Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Florida
Roofing, FL
Table of Contents
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work.
Florida has more roofers than any state in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 154,500 roofers nationwide according to the BLS and Florida employs 25,190 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Florida, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is much higher at 16% for roofers.
» Want to grow your Roofing business? Click here to get a demo.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Roofing License Requirements in Florida
The state of Florida requires a license for roofing work. Licenses are issued through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Specifically, the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) regulates the construction industry and issues construction licenses. It offers two designations for all contractors, according to the state website, and they are defined this way:
A “certified contractor” means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “C.”
A “registered contractor” means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “R”.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Florida
There are both CC and RC designations for “Roofing Contractors” in Florida.
The CC roofing contractor license requires those seeking this designation of licensure as a CERTIFIED contractor to first take and pass a state certification examination. Applicants are required to have four years of experience or a combination of education and experience.
The RC roofing contractor license allows applicants to skip the state certification examination, but they must show proof of possessing a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority instead.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Florida
The steps to getting either of the two types of roofing contractor licenses are similar. The only differences are in the beginning when you will either get a local license and then apply for an RC or take and pass a state certification examination and apply for a CC.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
For a CC license applicants must acquire necessary experience to qualify to sit for the state certification examination or RC license applicants must meet requirements for licensure in local jurisdiction(s) where you intend to perform roofing work.
Pass examination — state or local level.
Apply for CC or RC.
Must provide fingerprints and submit to a criminal background check.
Provide proof of financial stability and responsibility, including a FICO derived credit score.
Obtain public liability and property damage insurance and workers’ compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from workers’ compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of license. Pay application fee.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Florida
There are many benefits to getting a roofing contractor license in Florida.
First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a license. A license is required under Florida law.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
Only licensed roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Florida?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $47,030 for those in Florida. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Florida is $20.53 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year.
Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing contractor in Florida as $85,593 annually.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Florida?
Getting started in the roofing field in Florida is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. If you choose to get a certified contractor license through the state, you’ll need to meet the experience threshold for licensing. A degree in a related construction field can count toward that experience requirement. Then you will need to take and pass the state certification examination. The Florida DBPR pre-paid voucher for the roofing exam through Pearson Vue is $80 and can be purchased through the Pearson Vue website.
A new law cut initial licensure fees by 50% for Fiscal Years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.
The total amount to be submitted for application has been reduced:
from $245 to $145 if you are applying between May 1 of an even year through Aug. 31 of an odd year.
from $145 to $95 if you are applying between Sept. 1 of an odd year through April 30 of an even year.
There is also a fee for the fingerprinting that is part of the criminal background check of the application process. Applicants can select the provider for that service but may choose to use the fingerprinting service offered through DBPR for a fee of $37.25.
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so will only affect you if you decide to open your own business.
How to Get a Roofing License in Florida
To get a roofing license in Florida, you will first need to be at least 18 years old and decide what type of license you want to pursue. If you choose to get the Registered Roofing Contractor license, you will need to satisfy the local licensing requirements in the jurisdictions where you intend to perform roofing work. You must provide proof that you possess a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority before applying for the RC.
Experience/Education
If you choose to pursue a Certified Roofing Contractor license, you must first meet one of the following experience/education requirements:
Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years of experience) and one year of proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
One year experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
Two years of experience as a worker, one year of experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
Four years of experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
Military Veterans
Military veterans will qualify for a certified license by meeting one of the following:
Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
One year of military service, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
Examination
After completing one of these paths to acquiring the required work experience through education, on-the-job training, or a combination, you must take the state certification exam and receive a passing score. DBPR has contracted with Professional Testing Inc. to register candidates, develop, and score professional examinations for the Construction Industry Licensing Board. You will need to apply directly with Professional Testing Inc.; after you’ve been approved, you may schedule with Pearson Vue.
Background Check/Fingerprints
Whether you are applying for a CC or an RC license, you must have a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit your fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Financial/Credit
You will need to submit proof of financial responsibility and stability by submitting a personal credit report as well as meeting other requirements. Acceptable credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state, and federal records have been searched. The state provides a list of agencies that provide Board-approved credit reports.
Insurance
The Construction Industry Licensing Board requires applicants to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance. You are also required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from workers’ compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of your license.
