/ BLOG

Painter Contractor License Requirements in Florida

Apr 19, 2023 · 5 minutes to read

Painter paints grey wall with roller brush

Building contractor painting grey wall with roller brush, copy space text. Back view of young construction worker renovating houseThere are many reasons to become a painter in Florida. The Sunshine State is home to nearly 22 million people, including millions of homeowners and business owners. Florida painters could take advantage of the need for residential and commercial painting professionals.

Before you apply paint to brush, you may need a painting license to legally work in the state. This article outlines license requirements for Florida painters, including eligibility, how to apply for a license, and your insurance obligations.

Can I get a painting license in Florida?

There is no specific painting license available in Florida. Instead, Florida painters may need a general contractor license to work in the state.

Florida requires tradespeople, including professional painters, to have a general contractor license if they complete projects that total $500 or more and will become a finished part of the structure. Painters can apply for a Florida contractor license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Am I eligible for a Florida contractor license?

You need to meet specific eligibility standards to apply for a general contractor license in Florida. All applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Have at least four years of work experience, or a combination of work experience and education in their trade
  • Show that they are financially stable

Military veterans may be able to apply their service and training towards the work experience requirement. More information on contractor license eligibility can be found on the DBPR website.

Step-by-step Guide: How to get a Florida contractor license

Painters can apply for either a certified contractor license or a registered contractor license. The certified option lets you work anywhere in Florida. Registered licenses limit you to working in specific jurisdictions. The application process for both is generally the same.

Before you apply

Florida requires certified contractors to pass an exam before they can apply for a general contractor license. In most other states, these exams are typically taken after the licensing application has been submitted. The exam has three parts: business & finance, contract administration, and project management.

If you are applying for a registered license, you will need to request a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority instead.

Applying for a license

After you have passed the certified contractor exam or received a certificate of competency, you can apply for a “painting license” online through the DBPR website. With your application, you will need to:

  • Pay an application fee
  • Submit electronic fingerprints for a background check
  • Provide details of your employment history
  • Provide a FICO credit report to prove financial stability
  • Show proof of required business insurance
  • Submit other financial or legal documents (if applicable)

Full details and the application portal are available on the DBPR website.

Contractor Insurance Requirements

General Liability insurance (referred to as public liability and property damage insurance on Florida government websites) is required for general contractors. You will need to show a copy of your certificate of insurance when you apply for a painting license.

You may also need Workers’ Compensation coverage for your business. Florida businesses must have Workers’ Compensation insurance if they have one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal staff. In some cases, sole proprietors may also need coverage. More information on Florida’s workers’ comp laws is available on the Division of Workers’ Compensation website.

Renewing Your License

Florida contractor licenses must be renewed every two years. When you renew, you will need to complete 14 hours of continuing education. Coursework must include at least one hour of instruction in the following areas:

  • Florida building code
  • Workplace safety
  • Workers’ compensation law and obligations
  • Business practices
  • Laws and rules

Boosting Your Painting Business

A Florida contractor license allows painters to work within state and local law. Getting a license is not only an essential step toward becoming a painter in Florida, but it can also help you attract customers. People want to hire a business they can trust. Advertising your license and insurance details could help build this trust by showing potential clients that you are a professional who follows the law.

BizInsure helps Florida painters compare insurance options for their small businesses. Get painting insurance and start comparing today!

*This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Always check with your local licensing board when getting or renewing your contractor license to ensure you are meeting their current licensing requirements.
As with any insurance, coverage will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this guide is general only and should not be relied upon as advice. The number of quotes provided varies between products, occupations and other underwriting factors determined by the insurers.
© Copyright 2023 BizInsure LLC, 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BizInsure LLC; CA DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency LLC; NY DBA: BizInsure Services LLC; NH DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency; PA DBA: BizInsure Services LLC. 2950 Buskirk Ave Suite 300, Walnut Creek CA 94597. License #0H81929

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Great experience
Fast, Simple, convenient
Bizinsure is an exceptional company. The customer service is excellent. The receptionists are very knowledgeable. The insurance agents are very professional.
Appreciate for being up to date!
Easy to navigate what you need. Always notify ahead of renewal!
Thank you for your good service.
Great experience. Very professional!
👌 Perfect
Easy to access
Amazing service! From start to finish.
Alex was awesome!! Walked me through the process with great patience and care. Found me a perfect policy for my LLC at a GREAT price.
This was easy. The customer service was great. I would recommend this company to anyone
Fantastic!
straight forward, efficient and thorough. i highly recommend it.
easy to get quote and coverage
I had a good experience with this agency. It was an easy process and all the information was explained well. I like that it has an excellent rating with the Better Business Bureau. The Bizinsure agent Andrea Magee was kind, helpful and professional.
what a great coverage with an amazing price
Sales Rep Andrea Magee was very pleasant and professional.
Ms. Magee knew exactly what insurance I was seeking for my business and went to work immediately on finding the right coverage for me. I was able to get coverage right away. I highly recommend this company!
Good professional services. quick and simple easy steps for an insurance quote for my business. Thank Biz Insurance
I called today a bit unsure, but once I spoke with Andrea, she guided me through the entire process with patience and clarity. She also pointed me in the direction of other helpful services. A+ experience!
BizInsure is the Best. Not only was Andrea informative, she was professional, and spot on! Give them a call you will not be disappointed!
Easy to use, called in advance so I was not late on renewal.
I called 3-4 companies. Bizinsure / Andrea knew exactly what I needed! She guided me through the process and was very informative. Give them a call you won’t be disappointed!





    This will close in 0 seconds





      This will close in 0 seconds