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Florida General Contractor License Renewal: Deadlines, Fees and CE

Florida has 4 General contractor license classes. Most renew every 2 years. The renewal fee is about $205. Fees change, so check the official site for the exact amount. Continuing education is 14 hours. The details for each class are below.

Full rule details
Verified dataLast checked Oct 17, 2026, next review due July 2027

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

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Certified Building Contractor

CBC · State license · Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (850) 487-1395
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
14 hours
Show CE rules14 hours per 2-year cycle: 1 hr each of specialized/advanced Florida Building Code module, workplace safety, business practices, workers' compensation, laws and rules; remaining hours any board-approved construction-related topic. General/Building/Residential also require 1 hr wind mitigation methodologies and 1 hr cementitious cladding/stucco/plastering/lath. Courses must come from a CILB-approved provider; providers report completions electronically to DBPR (within 30 days of completion or before renewal date, whichever is sooner). Licensee cannot renew without CE posted. First renewal: none if licensed <12 months before the deadline; 7 hours if licensed 12-24 months. Inactive licenses owe no CE, but reactivation requires 14 hours for the cycle preceding reactivation (Rule 61G4-18.001).
Deadline rule
Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period: license is delinquent the day after Aug 31 and may not be used for contracting until renewed/reactivated (s. 489.116). Delinquent status lasts through the next licensure cycle.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $205
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 delinquency fee added to the renewal fee (Rule 61G4-12.009(11); s. 455.271(7), F.S.). Renewing after the deadline costs about $25 more than on time (for example, an individual active renewal goes from about $205 to $230).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Delinquent licenses can be renewed (active or inactive) with the late fee until the end of the following 2-year cycle; if not, the license becomes null and void and the person must reapply as a new applicant (certified: retake exam; s. 489.116(4)-(5)). DBPR may reinstate a null-and-void license at its discretion for illness or economic hardship (s. 455.271(6)(b)); reinstatement application fee about $100 per Rule 61G4-12.009(14). Inactive-to-active requires 14 CE hours for the preceding cycle plus reactivation fee (FAQ states about $250 outside a renewal period).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Public liability and property damage insurance required while active (attested by affidavit at renewal; random audits, certificate holder = DBPR/CILB). Minimum $300,000 liability / $50,000 property damage for General and Building contractors (Rule 61G4-15.003). Workers' compensation coverage or exemption required (ch. 440). No statewide surety bond required to hold the license. Only a designated Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) must post a $100,000 bond/irrevocable letter of credit (per DBPR FAQ); applicants with FICO <660 must complete a 14-hour financial responsibility course or post bond/net-worth alternatives at initial licensing only.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity: CILB lists reciprocal agreements for General, Building and Residential licenses with Louisiana, North Carolina and Mississippi. Endorsement available (s. 489.115(3)) if the out-of-state exam is substantially equivalent (NASCLA Commercial General Building exam accepted with Florida business & finance and building-code exams, Rule 61G4-15.004) or applicant held a license 10+ years. Georgia and Alabama and South Carolina are not on the CILB reciprocity list.
Notes

Fee: $205 individual renewal ($200 per Rule 61G4-12.009(3)(a) + $5 unlicensed-activity fee) plus $50 per qualified business entity (so $255 with one business). Inactive renewal fee is lower ($50 per rule). DBPR sometimes applies a one-time fee reduction to a renewal cycle (50% in 2024 for certified and 2025 for registered licenses), so confirm the amount on the online renewal screen. Scope limited to commercial buildings and single/multiple-dwelling residential buildings not exceeding three stories (plus non-structural remodeling of any size building).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (13)

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Certified General Contractor

