Where do you take the Florida general contractor exam?

The Florida general contractor exam is administered by Professional Testing, Inc. under contract with the Florida DBPR's Bureau of Education & Testing. Computer-based exam parts (Business & Finance, Contract Administration, Project Management) are scheduled with Pearson VUE at testing centers statewide, including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, and Tallahassee, after Professional Testing approves your application.

How can you pass the Florida general contractor exam on the first try?

Study the approved reference books thoroughly, especially the Florida Building Code, AIA Contracts, and Builder's Guide to Accounting. Tab and highlight your books since the exam is open book, take timed practice tests, and focus on weak areas like business finance and project management, which trip up most first-time test takers.

Is the Florida general contractor test really that hard?

Yes, the Florida general contractor exam has a pass rate around 60-65%, making it one of the tougher state contractor exams. The Business and Finance portion is especially challenging, with pass rates often below 50%. Success depends heavily on proper book tabbing, time management, and familiarity with the reference materials.

What can a licensed general contractor legally do in Florida?

A Florida certified general contractor can construct, repair, alter, or demolish any type of building, including commercial structures and residences of unlimited size and height. They can perform excavation, foundation work, and structural steel work, and may subcontract specialty trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC to appropriately licensed professionals.

How do you become a general contractor in Florida?

You need four years of verifiable construction experience (or a combination of college education and experience), must be 18 or older, pass a fingerprint-based background check, demonstrate financial responsibility with a FICO-derived credit report (a Board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course is required only if your score is below 660), obtain liability and workers' comp insurance, and pass the three-part state certification exam administered by Professional Testing, Inc.

What experience counts toward Florida general contractor licensing?

Florida accepts four years of proven experience as a foreman or supervisor on construction projects, with at least one year as a foreman. College credits in construction-related fields can substitute for up to three years of experience. Experience must be verified by licensed contractors, architects, or engineers who supervised your work.

How much does it cost to get a Florida general contractor license?

Verified DBPR/exam-vendor fees total $540: $295 for all three exam parts ($135 registration to Professional Testing, Inc. plus $160 in Pearson VUE exam fees: $80 Business & Finance, $40 Contract Administration, $40 Project Management) plus a $245 initial license application fee (current filing window through August 2027; drops to $145 in the alternating window). Add fingerprinting fees, reference books, and insurance/bonding costs, which vary by vendor. If your credit score is below 660 (FICO-derived), a Board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course is also required.

How long does it take to get licensed as a general contractor in Florida?

The full process typically takes 6-12 months after meeting the four-year experience requirement. DBPR application review takes 30-45 days, exam scheduling adds 2-4 weeks, and you must pass all three exam sections. Candidates who fail sections can retake them, which can extend the timeline considerably.

Florida General Contractor Practice Test

Updated for October 2026

Tony GarzaOct 3, 202612 min read

What changed for the Florida General Contractor license in 2026

The Certified General Contractor exam has three parts administered by Professional Testing, Inc. under DBPR's Bureau of Education & Testing: Business & Finance (120 scored questions, 6.5 hours), Contract Administration (60 scored questions, 4.5 hours) and Project Management (60 scored questions, 4.5 hours) — all open-book, multiple-choice and computer-based, scheduled through Pearson VUE. (source)
Passing score is 70% on each exam part (scores are not rounded up), per the DBPR Construction Candidate Information Booklet (effective July 2024). (source)
2026 exam fees for General Contractor: $135 registration to Professional Testing, Inc., plus $80 (Business & Finance) + $40 (Contract Administration) + $40 (Project Management) collected by Pearson VUE — $295 total for all three parts. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. (source)
The initial Certified General Contractor license application (DBPR CILB 5-A, effective July 2024) costs $245 when filed May 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027 (it drops to $145 in the following filing window under DBPR's biennial fee schedule). (source)
Applicants need four years of verifiable construction experience (or a combination of related college credit and experience), must be at least 18, pass a fingerprint-based background check, and show financial responsibility with a FICO-derived credit report; if the score is below 660, DBPR requires a Board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course before licensure. (source)
Candidates get unlimited attempts to pass all three exam parts, but must clear them within four years of their first scheduled exam date (Rule 61G4-16.009, F.A.C.). (source)
Certified General Contractor licenses renew every two years and expire August 31 of even-numbered years (the current cycle renewed by August 31, 2026; next expiration August 31, 2028). Renewal requires 14 hours of continuing education (including 1 hour each of workplace safety, business practices, workers' compensation, laws & rules, wind mitigation, and cementitious cladding/stucco/plaster methodologies) plus a $205 renewal fee (+$50 per qualified business). (source)

Last verified: September 24, 2026 against the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) and its examination vendor, Professional Testing, Inc.