Fee
When applying, you must pay the required fee as provided in the application and referenced above. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. You can find out more by visiting the DBPR Military Services page.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Florida?
To meet the experience requirements for a state Certified Roofing Contractor license, it will take at least four years.
Florida Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout the Sunshine State that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Broward College | Fort Lauderdale AS Building Construction Technology — 2 years AS Applied Technology Management - Construction — 2 years Certificate Building Construction Specialist — 18 credits
Everglades University | Boca Raton, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa BS Construction Management — 4 years
Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton Certificate Construction Management — 18 credits
Florida Gulf Coast | Fort Myers BS Construction Management — 4 years
Florida International University | Miami BS Construction Management — 4 years
Florida Southwestern State College | Punta Gorda AS Architectural Design and Construction Technology — 2 years
Florida State College | Jacksonville AS Building Construction Technology — 2 years
Florida Tech | Melbourne BS Construction Management — 4 years
Seminole State College | Sanford BS Construction — 4 years AS Construction Management — 2 years Certificate Building Construction Technology — 18 credits
St. Petersburg College | St. Petersburg AS Building Design and Construction Management — 2 years
University of Florida | Gainesville BS Construction Management — 4 years
University of Central Florida | Orlando Construction Engineering (BSConE) — 4 years
University of North Florida | Jacksonville BS Construction Management — 4 years
University of West Florida | Pensacola BS Construction Management — 4 years
Valencia College | Orlando AS Construction and Civil Engineering Technology — 2 years
Even if you choose to forgo a college degree or certificate to get started in the field, you will need to take and pass the certification examination if you want to receive a Certified Roofing Contractor license. There are several training programs designed to help you prepare for the testing. Here are a few:
Gold Coast Schools campuses in Doral (South Miami), North Miami, Tamarac, (Broward), West Palm Beach, East Orlando, North Orlando
Contractors Institute | Hudson
Exam Pros | Coconut Creek
Palm Construction School | Orlando
Florida Roofing Licensing Exam Details
The DBPR has contracted with Professional Testing Inc. to manage licensing exams for the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Once you have met requirements to qualify for the exam, you will need to apply directly with Professional Testing Inc. After you’ve been approved by demonstrating you’ve met the experience/education requirements, you may schedule with Pearson Vue to take the appropriate examinations for licensure. For a Certified Roofing Contractor license, you will need to take the Business and Finance and General Trade Knowledge exams. This information can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet. The Roofing Contractors General Trade Knowledge exam is made up of 80 questions, and you have five hours to complete it.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Florida?
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations issues all licenses through various boards. Contractor licenses, including general contractors, plumbing contractors, and roofing contractors among many others are issued through the CILB.
Do I Need to Renew My Florida Roofing License?
Yes, you must renew your license every two years. Licenses expire Aug. 31 every even year. DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be sent via email. You are encouraged to renew online.
Continuing Education
Certified contractors in the state of Florida must perform 14 hours of continuing education during each license period before renewing their license. For roofing contractors, those 14 hours must include a minimum of one hour of specialized or advanced module, one hour of workplace safety, one hour of business practices, one hour of workers’ compensation, one hour of laws and rules, one hour of wind mitigation, and the remaining hours can be any board-approved construction related instruction. The CE credits must come from a state-approved provider.
Does Florida Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
As of June 1, 2021, contractors licensed in a state that has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Florida Construction Licensing Board can apply via reciprocity. Those states are Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi. Additionally, the state allows for contractors from out-of-state who have been licensed for at least 10 years to apply via endorsement.
Does My Florida Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, your Florida roofing license will work in each of the states that has entered into a reciprocity agreement with Florida. Those states are Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi. It may also work in other states if Florida’s requirements are roughly the same or more stringent than the other state in question. Ultimately, you will have to check to see what another state requires and follow its application process.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. It and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Florida through one of the industry associations in the state. They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Florida
Florida has strict building codes for roofing. The 2024 Florida Roofing Code is the latest update meant to ensure that buildings can withstand the state’s often extreme weather conditions including high winds, heavy rainfall, and UV damage to roofing tiles and shingles. Roofing contractors need to constantly update their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on Florida building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive roofing business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
