The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board licenses and regulates electrical and alarm contractors to perform electrical and alarm services in the state.
Chapter 489, Part II, of the Florida Statutes and Rule 61G6 of the Florida Administrative Code.
The laws and rules may be obtained on the Board’s website, Statutes and Rules.
The dates and locations are on the main page, Board Meeting Information.
Agendas and minutes are available on the main page, Board Meeting Information.
A certified contractor passed the state licensing examination to become licensed (except in cases of grandfathering and endorsement). Certified licensees can work anywhere within the State of Florida.
A registered contractor registered a local county or municipal certificate of competency with the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board to become a state registered contractor. Registered licensees can only work in the counties or municipalities where they hold a local license.
A complete description of the scope of work for each license is on the main page.
*Application fees are non-refundable.
You need to submit the application for examination with the required fees. After you pass both parts of the examination you will need to complete the application for an initial certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license. Both applications are on the main page, Apply For A License. The initial certified licensure application requires you to provide proof of experience in the category for which you wish to become licensed as well as information on the business you wish to qualify. All initial certified licensure applications must be reviewed and approved by the Board at a regularly scheduled Board Meeting. After you pass the examination you will need to complete the application for an initial certified license.
You must meet one of the following experience requirements:
In addition, if you are applying for the following categories these specific experience requirements will apply:
EC – Certified Electrical Contractor
EF – Certified Alarm System Contractor I (All Alarm Systems)
EG – Certified Alarm System Contractor II (Excluding Fire)
You will need to submit the following items with your initial certified licensure application.
Your application could be denied for many reasons even if you have passed the examination. Here are some of the more common reasons for denial:
Evidence of financial responsibility
Business Information
Note: All credit reports are required to include a public records statement indicating records have been checked by County, State, and Federal levels.
You need to complete the application for initial registration, provide a copy of your local competency card and proof of examination. The application for an initial registered contractor’s license is on the main page, Apply For A License.
A registered license permits the licensee to work only in a specific county or municipality and to perform the type of work covered by the registration.
The certified electrical examination is computer based. Once an application for examination is processed by the Department the applicant can schedule to take the exam at any of the vendor’s testing locations during the vendor’s normal business hours.
For information about testing locations and times, contact the testing vendor, PearsonVue.
Yes. You need to provide proof you passed an examination in the appropriate category before you can obtain a registered license (See Section 489.513, Florida Statutes).
Application packages and individual forms are on the main page, Apply For A License. You may also contact our Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for assistance.
You may check your application status online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com. You may also contact our Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for assistance.
You can hold both a registered license and a certified license at the same time only if they are in different categories. For example, an individual can hold a registered electrical contractor’s license and a certified alarm system contractor I license.
Yes. Your registered license is only good for the counties and municipalities which you registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The application to add an additional county is on the main page, Apply For A License.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation does not license or regulate the journeyman’s license. You must contact the local county licensing office in the jurisdiction where you intend to practice.
No. Alarm contracting is not within the scope of work for the ER license. You must hold a registered or certified alarm license.
Yes. A certified electrical contractor license (EC) covers all types of electrical and alarm work.
Yes, a license is required to install a photovoltaic system.
Yes, solar electric is within the scope of the certified and registered electrical contractor’s licenses.
No, solar water systems require a license from the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
No, a license is not required to install lightning protection systems.
Yes. If you are not licensed as an electrical or alarm contractor, you must have a limited energy (low voltage) specialty license unless the system falls under the following exemption:
489.503 Exemptions. – This part does not apply to (24) A person who installs low-voltage landscape lighting that contains a factory-installed electrical cord with plug that does not require installation, wiring, or other modification to the electrical wiring of a structure.
Yes, if you are installing wiring within a structure for any reason including the items listed a license is required. Low voltage wiring work (any wiring under 98 volts) can be done by someone with a certified or registered Limited Energy Specialty license, an Alarm System I or II license, an Electrical Contractor License or a Residential Electrical Specialty license. The license specifically for this work is called the Limited Energy Systems Specialty.
Probably not, the exemptions are listed in chapter 489.503, F.S. and primarily apply to public utility companies and their direct employees, not subcontractors. If you think you may be exempt you should contact an attorney and petition the board for a declaratory statement to ensure you are not engaging in unlicensed activity which can carry a fine of up top $5000 per offense.
