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Florida · General Contractors · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Florida General Contractor License

Florida general contractors must complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) rule on September 6, 2026.

CE hours
14 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
August 31, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Florida general contractors holding a license in one of these classes: Standard 14-hr biennial CE (Certified General Contractor, renews Aug 31 even years), certificateholders and registrants (Chapter 489, Part I contractors), Regular biennial continuing education for construction contractors. Requirements are set by Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

When to renew

Florida general contractors licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is August 31, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (Fla. Admin. Code 61G4-18.001 (CILB continuing education rule))

The continuing education Florida requires

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires 14 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Florida Building Code Advanced Module — at least 1 hour
  • Workplace safety — at least 1 hour
  • Business practices — at least 1 hour
  • Workers' compensation — at least 1 hour
  • Laws and rules — at least 1 hour
  • Wind mitigation methodology — at least 1 hour
  • General credits — at least 8 hours
  • Cementitious cladding, stucco, plastering and lath — at least 1 hour

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Florida sets general contractors requirements by license class (Standard 14-hr biennial CE (Certified General Contractor, renews Aug 31 even years), certificateholders and registrants (Chapter 489, Part I contractors), Regular biennial continuing education for construction contractors). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is August 31, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires 14 hours every 2 years, including Florida Building Code Advanced Module, Workplace safety, Business practices, Workers' compensation and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Florida general contractors course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Florida, you keep your certificate and attest to completion when you renew; the board may audit.

  5. 5

    Renew with Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Online courses for Florida general contractors

Florida general contractor renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Florida general contractors need?
Florida general contractors must complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Which license classes does the Florida general contractors CE requirement apply to?
The 14 hours requirement applies to: Standard 14-hr biennial CE (Certified General Contractor, renews Aug 31 even years), certificateholders and registrants (Chapter 489, Part I contractors), Regular biennial continuing education for construction contractors.
What topics are required for Florida general contractors continuing education?
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires coverage of: Florida Building Code Advanced Module (1 hour); Workplace safety (1 hour); Business practices (1 hour); Workers' compensation (1 hour); Laws and rules (1 hour); Wind mitigation methodology (1 hour); General credits (8 hours); Cementitious cladding, stucco, plastering and lath (1 hour).
Can Florida general contractors complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Florida requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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