General Contracting contractors in
Miami, Florida.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Miami. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Florida requires Certified General Contractor (CGC) license for projects over $50,000. Must pass business and finance exam, trade knowledge exam, complete 14 hours continuing education every 2 years. 4 years experience or relevant degree required. License renewed biennially.
Permit Requirements
Miami-Dade County requires permits for most structural work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC. Major renovations need building permits. Hurricane-rated construction requirements. All work must meet Florida Building Code and local amendments.
Inspection Schedule
Typical sequence: foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical), insulation, drywall, final inspection. Hurricane tie-down inspections required. 24-48 hour notice required for inspections.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, surety bond varies by license classification. Many projects require higher coverage limits.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Experience Requirements
Document 4 years of construction experience or obtain relevant 4-year degree. Experience must be verifiable through employment records, tax returns, or sworn affidavits from previous employers or clients.
Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Complete required pre-licensing education if you don't have a construction-related degree. This varies by background but ensures you meet knowledge requirements before examination.
Submit Application
Complete Form DBPR CGC-1 application with $479 fee. Include all required documentation: experience verification, education transcripts, financial statements, and character references.
Pass Required Examinations
Take and pass both business and finance exam and trade knowledge exam. Examinations cost approximately $300 total. You have 2 years from application approval to pass both exams.
Obtain Insurance and Bond
Secure required general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage. Obtain surety bond in amount determined by your license classification and financial qualifications.
Receive License
Once all requirements are met and fees paid, DBPR issues your CGC license. License is valid for 2 years and requires 14 hours continuing education for renewal.
About This Market
Miami's general contracting market runs hot year-round, driven by constant hurricane recovery work, luxury condo renovations, and snowbird seasonal projects. With approximately 4,126 licensed establishments statewide, competition is fierce but demand stays strong. Hurricane-rated construction requirements, salt air corrosion, and high-end client expectations drive costs up. Concrete block construction dominates, and you better know your way around hurricane codes. Getting your CGC license in Florida isn't a weekend project - expect 4 years experience minimum and some serious studying for those state exams. Miami-Dade has its own building amendments that are stricter than state code, so learn them cold. Peak season runs October through April when snowbirds want their work done and hurricane season's over. Keep your insurance current, pull permits for everything, and build relationships with inspectors because you'll see them constantly. Cash flow management is critical - material costs swing wildly, and change orders are the norm with high-end clients.
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau
- Licensing requirements and feesFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Insurance minimumsFlorida Statutes and Miami-Dade County requirements
- Cost rangesMarket estimates based on local contractor pricing
- Permit requirementsMiami-Dade County Building Department
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a general contractor license cost in Florida?
Initial CGC license application fee is $479 plus examination fees of approximately $300. Biennial renewal is $219. Additional costs include continuing education (14 hours every 2 years) and surety bond requirements based on license classification.
What's the difference between a CBC and CGC license in Florida?
Certified Building Contractor (CBC) is limited to residential construction under 3 stories. Certified General Contractor (CGC) has no restrictions and can work on any project size or type, including commercial and high-rise construction.
Do I need a contractor license for small jobs in Miami?
Projects under $1,000 don't require licensing, but anything over requires appropriate licensing. Jobs between $1,000-$50,000 may use other license classifications, but CGC covers all project sizes and is most versatile for general contractors.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Florida?
Minimum 4 years verifiable experience required before you can even apply. Once eligible, allow 2-3 months for application processing after passing required examinations, assuming all documentation is complete.
What insurance is required for general contractors in Miami?
Florida requires general liability insurance minimum $300,000 and workers compensation if you have employees. Miami-Dade County and many clients require higher limits, often $1-2 million general liability. Surety bonds are also required based on license classification.
General Contracting contractors in Miami
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