractor; Certified Alarm System Contractor I; and Registered Alarm System Contractor I.

Certified Electrical Contractors, Certified and Registered Alarm Contractor I’s and the Two-Way Radio Enhancement Systems Specialty Contractors may install Two-Way Radio Enhancement Systems.

Please refer to the “Know Your Scope Chart” for additional scope of work information.

Yes. The board must approve the contractor to qualify more than one business. The contractor will be scheduled to appear at a Board meeting once the application is found to be complete.  He/she must demonstrate to the Board that he/she has both the capacity and intent to adequately supervise each business organization.

It means the contractor has agreed to accept full responsibility of the business including financial transactions, signing permits, and supervising all jobs the business participates in.

The application must be received and deemed complete by the department at least 30 days prior to the next scheduled board meeting. If you miss the deadline, the application will be considered at the next scheduled meeting.

There is no set number. However, you will be required to show that you can properly manage each additional business.

Yes. You will be required to appear before the board.

It is approval from the Board to perform electrical contracting under an additional business.

No. You only have one (1) license from the Electrical Board, which is the first license you were given. This is only authorization from the Board to perform contracting under another business name.

You will receive an additional business qualification document from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and it has the same appearance as your original license but will have a different number followed by the words “Additional Business Qualification”

No. Your additional business qualification will go null and void once you stop qualifying the additional business and notify the department (DBPR).

You should notify the Board as soon as you stop qualifying the additional business, mail back the additional business qualification document and wallet card and request the qualification be set to null and void.

This information should be sent to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

No. You must keep your primary license current and active for your additional business qualification(s) to be valid.

You can be disciplined by the Board for contracting on an inactive or delinquent license or for contracting without a license.

Then you must submit a transfer application to have your additional business transferred to your primary license.

Then all additional business qualifications are also suspended or revoked.

Yes. You must demonstrate that you have the experience required under chapter 489.511, F.S., as well as provide proof of successful completion of a licensing examination that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the Florida examination. There is also a provision for endorsement if you demonstrate that you have an out-of-state license, and that the licensure requirements were substantially equivalent to Florida’s current requirements. (See 489.511(5) (b), F.S. for additional information).

You can qualify for licensure by endorsement two different ways.

1. You have been licensed for 10 years in another state or territory of the United States with a license which has a scope similar to the Florida license you are applying for and the license has been active within the last 2 years. If you meet these criteria apply using the ECLB 14 Form.
2. You have been licensed in another state or territory of the United States and took an exam that is substantially similar to the Florida Exam for that category.  Please review the Endorsement List for a list of all exams considered substantially similar and the licenses they qualify for. If you meet these criteria apply using the ECLB 2 Form.

Please review the Endorsement List for a list of all exams considered substantially similar and the licenses they qualify for.

If you are applying from any state and category other than those listed on the Endorsement List you will be required to submit the following items along with your application for endorsement:

• The state statutes and rules governing your license the year you became licensed in that state.
• The examination blueprint/outline for the examination you took to become licensed for the year you passed the examination in that state. Please note: In states where “Experior” was the administrator of the examination, the Department has been unable to obtain the blueprint for the examination given in the particular state.
• Provide contact information for the licensing board of the state in which you are licensed and took an examination as well as the examination vendor if applicable. Specifically the name, address and phone number of the individual responsible for administering the examination program.

Note: The review and exam evaluation process for an endorsement application may take several months to complete.

Endorsement based on a substantially similar exam requires applicants to meet one of the following experience requirements:

• Must be licensed as an electrical professional engineer for three (3) years within the last 12 years; or
• Must have three (3) years of management experience in the trade within the last six (6) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have at least four (4) years of experience as a supervisor in electrical or alarm system work in the United States Armed Forces, within the eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have four (4) years of experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor in the trade within the last eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have six (6) years of comprehensive training, technical education or broad experience associated with an electrical contracting business within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have at least six (6) years of technical experience in electrical work with the Armed Forces or a governmental entity within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
• Must have a combination of these qualifications totaling six (6) years of experience.

In addition, if you are applying for the following categories these specific experience requirements will apply:

EC – Certified Electrical Contractor

The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in 3-phase services.

EF – Certified Alarm System Contractor I (All Alarm Systems)

The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in fire alarm systems.

EG – Certified Alarm System Contractor II (Excluding Fire)

The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in alarm systems other than fire alarm systems.

You will need to submit the following items with your initial certified licensure application.  

