What you need to do to get your Florida contractors license back
To reinstate a Florida contractors license, you must contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to find out why your license was suspended or revoked, then meet the specific requirements tied to that reason. The path forward depends on whether your license lapsed because you didn't renew it, failed to maintain required insurance, didn't complete continuing education, or faced disciplinary action. DBPR will tell you exactly what you need to do — and in some cases, you can restore your license within weeks; in others, you may need to wait a set period or complete additional steps.
The first step is always the same: call the Construction Industry Licensing Board at the DBPR or log into your account on the DBPR website to see the status of your license and the reason it is no longer active. Do not assume you know why. The official record will tell you what must happen next.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board to learn the exact reason your license is inactive before taking any other steps.
- If your license lapsed because you missed renewal, you can usually reinstate it by paying the renewal fee and submitting proof of current workers' compensation and general liability insurance.
- If your license was suspended for disciplinary reasons, you may need to wait out a suspension period, pay a fine, or complete additional training before reinstatement is possible.
- Continuing education requirements vary by license type, and you may need to complete hours before or after reinstatement depending on when your license expired.
Reinstatement for a lapsed license (missed renewal)
If your license expired because you did not renew it on time, reinstatement is usually straightforward. You will need to submit a renewal process to the DBPR, pay the renewal fee (which varies by license classification), and provide proof that you currently hold workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts set by Florida law.
The DBPR accepts renewal applications online through its licensing portal. You will upload copies of your insurance certificates, complete the renewal form, and pay the fee by credit card or electronic check. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. If your license has been inactive for more than a certain period, the DBPR may require you to pass the contractor exam again — ask the licensing board whether this applies to you based on how long your license has been expired.
Reinstatement after suspension or disciplinary action
If your license was suspended or revoked due to a complaint, violation, or disciplinary board decision, reinstatement is more complex and depends on the terms of the suspension. The DBPR will have issued a final order that specifies whether you can reinstate when ready, must wait a set number of months, or must complete additional requirements such as paying a fine, taking a course, or submitting to an audit of your business practices.
Read the final order carefully — it is the legal document that governs what you must do. If you cannot locate it, request a copy from the DBPR. Some suspensions are automatic after a set period (for example, six months); others require you to petition the DBPR for reinstatement once you have met the conditions. Do not wait passively; contact the board to confirm when you become may be able to access and what paperwork to submit.
Continuing education requirements before reinstatement
Florida contractors must complete continuing education hours to renew or reinstate their licenses. The number of hours depends on your license type — general contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, and other specialties each have different requirements, typically ranging from 14 to 30 hours per renewal cycle.
If your license lapsed, you may need to complete these hours before the DBPR will process your reinstatement process, or you may be allowed to complete them within a grace period after reinstatement. The DBPR website lists approved continuing education providers. Courses are offered online and in person, and most can be completed within days. Keep your course completion certificate — you will upload it with your reinstatement process or provide it to the DBPR upon request.
Insurance requirements you must meet
Florida law requires all active contractors to maintain workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance. When you reinstate your license, you must provide current certificates of insurance showing that both policies are in force. The certificates must list the DBPR as an interested party or certificate holder, and the coverage amounts must meet the minimums set by Florida statute for your license type.
If your insurance lapsed while your license was inactive, you will need to purchase new policies before you can reinstate. Contact an insurance agent who works with contractors — they understand Florida's requirements and can issue certificates quickly. Do not reinstate your license without active insurance in place; doing so can result in fines or another suspension.
How to submit your reinstatement process
Most reinstatement applications are submitted through the DBPR's online licensing portal. You will need your license number, Social Security number or Federal Employer Identification Number, and access to upload documents. The portal walks you through each required field and tells you which documents are needed for your specific situation.
Required documents typically include proof of insurance, proof of continuing education completion, and payment of the reinstatement or renewal fee. Some applications also require a notarized affidavit or a letter explaining any disciplinary history. The DBPR will send you an email confirmation once your process is received and will notify you when a decision has been made. If documents are missing or incomplete, the board will contact you and give you a important date to submit them.
Timeline and what to expect after you explore
Processing time for reinstatement applications varies. A straightforward renewal with all documents in order may be approved within one to two weeks. Applications that require review by the Construction Industry Licensing Board or that involve disciplinary history may take four to eight weeks. During this time, you cannot legally work as a licensed contractor in Florida, so plan accordingly if you have active projects or clients.
Once your process is approved, the DBPR will issue a new license card and update your status in the online licensing database. You can verify your active license status on the DBPR website by searching your name or license number. If your process is denied, the DBPR will send you a written explanation and information about your right to request a hearing or appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally perform work that requires a Florida contractors license while your license is inactive, even if your reinstatement process is pending. Working without an active license can result in fines, criminal charges, and permanent loss of your license. Wait for written approval from the DBPR before you resume licensed work.
What if I cannot find my license number?
You can search for your license number on the DBPR website using your name and date of birth. If you still cannot locate it, call the Construction Industry Licensing Board directly and provide your name and Social Security number. They will give you your license number and current status.
Do I need to retake the contractor exam to reinstate my license?
Not always. If your license lapsed recently, you can usually reinstate by renewing without retaking the exam. However, if your license has been inactive for a long period (the threshold varies), the DBPR may require you to pass the exam again. The board will tell you whether this applies to your situation when you contact them.
What happens if I reinstate my license but my insurance lapses again?
Your license will be suspended again automatically. Florida law requires active contractors to maintain continuous insurance coverage. If your policy is cancelled or expires, notify the DBPR when ready and either purchase new coverage or request a voluntary suspension to avoid an involuntary one.
Can I reinstate a revoked license?
Revocation is permanent and cannot be reversed through reinstatement. If your license was revoked (not suspended), you would need to explore for a new license from scratch, which may not be possible depending on the reason for revocation. Contact the DBPR to understand whether your license was suspended or revoked and what your options are.