Construction in the state of Florida is regulated by two agencies:
- Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Electricians and Electrical Contractors are governed by a separate board within the agency known as the:
- The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board
This member's board is responsible for licensing and regulating electrical contractors. They are in charge of processing applications for licensure and disciplinary actions.
Who Needs to Have an Electrical Contractor License in Florida?
Anyone engaging in projects to:
"install, repair, alter, add to, or design electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, and conduit, including the electrical installations and systems within plants and substations and ALL alarm systems and specialty categories"
Electrical Contractor Classifications in Florida
Electrical contractors in Florida may apply for two different categories of residential and commercial licensing:
- Registered License - Allows electrical work limited to specific jurisdictions
- Certified License - Allows electrical work anywhere in the state of Florida
Once you have chosen either the registered or certified license classification you may then choose your area of electrical expertise:
- Unlimited Electrical Contractor
- Residential Electrical Contractor
- Alarm Systems Contractor I
- Alarm Systems Contractor II
- Limited Energy Specialty Contractor
- Sign Specialty Electrical Contractor
- Lighting Maintenance Contractor
- Utility Line Electrical Contractor
Florida Electrical Contractor License Requirements
To take the Florida electrical exam you must meet the following basic requirements:
- 18 years of age
- Valid USA Identification
- Social Security Number
- Not currently on probation or parole
You must also:
- Journeyman Trade Experience
- Show proof of financial solvency with a minimum 660 Credit Score
- Hold General Liability Insurance and Worker's Compensation
- Complete a Criminal Background Check
License Requirements for Electricians
To get get licensed as an electrician in Florida you must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- Licensed electrical engineer for three of the last twelve years
- Management experience in the trade for at least 3 years of the last 6 years
- 4 years of experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor in the trade in the last 8 years
- 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education or broad experience associated with electrical contracting within the last 12 years
- 6 years of technical experience in electrical work with the Armed Forces or government entity within the last 12 years
- Combination of these qualifications totaling 6 years of experience.
What is Journeyman electrician?
The Florida Electrical Licensing Board will require that you have journeyman/supervisory level experience as a roofer.
While different regions may have varying definitions for what a journeyman is, typically this is someone who:
- Can perform all of the duties associated with their trade
- Has worked un-supervised performing their trade
- Has supervisory level experience
- (in some cases) has completed a Journeyman certification
How Do I Prove My Electrical Experience to the Florida Contractor License Board?
Be prepared to submit:
- A description of your work experience and projects
- Employment History
- Contact Information of a qualifying contractor
- The dates when your experience was gained
For a complete look at how you will need to prove experience when applying to the Florida electrical contractor license, check out this resource.
Florida Electrical License Application
The application process for the Registered and Certified Contractor License are as follows:
- Step 1:
Pass the Florida Contractor License Examination
- Step 2:
Complete either Individual or Business Application for Contractor License with Test Scores Included.
- Step 3:
Include Credit Score, Proof of Experience, Proof of Insurance and Completed Background Check with Application.
Applicants will be expected to prove active worker's compensation within 30 days of Florida contractor license being issued.
Completed Applications can be sent to:
State of Florida
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Florida Electrical Contractor License Examination
All applicants must pass the Florida Construction License Exam. The exam is administered by a third party company called Pearson Vue Inc.
There are Two Parts:
1. Law, Business and Project Management Exam
The Business exam covers the following topics:
- Maintaining Cash Flow
- Estimating and Bidding a Job
- Interpretation of Contracts and Agreements
- Purchasing Control
- Obtaining Insurance and Bonding
- Complying with Contracting Laws and Rules
- Complying with Payroll and Sales Tax Laws
- Interpretation of Financial Statements and Reports
- Management Accounting
The test is:
- 50 Questions
- 2.5 Hours
- Taken on a Computer
The test covers the following topics:
Exams are held every month. To find out how much it costs to get an electricians license in Florida, check out this page for current dates and costs.
