Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements – Construction Permits in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County 2026

Florida contractor licensing is the foundation of all legal construction activity in South Florida. In Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County, every contractor — whether performing major commercial construction or a minor residential repair — must hold the appropriate Florida state contractor license before legally performing permitted work. Hiring an unlicensed contractor in South Florida is one of the most dangerous and financially costly mistakes a property owner can make. Understanding contractor license requirements, how to verify licenses, and what each license category covers is essential before signing any construction contract.

Florida Contractor Licensing Structure

Florida contractor licensing is administered primarily by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Licenses are issued at the state level (Certified) or county/local level (Registered). State-Certified contractors can work anywhere in Florida. Registered contractors are qualified only in the county or counties where they are registered.

The Florida DBPR license verification system is available online at myfloridalicense.com/LicenseDetail.asp — always verify a contractor's license before signing a contract.

Florida General Contractor License (CGC/CBC)

Certified General Contractor (CGC) license holders can construct, repair, or improve commercial buildings and residential structures of all types. The CGC license is the broadest contractor license in Florida and authorizes contractors to perform all construction work required on a project by hiring and coordinating subcontractors for specialty work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical).

Certified Building Contractor (CBC) license holders have similar scope to CGCs but with some limitations on specific project types. Both CGC and CBC license holders are eligible to pull building permits for construction projects in any Florida jurisdiction.

Florida requires CGC and CBC license applicants to: pass the Florida Contractor Competency Exam (a comprehensive test covering Florida Building Code, business management, and construction practices), demonstrate financial stability, provide proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance, and pay DBPR licensing fees in USD.

Florida Specialty Contractor Licenses

The following specialty contractor licenses are commonly required for South Florida construction projects:

Certified Electrical Contractor (EC): Required for all electrical contracting work. Subcategory: Residential Electrical Contractor (limited to residential applications). EC licensees must pass the Florida Electrical Exam and hold active DBPR licensure.

Certified Plumbing Contractor (PC): Required for all plumbing contracting work. Subcategory: Certified Underground Utility Contractor and Certified Plumbing Contractor (state certification). Plumbing contractors must pass the Florida Plumbing Exam.

Certified Mechanical Contractor (CMC): Required for HVAC, refrigeration, and mechanical systems work. Mechanical contractors must pass the Florida Mechanical Exam.

Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC): Required for all roofing work. Roofing contractors must pass the Florida Roofing Exam and maintain active DBPR licensure.

Certified Swimming Pool/Spa Contractor (CPC): Required for all swimming pool and spa construction. Pool contractors must pass the Florida Pool Contractor Exam.

Certified Air Conditioning Contractor (CAC): Required for residential air conditioning system installation and replacement (limited scope from CMC).

Certified Alarm System Contractor (AS-1, AS-2): Required for fire alarm and burglar alarm system installation. Administered through DBPR.

Certified Fire Protection System Contractor (FPSC): Required for fire sprinkler system installation.

Local Business Tax Receipts in South Florida

In addition to state contractor licenses, all contractors performing work in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly called an Occupational License) for each county and municipality where they work. Local Business Tax Receipts are renewed annually and must be current at all times during construction. A contractor working in Fort Lauderdale must have both their state license and a City of Fort Lauderdale Local Business Tax Receipt.

Insurance Requirements for South Florida Contractors

All contractors in South Florida must carry and maintain: Workers' Compensation Insurance — required for all contractors with employees (and for sole proprietors performing certain types of work under Florida law), and General Liability Insurance — protecting property owners and third parties from construction-related injury and property damage claims. Insurance certificates must be current, with coverage amounts meeting the minimum requirements of the applicable building department and the project owner's contract requirements.

Before signing a construction contract, always request and verify: the contractor's current state license certificate (verify online at myfloridalicense.com), a current Certificate of Insurance showing active workers' compensation and general liability coverage, a current Local Business Tax Receipt for the applicable county and municipality, and a list of the contractor's subcontractors and verification of their licenses.

License Verification: How to Check a Florida Contractor License

Florida DBPR License Verification: myfloridalicense.com/LicenseDetail.asp. Enter the contractor's name or license number to verify current license status, license type, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.

Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department — Contractor Licensing: (786) 315-2590. Broward County Contractor Licensing: (954) 765-4400. Palm Beach County Contractor Licensing: (561) 233-5100.

Consequences of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor

Hiring an unlicensed contractor in South Florida carries serious consequences for the property owner: Permits cannot be obtained (unlicensed contractors cannot legally pull permits), insurance claims for construction-related damage or injury may be denied, the property owner bears full liability for construction defects, USD fines are imposed on both the unlicensed contractor and potentially the property owner, and the property owner has no legal recourse against the contractor in most cases. Florida Statute 489 prohibits unlicensed contractor work and provides enforcement mechanisms including USD fines, criminal charges, and project shutdown.

Do not hire any contractor who cannot produce a current, active Florida state contractor license in the appropriate category for the work to be performed. The South Florida construction market has many unlicensed contractors who advertise aggressively and offer below-market prices — the true cost of hiring them is always far greater than the cost of hiring properly licensed professionals.

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) Disciplinary Actions

The CILB has authority to discipline licensed contractors for: construction defects, abandonment of projects, financial mismanagement, unlicensed work, and code violations. CILB disciplinary actions — suspension, revocation, and fines — are public record and can be searched on the DBPR license verification website. A contractor with recent disciplinary actions should be considered with extreme caution.