CGC · State license · Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (850) 487-1395
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
14 hours
Show CE rules14 hours per 2-year cycle: 1 hr each of specialized/advanced Florida Building Code module, workplace safety, business practices, workers' compensation, laws and rules; remaining hours any board-approved construction-related topic. General/Building/Residential also require 1 hr wind mitigation methodologies and 1 hr cementitious cladding/stucco/plastering/lath. Courses must come from a CILB-approved provider; providers report completions electronically to DBPR (within 30 days of completion or before renewal date, whichever is sooner). Licensee cannot renew without CE posted. First renewal: none if licensed <12 months before the deadline; 7 hours if licensed 12-24 months. Inactive licenses owe no CE, but reactivation requires 14 hours for the cycle preceding reactivation (Rule 61G4-18.001).
Deadline rule
Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period: license is delinquent the day after Aug 31 and may not be used for contracting until renewed/reactivated (s. 489.116). Delinquent status lasts through the next licensure cycle.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $205
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 delinquency fee added to the renewal fee (Rule 61G4-12.009(11); s. 455.271(7), F.S.). Renewing after the deadline costs about $25 more than on time (for example, an individual active renewal goes from about $205 to $230).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Delinquent licenses can be renewed (active or inactive) with the late fee until the end of the following 2-year cycle; if not, the license becomes null and void and the person must reapply as a new applicant (certified: retake exam; s. 489.116(4)-(5)). DBPR may reinstate a null-and-void license at its discretion for illness or economic hardship (s. 455.271(6)(b)); reinstatement application fee about $100 per Rule 61G4-12.009(14). Inactive-to-active requires 14 CE hours for the preceding cycle plus reactivation fee (FAQ states about $250 outside a renewal period).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Public liability and property damage insurance required while active (attested by affidavit at renewal; random audits, certificate holder = DBPR/CILB). Minimum $300,000 liability / $50,000 property damage for General and Building contractors (Rule 61G4-15.003). Workers' compensation coverage or exemption required (ch. 440). No statewide surety bond required to hold the license. Only a designated Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) must post a $100,000 bond/irrevocable letter of credit (per DBPR FAQ); applicants with FICO <660 must complete a 14-hour financial responsibility course or post bond/net-worth alternatives at initial licensing only.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity: CILB lists reciprocal agreements for General, Building and Residential licenses with Louisiana, North Carolina and Mississippi. Endorsement available (s. 489.115(3)) if the out-of-state exam is substantially equivalent (NASCLA Commercial General Building exam accepted with Florida business & finance and building-code exams, Rule 61G4-15.004) or applicant held a license 10+ years. Georgia and Alabama and South Carolina are not on the CILB reciprocity list.
Notes

Fee: $205 individual renewal ($200 per Rule 61G4-12.009(3)(a) + $5 unlicensed-activity fee) plus $50 per qualified business entity (so $255 with one business). Inactive renewal fee is lower ($50 per rule). DBPR sometimes applies a one-time fee reduction to a renewal cycle (50% in 2024 for certified and 2025 for registered licenses), so confirm the amount on the online renewal screen. Unlimited scope (commercial and residential). General, Building, Residential and Specialty Structure licensees must also take 1 hr of cementitious cladding/stucco topic within the 14 hours (Rule 61G4-18.001(2)(h)).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (13)

Certified Residential Contractor

CRC · State license · Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (850) 487-1395
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
14 hours
Show CE rules14 hours per 2-year cycle: 1 hr each of specialized/advanced Florida Building Code module, workplace safety, business practices, workers' compensation, laws and rules; remaining hours any board-approved construction-related topic. General/Building/Residential also require 1 hr wind mitigation methodologies and 1 hr cementitious cladding/stucco/plastering/lath. Courses must come from a CILB-approved provider; providers report completions electronically to DBPR (within 30 days of completion or before renewal date, whichever is sooner). Licensee cannot renew without CE posted. First renewal: none if licensed <12 months before the deadline; 7 hours if licensed 12-24 months. Inactive licenses owe no CE, but reactivation requires 14 hours for the cycle preceding reactivation (Rule 61G4-18.001).
Deadline rule
Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period: license is delinquent the day after Aug 31 and may not be used for contracting until renewed/reactivated (s. 489.116). Delinquent status lasts through the next licensure cycle.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $205
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 delinquency fee added to the renewal fee (Rule 61G4-12.009(11); s. 455.271(7), F.S.). Renewing after the deadline costs about $25 more than on time (for example, an individual active renewal goes from about $205 to $230).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Delinquent licenses can be renewed (active or inactive) with the late fee until the end of the following 2-year cycle; if not, the license becomes null and void and the person must reapply as a new applicant (certified: retake exam; s. 489.116(4)-(5)). DBPR may reinstate a null-and-void license at its discretion for illness or economic hardship (s. 455.271(6)(b)); reinstatement application fee about $100 per Rule 61G4-12.009(14). Inactive-to-active requires 14 CE hours for the preceding cycle plus reactivation fee (FAQ states about $250 outside a renewal period).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Public liability and property damage insurance required while active (attested by affidavit at renewal; random audits, certificate holder = DBPR/CILB). Minimum $100,000 liability / $25,000 property damage for Residential contractors (Rule 61G4-15.003). Workers' compensation coverage or exemption required (ch. 440). No statewide surety bond required to hold the license. Only a designated Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) must post a $100,000 bond/irrevocable letter of credit (per DBPR FAQ); applicants with FICO <660 must complete a 14-hour financial responsibility course or post bond/net-worth alternatives at initial licensing only.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity: CILB lists reciprocal agreements for General, Building and Residential licenses with Louisiana, North Carolina and Mississippi. Endorsement available (s. 489.115(3)) if the out-of-state exam is substantially equivalent (NASCLA Commercial General Building exam accepted with Florida business & finance and building-code exams, Rule 61G4-15.004) or applicant held a license 10+ years. Georgia and Alabama and South Carolina are not on the CILB reciprocity list.
Notes