Yes. If you are not licensed as an electrical or alarm contractor, you must have a limited energy (low voltage) specialty license unless you are licensed under Chapter 364, F.S., as a public service/utility company.
This is the definition of the Limited Energy Systems Specialty license. The scope of certification of a limited energy systems specialty contractor includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, and fiber optics (transmission of light over stranded glass) or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts, (RMS). The scope of work of this license does not include installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, that are part of an alarm system.
Yes. The sale, installation and service of an alarm systems falls under the scope of work of an alarm contractor. If you are selling an alarm system that requires installation or monitoring, you must have a license.
Yes, if the majority of the work is within the scope of the certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license. See 489.516(5), F.S.
Applicants must first submit an application for examination to the Department. Once the exam application is approved applicants will contact PearsonVue to schedule to take the examination. PearsonVue will offer the first exam on April 6, 2020. The Candidate Information Booklet is available online, this provides a reference list and study guide.
Once applicants have passed the examination they will submit an application for licensure, once the application for licensure is reviewed and found to be complete it will be scheduled for review at a meeting of the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. Applicants are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting when their application is reviewed.
The scope of certification of a two-way radio communications enhancement system specialty contractor includes the installation, repair, alteration, addition to, testing, replacement and design of electrical wiring, fixtures, antennae, amplifiers, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), for two-way radio communications enhancement systems in all structures. The scope of this license does not include the connection of a system to a fire alarm panel. The scope of work of this license may also be performed by the following license categories: Certified Unlimited Electrical Contractor; Certified Alarm System Contractor I; and Registered Alarm System Contractor I.
Certified Electrical Contractors, Certified and Registered Alarm Contractor I’s and the Two-Way Radio Enhancement Systems Specialty Contractors may install Two-Way Radio Enhancement Systems.
Please refer to the “Know Your Scope Chart” for additional scope of work information.
Yes. The board must approve the contractor to qualify more than one business. The contractor will be scheduled to appear at a Board meeting once the application is found to be complete. He/she must demonstrate to the Board that he/she has both the capacity and intent to adequately supervise each business organization.
It means the contractor has agreed to accept full responsibility of the business including financial transactions, signing permits, and supervising all jobs the business participates in.
The application must be received and deemed complete by the department at least 30 days prior to the next scheduled board meeting. If you miss the deadline, the application will be considered at the next scheduled meeting.
There is no set number. However, you will be required to show that you can properly manage each additional business.
Yes. You will be required to appear before the board.
It is approval from the Board to perform electrical contracting under an additional business.
No. You only have one (1) license from the Electrical Board, which is the first license you were given. This is only authorization from the Board to perform contracting under another business name.
You will receive an additional business qualification document from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and it has the same appearance as your original license but will have a different number followed by the words “Additional Business Qualification”
No. Your additional business qualification will go null and void once you stop qualifying the additional business and notify the department (DBPR).
You should notify the Board as soon as you stop qualifying the additional business, mail back the additional business qualification document and wallet card and request the qualification be set to null and void.
This information should be sent to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
No. You must keep your primary license current and active for your additional business qualification(s) to be valid.
You can be disciplined by the Board for contracting on an inactive or delinquent license or for contracting without a license.
Then you must submit a transfer application to have your additional business transferred to your primary license.
Then all additional business qualifications are also suspended or revoked.
Yes. You must demonstrate that you have the experience required under chapter 489.511, F.S., as well as provide proof of successful completion of a licensing examination that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the Florida examination. There is also a provision for endorsement if you demonstrate that you have an out-of-state license, and that the licensure requirements were substantially equivalent to Florida’s current requirements. (See 489.511(5) (b), F.S. for additional information).
You can qualify for licensure by endorsement two different ways.
Please review the Endorsement List for a list of all exams considered substantially similar and the licenses they qualify for.
If you are applying from any state and category other than those listed on the Endorsement List you will be required to submit the following items along with your application for endorsement:
Note: The review and exam evaluation process for an endorsement application may take several months to complete.
Endorsement based on a substantially similar exam requires applicants to meet one of the following experience requirements:
In addition, if you are applying for the following categories these specific experience requirements will apply:
EC – Certified Electrical Contractor
The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in 3-phase services.
EF – Certified Alarm System Contractor I (All Alarm Systems)
The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in fire alarm systems.
