Construction Industry Licensing Board

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 rulemaking to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.

Important Information (Hot Topics)

APPLICATIONS AND LICENSURE: Streamlined Applications Released
In an effort to assist applicants through the licensure process and to reduce the number of deficient applications, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Construction Industry Licensing Board conducted a complete review and revision of construction applications.  The new application forms provide clearer instructions, reduce paperwork and provide clear criteria to establish financial stability/responsibility and work experience.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board will begin accepting the Department’s new streamlined applications beginning April 13th, 2012.   There will be a ninety (90) day transition period during which the Department will continue to accept submission of the old applications; this period will end on July 16, 2012.

If you would like more information on the new bonding form or the required credit score, please visit the Department’s financial responsibility and stability website by clicking the following link:  Contractor Financial Responsibility and Stability. 

EXAMINATION AND RE-EXAMINATION:
Board Increases Time Limit to Pass of All Examination Parts.
The Construction Industry Licensing Board has amended Rule 61G4-16.009, Florida Administrative Code, to grant candidates more time to complete all portions of the initial licensure examination. Beginning November 1, 2011, examination candidates will be permitted four years from the date he or she initially sat for the initial licensure examination to pass all portions of the examination and will not be limited in the number of times they may re-take a test during the four year period. If you have any question regarding the Board’s change, you may visit www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/index.html or call 850.487.1395 for more information.

Glass and Glazing Contractors
HB 849 was passed during the 2011 Legislative Session and approved by Governor Rick Scott on June 24, 2011. HB 849 established the glass and glazing contractor category as a Division II licensing category. All existing certified specialty glass and glazing contractors were reclassified as Division II licensees.
Please see the updated FAQ for more information.

Tower Specialty Contractors
The Construction Industry Licensing Board has developed a new specialty license for the construction of cell and energy towers. Previously contractors constructing cell and energy towers had to qualify as general contractors. Most contractors with tower construction experience lacked the substantive building construction experience required for a general contractor’s license. Tower Specialty license applicants may utilize their tower construction experience, but are required to pass the general contractor examinations.

Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund Experiencing Funding Shortfall
Due to a shortfall in funding, there are not sufficient funds available to pay claims received by the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund at this time. The Department will monitor revenues for the Recovery Fund and make payments as funds become available.

The Department will continue to process claims until the claims are complete and ready for review by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Department will then present claims to the Board, in the order they are completed, as funds become available. The Department will notify claimants by mail when the claims are complete and when they are ready for Board review. For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the status of the Recovery Fund or contact the Department’s Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.

Federal Lead-Based Paint Abatement Program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for administering the lead based paint abatement program. Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. You can visit www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/traincert.htm for information on certification requirements and training programs.

Board Information

The Construction Industry Licensing Board consists of 18 members: 4 general contractors, 3 building or residential contractors (with at least 1 building contractor and 1 residential contractor), 1 sheet metal contractor, 1 pool contractor, 1 plumbing contractor, 2 building officials of a municipality or county, 1 roofing contractor, 1 air conditioning contractor, 1 mechanical contractor, 1 underground utility and excavation contractor and 2 consumer members.

Apply to be a board member

Board Meeting Information

Declaratory Statements

License Information

Definition of Occupation and Class Codes

License Categories:
  •   General
  •   Building
  •   Residential
  •   Sheet Metal
  •   Roofing
  •   Class A & B Air Conditioning
  •   Air Conditioning Service
  •   Mechanical
  •   Commercial Pool/Spa
  •   Residential Pool/Spa
  •   Swimming Pool/Spa Service
  •   Plumbing
  •   Underground Utility and Excavation
  •   Residential Solar Water Heating Specialty
  •   Solar
  •   Specialty Structure
  •   Pollutant Storage System Specialty
  •   Gypsum Drywall Specialty
  •   Gas Line Specialty
  •   Internal Pollutant StorageTank Lining Applicator
  •   Precision Tank Tester
  •   Glass and Glazing
  •   Swimming Pool Specialties
  •   Marine Specialty
  •   Tower Specialty

Methods of Licensure:
By Endorsement - Yes
By Examination - Yes
By Reciprocity - No

Licenses may be issued by registration or certification:
Registration – The applicant has taken and passed a local competency examination and can practice only within that locale.
Certification – The applicant has taken and passed an examination and can practice throughout Florida.

Construction Business Information

Swimming Pool Licensed Examiners
For the most current list, go to the department's Licensee Download Files page.

Applicant Information

Application/Licensure Fees
A breakdown of application and licensure fees is provided with application packets.

Examination Information
The Bureau of Education and Testing is responsible for examination development, administration, review and grades. Below are shortcuts to their examination pages.
Examination Information
Candidate Information Booklets
Exam Dates and Locations
Exam Review / Hearing Information
Special Accommodations for Testing - ADA

List of CILB Acceptable Credit Reporting Agencies

Information for Licensees

Biennial License Renewal Fee
Certified Contractor = $209 *
Registered Contractor = $209 *

* Includes $5 Unlicensed Activity fee and a fee of $4 which must be transferred to the Department of Community Affairs to fund projects relating to the building construction industry or continuing education programs offered to persons engaged in the building construction industry in Florida.

Continuing Education Requirement
14 hours board-approved continuing education is required each biennium prior to the renewal period for both certified and registered contractors. At least 1 hour must deal with workplace safety, 1 hour on the subject of worker's compensation, 1 hour on the subject of business practices, 1 hour on the subject of laws and rules and 1 hour on Florida Building Code advanced modules.

A person who holds more than one certificate or registration issued by the board is required to complete the continuing education requirements only once during each biennial certification renewal period and only once during each biennial registration period.

Any course approved for the education requirements for persons certified under Chapter 468, Part XII, Florida Statutes, shall be accepted for continuing education for renewal for persons who are certified under Part XII and who are certified or registered contractors under Chapter 489, Part I, Florida Statutes.

Continuing Education Information
The Bureau of Education and Testing is responsible for the management of continuing education providers and courses. Below are shortcuts to their continuing education pages.
Continuing education main page
Continuing education policy
List of continuing education providers and courses, and hours required
Information for providers / instructors

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.

Decal Awareness Program

Reporting requirement for criminal convictions
As of October 1, 2009, Section 455.227(1)(t), Florida Statutes requires all professional licensees to report to the department within 30 days of being convicted or found guilty of, or having plead nolo contendere or guilty to a crime in any jurisdiction.  The statute also requires the reporting of any convictions that occurred prior to October 1, 2009.  A licensee who fails to report that information may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension or license revocation.  To report this information, complete the criminal self-reporting document and mail it to the department.

Enforcement

The Division of Regulation is responsible for enforcement of professions and related businesses licensed by DBPR under the Division of Professions to ensure that the laws, rules and standards set by the legislature are followed. To file a complaint visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund

Recovery Fund FAQ
Recovery Fund Claim Form
FHCRF Information Sheet
Recovery Fund Required Documents
Instructions for Performing an Asset Search
Recovery Fund Sample Affidavit of Asset Search

Links and Resources

Florida Construction Lien Law

National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies

Construction Licensing Officials Association of Florida

Tips for Florida homeowners who plan to build or remodel a home