Florida requires general contractors to pass a state licensing exam before contracting work independently. The exam is administered through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) by Prometric. ExamsLib provides free practice questions and study guides to help you prepare for both sections of the exam.
Overview
Exam Overview
The Florida Certified General Contractor license is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The exam consists of two sections: business and law, and project management / building codes. Both sections are typically open-book, meaning candidates may bring approved reference materials.
The business and law section covers Florida contractor licensing statutes (Chapter 489), contract law, mechanics' lien law, workers' compensation, OSHA, and financial management. The project management section covers estimating, scheduling, plan reading, building codes, and construction methods.
Scope
License Types
The Florida CILB issues the following contractor license types:
- Certified General Contractor - Unlimited in scope; valid statewide.
- Certified Building Contractor - Permits and building construction up to three stories.
- Certified Residential Contractor - Residential construction only.
Structure
Exam Format
The Florida general contractor exam is administered by Prometric on behalf of the CILB. Both sections are open-book with a list of approved references. The business and law section and the project management section are taken separately. Each section is multiple-choice. Contact Prometric or the CILB for current question counts and time limits.
Score
Passing Score
Florida requires a passing score of 70 percent on each section of the general contractor exam. Each section must be passed independently. Confirm the current threshold with the CILB before your exam date.
Eligibility
Requirements
To qualify for the Florida certified general contractor exam, candidates typically need:
- At least 4 years of experience in construction at the foreman or supervisory level (at least 1 year must be as a foreman or supervisor).
- Proof of workers' compensation and general liability insurance.
- Financial statements demonstrating credit worthiness.
- A completed application submitted to the CILB through the DBPR portal.
- Payment of application and exam fees.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.
Cost
Fees
Florida CILB application and Prometric exam fees are set by the DBPR and the testing provider. Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current fee amounts with the CILB and Prometric before submitting payment or scheduling your exam.
Plan Ahead
Study Plan
A structured 8 to 10 week study plan for the Florida general contractor exam:
- Week 1-2: Read Florida Statutes Chapter 489 (contractor licensing rules) and the lien law statutes.
- Week 3-4: Study workers' compensation, liability insurance requirements, and OSHA 10/30 basics.
- Week 5-6: Work through estimating problems and review the Florida Building Code.
- Week 7-8: Take full practice tests for both sections under timed, open-book conditions.
- Week 9-10: Target weak areas; practice tabbing and marking your reference books for fast lookups.
Focus Areas
Study Topics
BL Business and Law
Study business and law for the Florida contractor licensing exam. Covers Chapter 489, lien law, workers' comp, contract law, and OSHA requirements.
Study this topicE Estimating
Study construction estimating for the contractor license exam. Covers quantity takeoffs, unit costs, overhead, profit, markup vs. margin, and bid calculations.
Study this topicBC Building Code
Study building code for the Florida contractor exam. Covers FBC, occupancy classification, means of egress, fire resistance, and wind and flood rules.
Study this topic
Keep Exploring
Related Pages
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the Florida certified general contractor license?
The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), operating under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), issues the certified general contractor license. The exam is administered by Prometric.
What reference books are allowed in the Florida general contractor exam?
The CILB publishes an approved list of reference materials for each exam section. The list typically includes Florida Statutes, the Florida Building Code, and other construction references. The approved list can change; always verify with the CILB or Prometric before your exam date.
Can I take the two sections of the Florida general contractor exam on different days?
Yes. The business and law section and the project management section are separate appointments. You can schedule them on different days and do not need to pass both on the same date.
How long is the Florida general contractor license valid?
Florida contractor licenses are typically valid for 2 years and require renewal along with continuing education. Confirm current renewal requirements with the CILB because rules can change.
