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Subcontractor License Requirements in Florida
Florida has one of the most detailed contractor licensing systems in the country. Here's what GCs need to know about which subs must be licensed, the certified vs. registered distinction, and what's at stake when you don't verify.
In this guide
How Florida Contractor Licensing Works
Florida requires state licensing for a broader range of construction activities than most states. Unlike Texas — where only specialty trades are licensed at the state level — Florida requires general contractors to hold a state license as well as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, roofers, and a range of other trades.
Contractor licensing in Florida operates under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), primarily through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB). Most license lookups run through the DBPR's public database.
Certified vs. Registered — The Critical Distinction
Florida uses two license types that GCs need to distinguish before hiring any sub:
Certified Contractor
Passed the state examination administered by DBPR. Can work anywhere in Florida without additional local approval.
Look for: "Certified" in the license type field in DBPR lookup
Registered Contractor
Licensed only through a local licensing board. Can only work in the county or municipality where registered. Must re-register separately in each jurisdiction.
Look for: "Registered" in the license type field — then confirm the registration covers your project location
Which Trades Require a State License in Florida
The following trades require DBPR licensure for work performed in Florida. This list covers the trades most commonly encountered by GCs managing subcontractors:
| Trade | License type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Certified or Registered GC (CGC / RGC) | Required for commercial projects over a threshold; separate residential license (CRC) for residential work |
| Electrical | Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) or Registered EC | ECLB-administered; both unlimited and alarm system specialty categories |
| Plumbing | Certified Plumbing Contractor (CPC) or Registered | Separate categories for water well contractors |
| HVAC / Mechanical | Certified Air Conditioning Contractor (CAC) or Registered | Class A (unlimited) and Class B (residential/light commercial) distinctions |
| Roofing | Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) or Registered | One of the most actively enforced licenses in Florida post-hurricane seasons |
| Pool / Spa | Certified Pool/Spa Contractor (CPC) | Separate license required; GC license does not cover pool construction |
| Underground Utility | Certified Underground Utility Contractor (CUC) | Covers excavation, grading, paving, drainage; separate from plumbing license |
| Sheet Metal | Sheet Metal Contractor | Often required in commercial HVAC duct work alongside AC contractor license |
What GCs Are Responsible for Verifying
Florida Statute §489.128 is explicit: a contractor who knowingly contracts with an unlicensed contractor faces consequences that include loss of their own license. The word "knowingly" has been interpreted broadly in Florida — failing to check is not a safe harbor.
Before work starts, verify:
- License status: Active (not Inactive, Delinquent, or Revoked) in DBPR's database
- License type: Certified (works anywhere in Florida) vs. Registered (verify county coverage)
- License classification: matches the scope of work in your subcontract
- Entity name: matches the company on your contract and COI — not just the qualifier's personal name
- Expiration date: covers the full project duration
Penalties for Hiring Unlicensed Subcontractors in Florida
Florida has some of the strictest unlicensed contractor enforcement in the country. The penalties are severe and apply to the GC, not just the unlicensed sub.
Your license is at risk
Under §489.129, the CILB can discipline a licensed GC — including suspension or revocation of your own license — for knowingly contracting with an unlicensed sub. This is the consequence that gets GC attention: hiring one unlicensed sub can jeopardize your ability to work in Florida at all.
Fines up to $10,000 per incident
The DBPR can impose administrative fines of up to $10,000 per violation for unlicensed contracting. The fine applies to the unlicensed party but can also be directed at GCs found to have facilitated unlicensed work through their hiring practices.
Criminal charges
Unlicensed contracting in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a third-degree felony for repeat violations. While criminal exposure typically attaches to the unlicensed contractor, facilitating unlicensed activity can draw prosecutors' attention to the GC as well.
Contract voidability and civil exposure
Under §489.128, a contract with an unlicensed contractor is unenforceable. The unlicensed sub can't sue you for payment — but you also can't enforce your indemnification clause against them. If their work causes damage, you may have no contractual recourse and full liability exposure.
How to Look Up a Florida Contractor License
The DBPR public portal is the authoritative source. Search at myfloridalicense.com using the license number or business name. License records show status, license type (Certified or Registered), qualifying agent, and expiration.
Collect the sub's license number at onboarding. Florida license numbers follow a format like "CGC123456" or "EC13001234" — the prefix indicates the license type.
Look up the license in DBPR. Confirm status is Current, Active. Note the license type — Certified or Registered — and if Registered, verify the county matches your project.
Check the qualifying agent. Confirm the qualifier listed on the DBPR record is still associated with the company — not just that the license number is active.
Log and monitor. Florida contractor licenses renew biennially. Store the verification result with a timestamp and monitor expiration dates through the project lifecycle.
Verify every sub's Florida license automatically
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Start free →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Certified and Registered contractor in Florida?
Can I lose my GC license for hiring an unlicensed sub in Florida?
Does a roofing contractor need a separate license in Florida?
What happens when a qualifying agent leaves a company?
Is a sub's COI enough to confirm they're licensed in Florida?
Can a sub perform specialty work under a GC's license in Florida?
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