The Complete Florida Contractor License Bond Guide
The Construction Industry Licensing Board at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires some contractor applicants to get a contractor license bond. City and county authorities may also require bonding from contractors.
The bonding criteria guarantee that contractors will comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their operations. This protects the general public and the state.
Questions about Contractor License Bonds in Florida
Who Needs a Florida Contractor License Bond?
On the state level, you’ll have to get bonded if your FICO credit score is below 660. The Construction Industry Licensing Board requires you to provide a bond to prove your financial responsibility.
If you do have to post a bond, the amounts are the following:
- $5,000 for a Division I license upon passing an approved financial responsibility training program
- $10,000 for a Division I license and for a Division II license upon passing an approved financial responsibility training program
- $20,000 for a Division I license
On the local level, you may need a bond to meet your city or county’s licensing requirements. You can find out which local authorities require you to get bonded and in what amounts in the table below.
Want to get started with your bonding process? Just complete our online application form to get a free bond quote.
If you need to obtain surety bonds for bidding on public or private construction projects, don’t miss our detailed contractors bond guide.
What Is the Florida Contractor Bond Cost?
Your bond cost is a small percentage of the bond amount you have to post.
When you apply for your Florida contractor license bond, your surety provider will assess your bond application. It will consider your personal credit score, as well as your personal and business finances, assets and liquidity and professional experience. Your bond price will be lower if your overall finances are in good shape.
You can check a bond cost estimate per license type in the table.
| Your Florida Contractor License Bond Cost per License Type | ||
| License Type | Bond Amount | Starting Price |
| Division I contractor (state level) | $20,000 | $200 |
| Division II contractor (state level) | $10,000 | $100 |
| Division I contractor upon passing an approved financial responsibility training program (state level) | $10,000 | $100 |
| Division II contractor upon passing an approved financial responsibility training program (state level) | $5,000 | $100 |
| Auburndale contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Cape Coral registered contractor | $25,000 | $250 |
| Dundee contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Fort Meade contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Hillsborough County contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Jacksonville sign contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Kissimmee contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Lake Alfred contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Lake County contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Orlando contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Osceola County contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Palm Beach County contractor | $2,000 | $100 |
| Panama City contractor (different types) | $5,000 | $100 |
| Pasco County contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Polk County contractor | $5,000 | $100 |
| Winter Haven contractor | $10,000 | $100 |
For a complete overview of how your Florida contractor license bond price is determined, our How Much Does a Surety Bond Cost? guide is an excellent resource.
Have further questions about your Florida construction bond? Just call our bonding experts at (877)-514-5146.
What Are the Florida Contractors License Requirements?
The requirements you have to meet are different for the various Florida contractor license types. They are set by your state or local authorities.
The requirements of the Construction Industry Licensing Board on the state level include:
- Fill out a Florida contractor license application
- Provide proof of having a minimum of 4 years of experience or a mix between relevant education and experience
- Complete the state exam
- Provide a $300,000 public liability and a $50,000 property damage insurance policy
- Submit a worker’s compensation insurance policy (if necessary)
- Pay licensing and application fees
You can find the full list in our Florida Contractor License Guide.
For the exact criteria on the local level, please consult your city or county licensing body.
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