Florida General Contractor license reciprocity
Florida offers reciprocity for the General Contractor license. Reciprocity agreements (since 6/2021), NASCLA exam endorsement (general/building/residential), 10-yr out-of-state endorsement (since 7/2020)
What reciprocity actually gets you
Reciprocity is not a licence transfer. Where Florida grants it, the effect is usually that FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) waives part of the examination for someone already licensed and in good standing elsewhere. You still submit a Florida application, and the state's other conditions still apply.
What still applies in Florida
| Issuing board | FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) |
|---|---|
| Experience | One of 5 methods: 4 yrs worker/foreman (>=1 yr foreman), or construction degree + 1 yr, or college-credit combos; 1 yr = 2,000 hrs |
| Exam | State certification exam via Professional Testing, Inc.; CBT by Pearson VUE (trade, contract admin, project management, business & finance; open book) |
| Bond | Not required |
| Reciprocity | Reciprocity agreements (since 6/2021), NASCLA exam endorsement (general/building/residential), 10-yr out-of-state endorsement (since 7/2020) |
Official source: FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) →
Frequently asked questions
- Does Florida have general contractor license reciprocity with other states?
- Reciprocity agreements (since 6/2021), NASCLA exam endorsement (general/building/residential), 10-yr out-of-state endorsement (since 7/2020)
- Can you transfer a general contractor license to Florida?
- Not as a straight transfer. Reciprocity in Florida generally waives part of the exam for qualifying out-of-state licensees — you still file a Florida application with FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and meet its other requirements.
- What experience does Florida require either way?
- One of 5 methods: 4 yrs worker/foreman (>=1 yr foreman), or construction degree + 1 yr, or college-credit combos; 1 yr = 2,000 hrs
- Which exam would you still have to sit?
- State certification exam via Professional Testing, Inc.; CBT by Pearson VUE (trade, contract admin, project management, business & finance; open book)
Related
Full Florida General Contractor license requirements →
What a Florida General Contractor license costs →
Reciprocity agreements change and are applied case by case — confirm your specific situation with FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) before relying on it. Information to help you launch, not legal advice.