Evidence of your work experience

• W2 forms
• Employment verification forms signed by your employers
• If self employed as a registered contractor in Florida or out of state you may submit 3 notarized letters of reference from other contractors or building officials who are familiar with your experience.
• Job Lists – listing 5 jobs per year for each year of experience you are claiming. You may be able to submit a completed Employment Verification form in lieu of job lists if your experience has been gained through employment with a Florida licensed electrical/alarm or electrical specialty contractor. The qualifying Florida licensed electrical/alarm or electrical specialty contractor must complete the form. Alarm Contractor I applicants who hold a current NICET Level III certification or higher may provide a copy of the certification in lieu of job lists.

Evidence of financial responsibility

1. A personal credit report

Business Information

1. Business credit report
2. Business financial statement

Certificate of Status from the Department of State Division of Corporations

Applicants for endorsement who have held a license in another state for at least 10 years must provide verification form the licensing state that shows they were licensed for at least 10 years and that the license was current within the last 2 years.

Transfer applications include moving your current license from one business to a new business or changing the name of the current business.

Yes.  A license must be current before a transfer can be processed.

Most transfer applications do not have to go before the Board, however if your application requires Board review it must be received and deemed complete at least 30 days prior to the next scheduled board meeting. If you miss the deadline, the application will be considered at the next scheduled meeting.

If you have any questions or need assistance completing your application, please contact the Department’s Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Central Intake Unit
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

The Certification of Insurance coverage limits are as follows:

• $300,000 Per Occurrence – including completed operations & products
• $500,000 Property Damage – including completed operations & products
• $100,000 Per Person; or
• $800,000 Combined Single Limit

• Name of Insured – must be listed exactly as listed on the Division of Corporation’s Certification
• Policy Number – binders are not acceptable
• Coverage Limits – (see amounts listed above)
• Workers’ Compensation Coverage
• Effective and Expiration Date of Policy
• Certificate Holder – DBPR/Electrical Board
•                                     2601 Blair Stone Road
•                                     Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

NOTE: Up to three officers can be exempt from workers’ compensation. Qualifiers and Employees who are not officers cannot be exempt; employees (including qualifiers) must be covered by workers’ compensation.

Certified and Registered electrical and alarm contractors renew their licenses on August 31 of every even-numbered year.

No. If you have not completed your required continuing education credits, you will not be able to renew your license.

Once a license has gone null and void, a previously licensed individual must reapply as though he or she never held a license.  The initial license number cannot be retained.

Certified Contractor Licenses (Active) – $296
(fee includes $291 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)
Certified Contractor Licenses (Inactive) – $51
(fee includes $46 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)

Registered Contractor Licenses (Active) – $121
(fee includes $116 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)
Registered Contractor Licenses (Inactive) – $51
(fee includes $46 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)

If the license is renewed after the expiration date, the delinquent fee is $25.00, in addition to the renewal fee.

Yes.  The delinquent renewal fee for all licenses is $25.

Yes. You must renew your inactive license on or before August 31 of every even-numbered year.

Effective July 1, 2020 a licensee must complete the following continuing education prior to renewal:

Certified Electrical Contractors = 11 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course
6 hours Technical
Additionally, 2 hours false alarm prevention is required for all certified electrical contractors who perform alarm work

Registered Electrical Contractors = 11 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
6 hours of Technical
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course

Certified and Registered Alarm Contractors = 7 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
2 hours false alarm prevention
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course

Certified and Registered Specialty Contractors = 7 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course
1 hour of Technical
1 hour general credit

No, if your license was issued less than 12 months prior to August 31st of the renewal year, you do not owe any continuing education. If your license was issued more than 1 year, but less than 2 years, prior to August 31st of the renewal year, you owe continuing education as follows:

Certified Electrical Contractors = 5 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hours of Technical (for all certified electrical contractors who perform alarm work the 1 hour Technical credit should be false alarm prevention)

Registered Electrical Contractors = 5 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour of Technical

Certified and Registered Alarm Contractors = 4 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour false alarm prevention

Certified and Registered Specialty Contractors = 4 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules

You can go online to your DBPR Online Services account and see exactly how many hours you owe for the current renewal cycle. For assistance accessing your online account, please contact the Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.

*Note: This does not apply to grandfathered licenses. If you grandfathered your license, you owe the full hours of CE for your license category.

As part of the required hours of continuing education (CE) during the renewal cycle, each licensee must have taken a one-hour advanced module course on the Florida Building Code from a department- approved provider. A list of providers is on the main page, CE Requirements.

All alarm contractors and electrical contractors engaged in alarm contracting are required to complete two (2) hours of continuing education in false alarm prevention.

No. However, when you reactive your license, you must show proof of completing the required hours of continuing education for your license category.  The continuing education credits needed for reactivation must be completed within two (2) years preceding reactivation.

