Florida CGC Classification At A Glance
What Can a Florida CGC (General Contractor) Do?
Unlimited construction, remodeling, repair, and improvement of any commercial, industrial, or residential structure with zero height, story, or square footage restrictions. CGC license holders can act as prime general contractor on skyscrapers, hospitals, public infrastructure, multi-family high-rises, and custom residential estates.
Subcontracting & Trade Scope
Can self-perform structural work and subcontract all licensed specialty trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing).
Need a Florida CGC Qualifier Immediately?
Obtaining a Florida CGC license by testing can take 9 to 18 months between application review, study time, Pearson VUE exam dates, and DBPR board hearings.
IQS places pre-vetted, licensed Florida CGC Qualifiers with your entity as a Primary Qualifying Agent (PQA) or Secondary Qualifying Agent (SQA), allowing your company to pull permits and sign contracts immediately.
Florida CGC License Requirements & Exam Prerequisites
Verifiable Experience Required
- 4 years of verifiable commercial/industrial field experience or equivalent accredited college degree + 1 year experience as a foreman.
- At least 1 year of experience on habitable structures of 4+ stories (including foundations/slabs, structural framing, concrete columns/beams, masonry, and steel erection).
- W-2 or comprehensive qualifying agent project documentation signed by a licensed CGC.
Required Examinations
- Florida Business & Finance Computer-Based Exam (Pearson VUE)
- Contract Administration Paper or CBT Exam
- Project Management Paper or CBT Exam
Credit report with credit score of 660+ (or FSLi financial stability bond of $20,000/$10,000 depending on division). Minimum net worth documentation.
How Florida CGC Compares to Other Licenses
CGC vs. CBC (Certified Building Contractor)
- CGC has zero height or story limits; CBC is restricted to commercial buildings up to 3 stories.
- CGC qualifiers can pull permits on major civil, high-rise, industrial, and infrastructure builds.
- CGC exam requires testing on 4+ story steel and concrete structural frameworks.
CGC vs. CRC (Certified Residential Contractor)
- CGC permits unlimited commercial & residential projects; CRC is strictly limited to 1, 2, or 3-family residences not exceeding 3 stories.
- CRC cannot perform or pull permits on commercial offices, retail plazas, or industrial facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida CGC License
What does a Florida CGC license allow you to do?
Unlimited construction, remodeling, repair, and improvement of any commercial, industrial, or residential structure with zero height, story, or square footage restrictions. CGC license holders can act as prime general contractor on skyscrapers, hospitals, public infrastructure, multi-family high-rises, and custom residential estates.
Can my business hire a CGC qualifying agent in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida Statute Chapter 489, an entity may hire an individual holding an active Certified General Contractor license as a Primary or Secondary Qualifying Agent. The qualifying agent provides the supervisory framework and license credentials necessary for your company to pull permits legally.
How much does a Florida CGC qualifier cost?
Compensation typically consists of a monthly retainer plus a modest project/permit fee structure, structured cleanly under a compliant W-2 or qualifying agreement. Contact IQS for current market rates tailored to your volume.
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