The cost of a Florida general contractor license is the sum of the state application fee, the examination fee, an optional exam-prep course, your financial-responsibility cost, and insurance. The initial certified-GC application fee is $245 (or $145 depending on the biennial filing window), per the official DBPR CILB 5-A schedule. Other figures vary, so estimate ranges.
Estimate your Florida GC license cost
Total cost depends on the application fee, exam fee(s), optional exam prep, financial-responsibility path, and insurance. See the Florida DBPR's own official fee schedule for exact, current fees.
Enable JavaScript to use the interactive calculator.
The cost components
| Cost | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application fee (Certified GC) | $245 / $145 by biennial window | DBPR CILB 5-A official application schedule |
| State examination fee | $295 total: $135 registration + Business & Finance $80 + Contract Administration $40 + Project Management $40 | DBPR exam registration instructions (Rev. 05/12/2026) |
| Financial responsibility | FICO 660+ (credit-report cost) OR 14-hour course (provider-priced) | Fla. Admin. Code 61G4-15.006 |
| Exam-prep course | Optional, provider-dependent | Private providers |
| Insurance | Carrier-quote estimate (not a state fee) | DBPR insurance requirements |
The general contractor examination costs $295 with the exam vendor — a $135 registration fee plus the three Florida GC parts (Business & Finance $80, Contract Administration $40, Project Management $40) — per the official DBPR exam registration instructions (Rev. 05/12/2026). These exam fees are flat, not prorated.
We single-source every fee to the official DBPR schedule. Where the state has not published a fixed figure (for example insurance premiums, which are carrier-quoted), the calculator shows an “unavailable — see official schedule” state instead of guessing a number. Third-party blogs have circulated conflicting figures; ignore them and trust the DBPR.
What is not a cost
There is no required state surety bond. The financial-responsibility rule offers two paths — a FICO-derived score of 660 or higher, or a 14-hour Board-approved course — and the current rule mentions no bond. A “sub-660 bond” sold by third parties is a private product, not a state fee.
Plan the full budget
The application fee is just one line. Add the Florida contractor insurance requirements and the financial-responsibility path from the Florida GC license requirements. When your numbers are ready, complete the Florida GC license application. For the full picture, return to the Florida general contractor license guide.
This page summarizes Florida fees and is general information, not legal advice. Fees change; verify every amount with the Florida DBPR and the current exam-vendor bulletin before paying.
Form your contracting business
Most new Florida contractors register an LLC before applying. These services handle formation and registered-agent filing.
We may earn a commission from these partners. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Last verified: 2026-06-19
Not affiliated with the Florida DBPR. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) — it is an independent informational guide. Always verify requirements, fees, and deadlines with the Florida DBPR/CILB.
Not legal advice. This is general information, not legal or professional advice, and does not create any advisory relationship. For your situation, consult a qualified professional.