Yes. There are certain providers who are approved to teach online courses. A list of approved providers is on the main page, CE Requirements. Courses that are offered online are designated as either internet or online.

Yes. A maximum of 7 hours of continuing education can be taken through a home study course. There are certain providers who are approved to teach home study courses. A list of approved providers is on the main page, CE Requirements. Courses that are offered for home study are designated as home study.

A list is available on the main page, CE Requirements. If you do not have Internet access, please contact the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for assistance.

The applications are on the main page, Apply For A License.
Mail the completed application and fees to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

• Continuing education provider – $196
• Continuing education course – $25 per credit hour (not to exceed $100) per course

The courses are reviewed and approved by the board. The provider approval/registration is handled by department staff in Tallahassee.

Yes.  Applications must be deemed complete 45 days prior to the meeting date to be considered at that meeting. If you miss the deadline, the application will be considered at the next scheduled meeting.

You will receive written notification within seven to ten days after the board meeting.

No. Application fees are non-refundable.

Provider approvals expire May 31 of every other odd-numbered year beginning May 31, 2019.

Course approvals expire May 31 of the next odd-numbered year, unless the provider’s approval expires or is revoked by the board.

• Continuing education provider – $200
• Continuing education course – $25 per credit hour (not to exceed $100) per course

Yes. Renewal notices are mailed 90 days prior to the expiration date of May 31 next-odd numbered year. It is the responsibility of the provider to renew the courses.

Yes. Renewal notices are mailed 90 days prior to the expiration date of every other odd-numbered year beginning May 31, 2019. It is the responsibility of the provider to renew the provider status.

No.  Only approved providers can obtain course approval.

You may receive up to 3 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle for attending a meeting of the Board in which disciplinary cases are heard. The disciplinary portion of the meeting is generally on the Thursday of a Board meeting and begins at 8:30 a.m.. Please check posted agendas to verify time and location. Note: You may not receive continuing education credit if appearing at the Board meeting for any other purpose than gaining continuing education credit.

You can earn up to three hours per renewal cycle for attending a meeting at which disciplinary cases are considered. You must attend the entire disciplinary portion of the meeting and cannot be a subject of the disciplinary proceedings.

An approved course provider may request board approval for you to be added to their instructor list.  The provider must submit your resume for board review.

Passing examination scores are valid for three (3) years from the date of the examination. Therefore, you must pass both parts of the examination and apply for licensure within three (3) years of the date you pass the first part of the examination. Additionally, if you already hold a current, active Certified Electrical, Alarm or Electrical Specialty license you are not required to retake the business and finance exam to be licensed in another category under the ECLB.

If you already hold a current active certified contractor license under chapter 489 Part I, F.S., you are not required to take the business and finance exam to be licensed under the ECLB, as long as, the licensee is not under investigation or prosecution in any jurisdiction for an action that would constitute a violation of chapter 489, part II, F.S.; or if so, until such time as the investigation or prosecution is complete; and,  the licensee has not been disciplined by the CILB, other than being issued a citation.

If you fail the Technical and Safety examination you must submit the retake application with a fee of $67.25. The application is available on the main page, Apply For A License.

If you fail the Business examination three (3) times you must submit the retake application with a fee of $67.25. The application is available on the main page, Apply For A License.

The Candidate Information Booklet provides a lot of information about the examination content and the references you will need to take the examination.

The Candidate Information Booklet is available on the main page, Apply For A License, Examination Information.

The Candidate Information Booklet provides a lot of information about examination, be sure to review it if you have any questions about the examination.

The Candidate Information Booklet is on the main page, Apply For A License, Examination Information.

The fee for reactivation of a Certified Electrical or Alarm Contractor license is $291. The fee for reactivation of a Registered Electrical or Alarm Contractor license is $116.

1. 1. If you have held your license through at least 1 renewal cycle the continuing education requirements for reactivation are as follows:
      • 7 hours Technical
      • 1 hour Workers’ Compensation
      • 1 hour Workplace Safety
      • 1 hour on Business Practices
      • 1 hour Advanced Module Course
      • 1 hour Florida Laws and Rules
      • 2 hours False Alarm Prevention for Alarm system contractors and Electrical contractors engaged in alarm system contracting

      The continuing education credits needed for reactivation must be completed within two (2) years preceding reactivation.