2. Unlimited Electrical Trade Exam
- General Theory and Electrical Principles
- Plan and Specification Reading and Interpretation
- Wiring and Protection
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Special Occupancies and Situations
- Tools and Equipment
- OSHA Safety Procedures
- Life Safety and Americans with disabilities act
- Electrical Signs
- Outline Lighting and Structural Considerations
- Alarms/Limited Energy
The test is:
- 100 Multiple Choice Questions
- 5 1/2 Hours to Complete
- 75% Score needed to pass
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Certified and registered electricians must complete 14 hours of board approved continuing education every two years.
- 7 hours covering electrical trade
- 1 hour covering worker's compensation
- 1 hour covering business
- 1 hour covering safety
How To Get a Florida Business License
If you are applying for a Florida electrical license as a business, the state board will require you to have an established business entity.
You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want. Typically, construction companies choose either:
- Sole Proprietor - License held through an individual
- Partnership - License held through a partnership
- LLC - License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation - License held through a corporate entity
For a complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for a contractor license, check out this free guide!
Workers Compensation
Florida requires all construction companies with 1 or more employees to hold workers compensation insurance.
This also includes LLC's. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.
To see the complete list of trades considered to be part of the construction industry, you can refer to the Florida Division of Worker's Compensation
Florida Electrical License Search
The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, ultimately exists as a consumer protection mechanism.
The agency exists not only to enforce rules on construction contractors, but also to ensure that homeowners are not being over charged by unlicensed contractors.
If you are a homeowner or business owner looking to verify a licensed electrician in the state of Florida, you can check a license here
Electrical Apprenticeships In Florida
Whether you are looking to become a journeyman in Florida or begin a career as an electrical contractor, you will want to begin by mastering the trade.
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself as a professional in the construction industry is by looking into an electrical apprenticeship program or training course.
These types of schools can provide you with valuable training in a variety of different trades including:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Concrete
- Landscaping
- Painting
- HVAC
- Roofing
- Solar
- Carpentry
If you are one day looking to get the Florida General Contractor license, you will need to demonstrate a skillset beyond just construction. Learn about project management and other business skills.
If you are new to construction industry and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
Each state may have different requirements and standards for what is considered an electrical journeyman, check your state laws.
To Learn more about the step by step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
What You Need To Know About Contractor License Schools
If you are looking to prepare for your Florida electrical exam, taking contractor classes could be a huge help. Most contractor resources include:
- Bilingual study materials
- Online classes taught by industry professionals
- Application assistance
- Insurance and Business services
Many tradesman find themselves a bit confused when faced with questions about construction accounting, balance sheets, workers compensation, employee rights, job site safety and Florida state construction law.
These topics can be learned quickly. Studying consistently on the weeks leading up to your exam day will help you greatly.
Practice exams and study guides breaking down everything you need to know can be found here.
Construction LAW vs Construction TRADE
A contractor license school's main focus should be on the law.
Most states offer several different types of licenses, so if a school is telling you it can teach you your trade, be wary... as that is not realistic.
There are several electrician courses that can teach you the fundamentals of: wiring, safety, installation, theoretical concepts, and much more!
Many excellent online resources cover the basics of electricity, HVAC, Masonry, Carpentry and much more
Check out our complete list of Trade Skills Courses
Blueprint Reading Course
For those looking to do pursue a career in roof construction or get a Florida General contractor license, reading construction blueprints is fundamental.
Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill especially for those looking to into engineering or obtain construction licensing.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
Florida OSHA Regulations
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average. Electrical work can be especially dangerous.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Safety is a huge part of the construction industry.
Whether it be roofing, painting, plumbing, landscaping, carpentry, electrical or any other trade.
If you or your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Florida OSHA Training.
Get Started!
Getting the electrical contractor license in Florida can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business!
The construction industry is very lucrative. Electricians are in especially high demand.There will be more and more opportunities for skilled tradesman in the future.
If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about electrical contractor licenses in: New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Louisiana, Colorado, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida
The key is to know the requirements to becoming an electrical contractor and take action from beginning to end. But if you are just starting out look into electrician training.
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.