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How to Become a General Contractor in Florida

Becoming a general contractor in Florida requires dedication, hard work, and a keen eye for detail. To start your journey, you'll need to meet the state's requirements, which include completing a certain number of years working in the construction industry and passing the necessary exams. It's crucial to gain hands-on experience in various construction projects to hone your skills and knowledge.

Networking with established contractors and industry professionals can also help you make valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities or mentorship. Keep updated on the latest building codes, regulations, and trends in the construction industry to stay ahead of the curve. Remember that becoming a successful general contractor is not just about getting licensed but also about continuously learning and improving your craft to deliver top-notch results for your clients.

What is the Florida General Contractor (FGC) license?	It is a Florida credential that allows qualified contractors to manage and contract for eligible construction work under state rules.
Is the Florida General Contractor exam open-book?	Many contractor exams are based on approved references, so success depends on fast lookups and time management.
What topics are commonly tested in FGC prep?	Expect a mix of scope rules, estimating math, code basics, permitting, and business and law fundamentals.
How should I study for the Florida contractor exam?	Use timed practice, learn where answers live in your books, and drill calculations until they feel automatic.

What is the Florida General Contractor (FGC) license?

It is a Florida credential that allows qualified contractors to manage and contract for eligible construction work under state rules.

Is the Florida General Contractor exam open-book?

Many contractor exams are based on approved references, so success depends on fast lookups and time management.

What topics are commonly tested in FGC prep?

Expect a mix of scope rules, estimating math, code basics, permitting, and business and law fundamentals.

How should I study for the Florida contractor exam?

Use timed practice, learn where answers live in your books, and drill calculations until they feel automatic.

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General Contractor Test Florida - Florida General Contractor study guide

📄Free Florida General Contractor Practice Test PDF

General Contractor In Florida 1 - Florida General Contractor study guide

✅Pros

+Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
+Increases job market competitiveness
+Provides structured learning goals
+Networking opportunities with other certified professionals

❌Cons

−Study materials can be expensive
−Exam anxiety can affect performance
−Requires dedicated preparation time
−Retake fees apply if you don't pass

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros	Cons
Validates your knowledge and skills objectively	Study materials can be expensive
Increases job market competitiveness	Exam anxiety can affect performance
Provides structured learning goals	Requires dedicated preparation time
Networking opportunities with other certified professionals	Retake fees apply if you don't pass

Sample Florida General Contractor Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free Florida General Contractor practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

What is the minimum general liability insurance required to obtain a Florida general contractor certification?
- A. $50,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage
- B. $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage
- C. $300,000 public liability and $100,000 property damage
- D. $500,000 combined single limit

Answer: C. $300,000 public liability and $100,000 property damage

Florida requires $300,000 public liability and $50,000+ property damage; the closest correct combination is $300,000/$100,000.

What does a Florida general contractor license allow, unlike a building contractor license?

A. Only interior remodels
B. Unlimited work including structures of any height
C. Only single-family homes
D. Only commercial roofing

Answer: B. Unlimited work including structures of any height

General contractors may build structures of unlimited height, while building contractors are limited to structures up to three stories.

Which of the following is typically included in a contractor's 'general conditions' costs in a Florida project estimate?

A. Cost of structural steel materials
B. Job-site superintendent salary, temporary facilities, and site safety equipment
C. Subcontractor labor only
D. Design and engineering fees

Answer: B. Job-site superintendent salary, temporary facilities, and site safety equipment

General conditions costs include project-specific overhead like superintendent salary, temporary offices, portable toilets, safety equipment, and site fencing.

How often must a Florida certified general contractor license be renewed?

A. Every 2 years (biennially)
B. Annually
C. Every 5 years
D. Never

Answer: A. Every 2 years (biennially)

Contractor licenses in Florida are renewed on a two-year cycle.

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Florida General Contractor Questions and Answers

About the Author

Tony GarzaASE Master Technician, BS Automotive Technology

ASE Master Technician & Automotive Certification Trainer

Universal Technical Institute

Tony Garza is an ASE Master Technician certified across all eight automotive service areas, with a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology from Universal Technical Institute. He has 22 years of shop experience and 9 years teaching ASE certification prep courses. Tony specializes in engine performance, electrical systems, and transmission diagnostics for certification candidates.