   2. If you were initially licensed 12 or more months prior to your first renewal, the continuing education requirements for reactivation are as follows:
      • 2 hours technical
      • 1 hour business
      • 1 hour worker’s compensation
      • 1 hour work place safety
      • 1 hour laws and rules
      • 1 hour False Alarm Prevention for Alarm system contractors and Electrical contractors engaged in alarm system contracting. For all other license holders, the remaining 1 hour shall be a general continuing education
   3. If you have been licensed for less than 12 months prior to the end of a biennial period, you do not need to complete any continuing education as a condition of reactivation.

No. A person cannot work without a license as a contractor to sell alarm systems that require monitoring. The individual must be licensed or be an employee of a licensed alarm contractor.

Yes. All primary qualifying agents are jointly and equally responsible for supervision of all operations of the business; including financial, and all field work at all sites. Primary qualifying agents must be an officer or a supervising employee of the business.

Your license number must be on:

• Signs on vehicles
• Offer of services
• Contracts
• Business proposals
• Advertisements (regardless of medium)

Your license number does not need to be on promotional novelties such as balloons, pens, t-shirts.

If your qualifying agent dies, you must notify the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board office within 30 days, if not immediately. You can request an emergency registration that will allow you to continue any jobs contracted prior to the qualifying agent’s death, regardless of whether a permit had already been obtained. You can fax your notification letter and request for emergency registration to the board office at 850.922.2918.

Any employee of electrical or fire alarm contractors whose duties include any of the following:

• Altering fire alarm systems
• Installing fire alarm systems
• Maintaining fire alarm systems
• Moving fire alarm systems
• Repairing fire alarm systems
• Replacing fire alarm systems
• Servicing fire alarm systems
• Selling fire alarm systems

Any employee of electrical or burglar alarm contractors whose duties include any of the following:

• Altering intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Installing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Maintaining intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Moving intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Repairing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Replacing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Servicing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Selling intrusion burglar alarm systems

Any employees of electrical or alarm contractors engaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems need to be certified as either a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) or Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA). FASA and BASA certification requires the employee meet the following criteria:

• Is at least 18 years of age
• Completed a minimum of 14 hours of training by a board approved provider
• Has not been convicted of a crime directly related to the business within the last three (3) years
• Must obtain from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) a completed fingerprint and background check if applying as a burglar or fire alarm system agent every two (2) years
• Has not been committed for substance abuse within the last three (3) years

No.  The following individuals are exempt:

• Employees of a licensed contractor who perform only monitoring of alarm systems
• License holders of a Certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license
• Licensed journeyman are exempt from the initial training only, and must possess a FASA or BASA card and complete an approved six (6) hour renewal course every two (2) years
• See Section 489.518 and 489.5185, Florida Statutes for additional exemptions.

Yes. Employees who only perform monitoring at an out of state site are not required to complete the criminal background check.

Yes. The criminal background check and training must be completed within 90 days of employment.

You must contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for fingerprint cards and then submit the card and required fee to the FDLE for processing. The telephone number for the public records section of FDLE is 850.410.8109.

The licensed electrical or alarm system contractor must provide each FASA/BASA employee with an identification card that includes the following:

• Photo of the agent
• Name of the agent
• Signature of Agent
• Name, address and license number of the contractor
• Signature of the contractor
• Issue date and expiration date

Yes. Each FASA/BASA agent must complete six (6) hours of board-approved continuing education every two (2) years to include false alarm reduction (See 489.518 and 489.5185, Florida Statutes and Rule 61G6-12, Florida Administrative Code for additional information on FASA and BASA requirements).

Experience in electrical or alarm work in the U.S. Armed Forces can be used to meet some or all of the experience required for licensure. After passing the appropriate exam please submit a completed ECLB Form 1-A or ECLB Form 2-A.

• Applicants will need to submit his or her DD-214 or NGB-22 detailing his or her military experience, education and training.
• Applicants will be required to provide descriptions of specific electrical or alarm work performed in the military.
• Military experience can be combined with non-military trade experience to meet the requirement of 6 years of experience within the last 12 years.

Florida House Bill 869, which passed during the 2023 legislative session, will re-open the opportunity for electrical and alarm contractors to request that their registered license be grandfathered to a statewide certified license beginning July 1, 2023.

Grandfathering allows a currently registered contractor to apply for and receive a statewide certified contractor’s license in their same category of licensure without sitting for the state contractor’s examination if the contractor meets certain criteria set forth in Section 489.514, Florida Statutes.

1. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be of good moral character, meet the requirements, and pay all applicable fees.
2. Form ECLB #13 or the online application for Certification of Registered Electrical Contractor is required if you are applying to become a certified electrical, alarm or electrical specialty contractor by grandfathering.
3. Applicant must have held an active Registered Electrical, Alarm or Specialty license with the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board for at least five (5) years at the time of application or
4. Applicant must hold a Registered Electrical, Alarm or Specialty license with the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and have held an active Electrical Inspector or Building Code Administrator license for at least five (5) years, with oversight in the category being applied for.
5. Applicant must have taken and passed a written proctored examination.
6. Applicant’s whose license(s) were revoked at any time, suspended within the last five (5) years or were assessed a fine in excess of $500 within the last five (5) years, are NOT eligible to apply for certification through grandfathering. Also, any years a license was on probation shall not count toward the five (5) years of active licensure.

The fee is $201, it includes an application fee of $196 and a $5 unlicensed activity fee (fees are not refundable).

There is no end date for the grandfathering provision, it is a permanent change to the statute.

Yes, HB 1335 (2024) amended section 489.505(19), Florida Statutes, to include nonelectrical advertising signs under the definition of specialty contractor.

489.516(5), F.S.  states  “This part does not prevent any certified electrical or alarm system contractor from acting as a prime contractor when the majority of the work to be performed under the contract is within the scope of his or her license or from subcontracting to other licensed contractors any remaining work that is part of the project contracted.”

The scope of certification of a limited energy systems specialty contractor includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, and fiber optics (transmission of light over stranded glass) or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts, (RMS). The scope of work of this license does not include installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, that are part of an alarm system.

(a) The scope of certification is limited to electrical circuits and equipment as set forth in Section 489.505(7), F.S.

(b) The scope of certification shall not include work performed by public utilities exempt under the terms of Section 489.503(4), F.S., or exempt due to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Florida Public Service Commission.

(c) The scope of work of this license may also be performed by the following certified and registered license categories: Unlimited Electrical Contractor, Alarm System Contractor I, Alarm System Contractor II, and Residential Electrical Contractor.

The scope of certification of a lighting maintenance specialty contractor is limited to the installation, repair, alteration, or replacement of lighting fixtures in or on buildings, signs, billboards, roadways, streets, parking lots and other similar structures. However, the scope of the certification does not include the provision of, or work beyond, the last electrical supplying source, outlet, or disconnecting means.

The scope of certification under rule 61G6-7.001, F.A.C., includes the structural fabrication including concrete foundation, erection, installation, alteration, repair, service and wiring of electrical signs, nonelectrical signs, and outline lighting. The scope of certification shall not include the provision of, or any electrical work beyond, the last disconnect mean or terminal points. However, a contractor certified under this section may provide the electrical entrance requirements for metering and main disconnect of remote billboards or signs which are independent of any structure or building and which require no more than twenty-five (25) kilowatts at two hundred fifty (250) volts maximum.

The scope of certification includes installation, repair, alteration, addition to, replacement of or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof, in a 1, 2, 3, or 4 family residence not exceeding 2 stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection with the residence. The electrical service installed or worked upon is limited to single phase, 400 ampere single service.

The scope of certification of a utility line electrical contractor means a utility contractor whose business includes all types of transmission electrical circuits, distribution electrical circuits, and substation construction done for investor owned electrical utilities, city municipal electrical utilities, and cooperatives under the rural electric authority between point of origin and point of delivery.

The scope of certification of a two-way radio communications enhancement system specialty contractor includes the installation, repair, alteration, addition to, testing, replacement and design of electrical wiring, fixtures, antennae, amplifiers, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), for two-way radio communications enhancement systems in all structures. The scope of this license does not include the connection of a system to a fire alarm panel. The scope of work of this license may also be performed by the following license categories: Certified Unlimited Electrical Contractor; Certified Alarm System Contractor I; and Registered Alarm System Contractor I.

Yes, per rule 61G6-7.002, F.A.C. states “The scope of certification of a certified electrical contractor as defined in Section 489.505(8), F.S., shall include, but not be limited to, all of the specialties designated in Rule 61G6-7.001, F.A.C.”

Yes, per rule 61G6-7.002, F.A.C. states “The scope of certification of a certified electrical contractor as defined in Section 489.505(8), F.S., shall include, but not be limited to, all of the specialties designated in Rule 61G6-7.001, F.A.C.”

You can verify your license to another state by using DBPR’s Online Services. Create an online account or logon to your existing account at www.myfloridalicense.com. Select “Request License Certification” from the License Menu. Complete the online application and pay the $25 fee by credit card or electronic check. A copy of your license record will be created and mailed by U.S. mail directly to the State Board selected during the transaction. Please allow 10 business days for the other state to receive the document. You will also receive an email copy of the certification for your records.
If you need to send certification of your license to multiple states you will repeat the instructions above and pay the required $25 application fee for each request.