General Contracting contractors in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Fort Lauderdale. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Florida requires a Class A or Class B General Contractor license. Class A allows unlimited dollar amounts, Class B limited to $200,000 per project. Requires 4 years verifiable experience, passing a 2-part exam (business/finance and trade knowledge), and $7,500 bond minimum. License renewal every 2 years with 14 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Fort Lauderdale requires permits for most general contracting work through the Building Department. Residential projects over $1,000 and all commercial work requires permits. Plan review typically takes 10-15 business days. Special hurricane code requirements apply.
Inspection Schedule
Typical inspections include: footing/foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, insulation, drywall, and final. Schedule 24-48 hours in advance through Fort Lauderdale Building Department.
Insurance Minimums
Florida requires general liability insurance minimum $300,000 per occurrence for licensed contractors. Workers' compensation required if employing others. Many projects require $1M+ coverage. Surety bond required based on license classification.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of verifiable construction experience as a foreman, supervisor, contractor, or in a responsible management position. Gather employment records, tax returns, and reference letters from employers or clients.
Submit application
Complete Form DBPR CG-3 General Contractor Application with all supporting documentation including experience verification, references, and financial statements. Pay application fee of approximately $300.
Schedule and pass examinations
Register for the two-part Florida General Contractor exam through Pearson VUE. Pass both Business & Finance (Part 1) and Trade Knowledge (Part 2) sections with 70% or higher. Each exam costs $60.
Obtain surety bond
Purchase required surety bond minimum $7,500 (amounts vary by license classification) from an approved surety company. Bond must be filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Secure insurance coverage
Obtain general liability insurance minimum $300,000 per occurrence and workers' compensation if employing others. Provide certificates of insurance as part of licensing requirements.
Complete final registration
Submit all required documents, bond, and insurance certificates to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Pay final licensing fees and await license approval and issuance.
About This Market
Fort Lauderdale's general contracting market runs hot year-round, driven by constant hurricane repairs, aging housing stock from the 80s-90s boom, and wealthy retirees upgrading waterfront properties. Competition is fierce among 4,126 licensed establishments statewide, with costs inflated by hurricane-resistant building codes, labor shortages, and premium materials for coastal construction. Hurricane season creates feast-or-famine cycles, and insurance restoration work can dominate schedules for months after major storms. Getting licensed in Florida is no joke — you need four years of verifiable experience and must pass a tough two-part exam that trips up plenty of experienced contractors. The state takes contractor licensing seriously, so don't try to cut corners on documentation. Fort Lauderdale building codes are stricter than inland areas due to hurricane requirements, and inspectors know their stuff. Peak season runs October through May when snowbirds return and weather cooperates, so plan your schedule accordingly. Keep your insurance current and bond in good standing — the state will shut you down fast for lapses.
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau
- Licensing requirements and feesFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Insurance minimumsFlorida Statutes Chapter 489
- Permit requirementsFort Lauderdale Building Department
- Cost estimatesLocal market analysis and contractor estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a general contractor license cost in Florida?
Initial licensing fees are approximately $300-500 plus exam fees of $60 per section. You'll also need a surety bond starting at $7,500 and liability insurance. Total upfront costs typically range $2,000-4,000 including insurance and bonding requirements per Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Florida?
The application process takes 6-12 weeks after passing exams, assuming you have the required 4 years of experience documented. Exam scheduling can add 4-6 weeks. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation processes complete applications within 30-45 days.
What insurance do general contractors need in Fort Lauderdale?
Florida law requires minimum $300,000 general liability coverage. Most projects and municipalities require $1M coverage. Workers' compensation is mandatory if you have employees. Many waterfront and high-end projects in Fort Lauderdale require $2M+ coverage according to local building department requirements.
Do I need permits for small renovation projects in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale requires permits for most work over $1,000 including electrical, plumbing, and structural changes. Even cosmetic work may need permits if it involves moving walls or updating systems. Contact Fort Lauderdale Building Department at 954-828-5200 to verify requirements.
What's the average cost of a kitchen renovation in Fort Lauderdale?
Kitchen renovations in Fort Lauderdale typically cost $25,000-85,000 depending on size and finishes. High-end waterfront properties often exceed $100,000. Costs are 15-20% higher than state average due to hurricane-resistant requirements and premium coastal market pricing, based on local contractor estimates.
General Contracting contractors in Fort Lauderdale
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