Fee: $205 individual renewal ($200 per Rule 61G4-12.009(3)(a) + $5 unlicensed-activity fee) plus $50 per qualified business entity (so $255 with one business). Inactive renewal fee is lower ($50 per rule). DBPR sometimes applies a one-time fee reduction to a renewal cycle (50% in 2024 for certified and 2025 for registered licenses), so confirm the amount on the online renewal screen. Limited to one-, two- or three-family residences and accessory structures.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (13)

Registered General Contractor (also Registered Building RB / Residential RR)

RG · State license · Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (850) 487-1395
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
14 hours
Show CE rules14 hours per 2-year cycle: 1 hr each of specialized/advanced Florida Building Code module, workplace safety, business practices, workers' compensation, laws and rules; remaining hours any board-approved construction-related topic. General/Building/Residential also require 1 hr wind mitigation methodologies and 1 hr cementitious cladding/stucco/plastering/lath. Courses must come from a CILB-approved provider; providers report completions electronically to DBPR (within 30 days of completion or before renewal date, whichever is sooner). Licensee cannot renew without CE posted. First renewal: none if licensed <12 months before the deadline; 7 hours if licensed 12-24 months. Inactive licenses owe no CE, but reactivation requires 14 hours for the cycle preceding reactivation (Rule 61G4-18.001).
Deadline rule
Expires August 31 of every odd-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2027). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2025 deadline was extended to Sep 2). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period: license is delinquent the day after Aug 31 and may not be used for contracting until renewed/reactivated (s. 489.116). Delinquent status lasts through the next licensure cycle.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $205
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 delinquency fee added to the renewal fee (Rule 61G4-12.009(11); s. 455.271(7), F.S.). Renewing after the deadline costs about $25 more than on time (for example, an individual active renewal goes from about $205 to $230).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Delinquent licenses can be renewed (active or inactive) with the late fee until the end of the following 2-year cycle; if not, the license becomes null and void and the person must reapply as a new applicant (certified: retake exam; s. 489.116(4)-(5)). DBPR may reinstate a null-and-void license at its discretion for illness or economic hardship (s. 455.271(6)(b)); reinstatement application fee about $100 per Rule 61G4-12.009(14). Inactive-to-active requires 14 CE hours for the preceding cycle plus reactivation fee (FAQ states about $250 outside a renewal period).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Public liability and property damage insurance required while active (attested by affidavit at renewal; random audits, certificate holder = DBPR/CILB). Minimum $300,000 liability / $50,000 property damage for General and Building contractors (Rule 61G4-15.003). Workers' compensation coverage or exemption required (ch. 440). No statewide surety bond required to hold the license. Only a designated Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) must post a $100,000 bond/irrevocable letter of credit (per DBPR FAQ); applicants with FICO <660 must complete a 14-hour financial responsibility course or post bond/net-worth alternatives at initial licensing only.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity: CILB lists reciprocal agreements for General, Building and Residential licenses with Louisiana, North Carolina and Mississippi. Endorsement available (s. 489.115(3)) if the out-of-state exam is substantially equivalent (NASCLA Commercial General Building exam accepted with Florida business & finance and building-code exams, Rule 61G4-15.004) or applicant held a license 10+ years. Georgia and Alabama and South Carolina are not on the CILB reciprocity list.
Notes

Fee: $205 individual renewal ($200 per Rule 61G4-12.009(3)(a) + $5 unlicensed-activity fee) plus $50 per qualified business entity (so $255 with one business). Inactive renewal fee is lower ($50 per rule). DBPR sometimes applies a one-time fee reduction to a renewal cycle (50% in 2024 for certified and 2025 for registered licenses), so confirm the amount on the online renewal screen. Registered with the state on the basis of a local license; RB and RR share the same dates/fees; RR insurance minimum is $100,000/$25,000. Registered licenses are tied to a local jurisdiction's competency license; the registrant must keep the local license/renewal current (local renewal dates are not synchronized with DBPR's Aug 31 odd-year deadline) and may work only where locally licensed. s. 489.117 limits new registrations.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (14)

The hours, required topics, approved providers and reporting rules for each license are on the Florida General contractor continuing education page.

