Moving to Florida as a general contractor: every state's rule

1. 1Law / code exam. Pass a law, rules, or code exam. Florida Business and Finance exam, required in every construction category: 120 scored questions, 6.5 hours, open book, computer-based at Pearson VUE. It covers setting up and administering a contracting business, accounting, human resources and government regulation, including Florida contracting law. Holders of a current, active Board license do not retake it..
2. 2Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. General Contractor Contract Administration exam: 60 scored questions, 4.5 hours, open book, computer-based at Pearson VUE; covers preconstruction activities, project contracts, licenses and permits, and construction procedures.
3. 3Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. General Contractor Project Management exam: 60 scored questions, 4.5 hours, open book, computer-based at Pearson VUE; covers construction methods, materials and equipment, safety, and reading plans and specifications.
4. 4Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($135). Professional Testing, Inc. registration fee, charged each time you register for any exam part; Pearson VUE will not schedule you until the registration is approved.
5. 5Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($80). Business and Finance exam fee, paid to Pearson VUE when you schedule.
6. 6Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($40). Contract Administration exam fee, paid to Pearson VUE when you schedule.
7. 7Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($40). Project Management exam fee, paid to Pearson VUE when you schedule.
8. 8License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($245). Initial certification fee on Form DBPR CILB 5-A (or CILB 6-A when you qualify a business) if you apply between May 1 of an even-numbered year and August 31 of an odd-numbered year; $145 if you apply between September 1 of an odd-numbered year and April 30 of an even-numbered year.
9. 9Background check. Complete a background check. Electronic fingerprints through an FDLE-registered Livescan provider, submitted right after the license application. The application also asks about criminal history, bankruptcies, unsatisfied judgments or liens, and any license denial or discipline, and each yes answer needs a full explanation and supporting documents..
10. 10Financial responsibility. Show financial responsibility. For an active license, a personal credit report with a FICO-derived score from a Board-accepted agency, including a search of local, state and federal public records, showing no unsatisfied judgments or liens. A score below 660 must be offset with a Board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course. There is no minimum net worth. Attach proof that any liens or judgments are satisfied and any bankruptcy discharged..
11. 11Insurance. Carry the required insurance. For an active license, public liability insurance of at least $300,000 and property damage insurance of at least $50,000, plus workers' compensation coverage or an exemption obtained within 30 days after the license is issued.
12. 12Business license. Obtain a business license (if applicable). To contract through a company, apply on Form DBPR CILB 6-A as its qualifying agent instead of as an individual (same fee). The business must be registered with the Florida Division of Corporations, including any d/b/a name, give its FEIN and submit its own credit report, and it may designate a financially responsible officer..

Published fees on this path total $540, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.