How to Get Your Certified Electrical Contractor License in Florida
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for Florida. Last verified: February 2026.
Important Note
Florida does not have a statewide Journeyman Electrician license. The state licenses Certified Electrical Contractors (statewide) and Registered Electrical Contractors (local/county). Several large counties — including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Orange — issue their own local journeyman electrician licenses. This page covers the Florida Certified Electrical Contractor path, which is the statewide credential for licensed electrical work.
Major Local Licensing Jurisdictions
What You Still Need — Regardless of Jurisdiction
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training (required on most commercial and union job sites)
- ✓Florida Certified Electrical Contractor License (EC) — issued by DBPR ECLB (required to operate an electrical business)
- ✓Workers' Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance (required for licensed contractors)
Quick Facts
Hours Required
4+ years electrical experience [VERIFY]
Exam
Florida Certified Electrical Contractor Examination
Fee Range
$209–$400 total [VERIFY]
Governing Body
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB)
Requirements
Florida licenses Electrical Contractors at two levels: Certified (valid statewide) and Registered (valid only in the local jurisdiction that issued it). To obtain a Certified Electrical Contractor license, applicants must document at least 4 years of electrical experience with a minimum 3 years in a supervisory capacity, demonstrate financial responsibility, carry workers' compensation and general liability insurance, and pass the Florida ECLB examination administered by Pearson VUE. Note: Florida does not maintain a statewide Journeyman Electrician license — if you are seeking a journeyman-level credential, contact your county or city building department, as Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and other counties issue local journeyman licenses. [VERIFY current experience requirements at myfloridalicense.com]
Steps to Apply
- 1
Accumulate at least 4 years of electrical experience with a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or project management role. [VERIFY current experience requirements]
- 2
Obtain the required insurance: workers' compensation (or exemption) and general liability coverage meeting DBPR minimums.
- 3
Gather documentation: experience verification letters, financial statements, and insurance certificates.
- 4
Submit the Certified Electrical Contractor application to Florida DBPR with the $209 application fee and all supporting documents.
- 5
Pass the Florida Certified Electrical Contractor exam through Pearson VUE (covers NEC, Florida Building Code, and business/finance).
- 6
Once approved by the ECLB, your Certified Electrical Contractor license is valid statewide. Renew biennially.
Exam Details
The Florida Certified Electrical Contractor exam is administered by Pearson VUE and covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), Florida Building Code (Electrical volume), electrical theory, and business and finance. The exam has multiple parts including a trade knowledge component and a business and finance component. Both parts must be passed. [VERIFY current exam format and passing scores at myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/elec/]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: $209–$400 total [VERIFY]
DBPR application fee: approximately $209. Pearson VUE exam fees: varies by exam portion. Background check and financial statement: additional costs may apply. Insurance requirements (workers' comp and general liability) are ongoing costs. Estimated initial total: $209–$400. [VERIFY current fees at myfloridalicense.com]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have a statewide Journeyman Electrician license?
No. Florida does not have a statewide Journeyman Electrician license. The state licenses Certified Electrical Contractors. Some counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange) issue local journeyman licenses — contact your county building department for local requirements.
What is the difference between a Florida Certified and Registered Electrical Contractor?
A Certified Electrical Contractor holds a statewide license valid throughout Florida, issued by the DBPR ECLB. A Registered Electrical Contractor holds a locally issued license valid only in the jurisdiction that issued it. Certified is the higher and more broadly recognized credential.
What exam do I need to pass for a Florida Electrical Contractor license?
The Florida Certified Electrical Contractor exam is administered by Pearson VUE and covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), Florida Building Code electrical provisions, and business/finance. Both the trade and business portions must be passed. [VERIFY at myfloridalicense.com]
How long is the Florida Certified Electrical Contractor license valid?
The license must be renewed biennially (every 2 years). Continuing education is required at each renewal. [VERIFY current CE requirements at myfloridalicense.com]
Why doesn't Florida have a statewide Journeyman Electrician license?
Florida's electrical licensing model is structured around the contractor (business) level. The state licenses Certified Electrical Contractors, and all electrical work must be performed under a licensed contractor. Several large counties fill the journeyman gap by issuing their own local licenses.
How do I find a local journeyman electrician license in Florida?
Contact the building or licensing department for your specific county. Major programs: Miami-Dade County Building Department, Broward County Licensing Section, Palm Beach County Building Division, Orange County Building Division. Your local IBEW hall can also guide you to the correct local licensing program.
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