How to renew

  1. 1Check your Certified Building Contractor deadline: Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).
  2. 2Complete 14 continuing education hours before renewing. 14 hours per 2-year cycle: 1 hr each of specialized/advanced Florida Building Code module, workplace safety, business practices, workers' compensation, laws and rules; remaining hours any board-approved construction-related topic. General/Building/Residential also require 1 hr wind mitigation methodologies and 1 hr cementitious cladding/stucco/plastering/lath. Courses must come from a CILB-approved provider; providers report completions electronically to DBPR (within 30 days of completion or before renewal date, whichever is sooner). Licensee cannot renew without CE posted. First renewal: none if licensed <12 months before the deadline; 7 hours if licensed 12-24 months. Inactive licenses owe no CE, but reactivation requires 14 hours for the cycle preceding reactivation (Rule 61G4-18.001).
  3. 3Confirm your insurance meet the board requirements and are not expiring.
  4. 4Renew online at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/datamart/loginFLDBPR.do
  5. 5Pay the renewal fee on the official site. Expect about $205, but fees change.
  6. 6If you miss the deadline: About $25 delinquency fee added to the renewal fee (Rule 61G4-12.009(11); s. 455.271(7), F.S.). Renewing after the deadline costs about $25 more than on time (for example, an individual active renewal goes from about $205 to $230).
  7. 7Check your Certified General Contractor deadline: Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).
  8. 8Check your Certified Residential Contractor deadline: Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).
  9. 9Check your Registered General Contractor (also Registered Building RB / Residential RR) deadline: Expires August 31 of every odd-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2027). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2025 deadline was extended to Sep 2). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email).

Florida General contractor renewal questions

Answers come from the records above. Informational: verify with the issuing board.

When does a Florida general contractor license expire?

Certified Building Contractor: renews every 2 years. Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email). Certified General Contractor: renews every 2 years. Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email). Certified Residential Contractor: renews every 2 years. Expires August 31 of every even-numbered year (next: Aug 31, 2028; the Aug 31, 2026 deadline has passed). DBPR extends the deadline to the next business day when Aug 31 falls on a weekend/holiday (e.g., 2024 deadline was extended to Sep 3). Renewal window opens 90-120 days before expiration (notice by email). Check with Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR before you rely on it.

How many CE hours does a Florida general contractor license need?

Certified Building Contractor: 14 hours per renewal. Certified General Contractor: 14 hours per renewal. Certified Residential Contractor: 14 hours per renewal. Check with Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR before you rely on it.

Is there a grace period for a Florida general contractor license?

No grace period: license is delinquent the day after Aug 31 and may not be used for contracting until renewed/reactivated (s. 489.116). Delinquent status lasts through the next licensure cycle. Check with Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR before you rely on it.

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

Certified Building Contractor: About $205. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

What happens if a Florida general contractor license expires?

About $25 delinquency fee added to the renewal fee (Rule 61G4-12.009(11); s. 455.271(7), F.S.). Renewing after the deadline costs about $25 more than on time (for example, an individual active renewal goes from about $205 to $230). Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Does Florida accept general contractor licenses from other states?

Reciprocity: CILB lists reciprocal agreements for General, Building and Residential licenses with Louisiana, North Carolina and Mississippi. Endorsement available (s. 489.115(3)) if the out-of-state exam is substantially equivalent (NASCLA Commercial General Building exam accepted with Florida business & finance and building-code exams, Rule 61G4-15.004) or applicant held a license 10+ years. Georgia and Alabama and South Carolina are not on the CILB reciprocity list. Check with Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), DBPR before you rely on it.

Sources

Spot something out of date?

Informational only. Check it with the issuing board. Licensing rules, deadlines and CE requirements change, fee amounts are approximate, and this page can be out of date. It is not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any state board. Read the disclaimer.

This information is here to help you plan, not to replace the board. Fee amounts are approximate and may be out of date. Deadlines and continuing education rules change too, sometimes without much notice. Always confirm with your licensing board and its official site before you rely on a date or an amount. This is not legal advice.

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