EG – Certified Alarm System Contractor II (Excluding Fire)
The required experience must include at least 40% of work that is in alarm systems other than fire alarm systems.
You will need to submit the following items with your initial certified licensure application.
Evidence of your work experience
Evidence of financial responsibility
Business Information
Certificate of Status from the Department of State Division of Corporations
Applicants for endorsement who have held a license in another state for at least 10 years must provide verification form the licensing state that shows they were licensed for at least 10 years and that the license was current within the last 2 years.
Transfer applications include moving your current license from one business to a new business or changing the name of the current business.
Yes. A license must be current before a transfer can be processed.
Most transfer applications do not have to go before the Board, however if your application requires Board review it must be received and deemed complete at least 30 days prior to the next scheduled board meeting. If you miss the deadline, the application will be considered at the next scheduled meeting.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing your application, please contact the Department’s Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Central Intake Unit
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
The Certification of Insurance coverage limits are as follows:
NOTE: Up to three officers can be exempt from workers’ compensation. Qualifiers and Employees who are not officers cannot be exempt; employees (including qualifiers) must be covered by workers’ compensation.
Certified and Registered electrical and alarm contractors renew their licenses on August 31 of every even-numbered year.
No. If you have not completed your required continuing education credits, you will not be able to renew your license.
Once a license has gone null and void, a previously licensed individual must reapply as though he or she never held a license. The initial license number cannot be retained.
Certified Contractor Licenses (Active) – $296
(fee includes $291 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)
Certified Contractor Licenses (Inactive) – $51
(fee includes $46 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)
Registered Contractor Licenses (Active) – $121
(fee includes $116 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)
Registered Contractor Licenses (Inactive) – $51
(fee includes $46 renewal fee + $5 Unlicensed Activity Fee)
If the license is renewed after the expiration date, the delinquent fee is $25.00, in addition to the renewal fee.
Yes. The delinquent renewal fee for all licenses is $25.
Yes. You must renew your inactive license on or before August 31 of every even-numbered year.
Effective July 1, 2020 a licensee must complete the following continuing education prior to renewal:
Certified Electrical Contractors = 11 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course
6 hours Technical
Additionally, 2 hours false alarm prevention is required for all certified electrical contractors who perform alarm work
Registered Electrical Contractors = 11 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
6 hours of Technical
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course
Certified and Registered Alarm Contractors = 7 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
2 hours false alarm prevention
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course
Certified and Registered Specialty Contractors = 7 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course
1 hour of Technical
1 hour general credit
No, if your license was issued less than 12 months prior to August 31st of the renewal year, you do not owe any continuing education. If your license was issued more than 1 year, but less than 2 years, prior to August 31st of the renewal year, you owe continuing education as follows:
Certified Electrical Contractors = 5 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hours of Technical (for all certified electrical contractors who perform alarm work the 1 hour Technical credit should be false alarm prevention)
Registered Electrical Contractors = 5 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour of Technical
Certified and Registered Alarm Contractors = 4 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
1 hour false alarm prevention
Certified and Registered Specialty Contractors = 4 hours of Continuing Education
1 hour workers’ compensation
1 hour workplace safety
1 hour business practices
1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
You can go online to your DBPR Online Services account and see exactly how many hours you owe for the current renewal cycle. For assistance accessing your online account, please contact the Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.
*Note: This does not apply to grandfathered licenses. If you grandfathered your license, you owe the full hours of CE for your license category.
As part of the required hours of continuing education (CE) during the renewal cycle, each licensee must have taken a one-hour advanced module course on the Florida Building Code from a department- approved provider. A list of providers is on the main page, CE Requirements.
All alarm contractors and electrical contractors engaged in alarm contracting are required to complete two (2) hours of continuing education in false alarm prevention.
No. However, when you reactive your license, you must show proof of completing the required hours of continuing education for your license category. The continuing education credits needed for reactivation must be completed within two (2) years preceding reactivation.
Yes. There are certain providers who are approved to teach online courses. A list of approved providers is on the main page, CE Requirements. Courses that are offered online are designated as either internet or online.
Yes. A maximum of 7 hours of continuing education can be taken through a home study course. There are certain providers who are approved to teach home study courses. A list of approved providers is on the main page, CE Requirements. Courses that are offered for home study are designated as home study.
A list is available on the main page, CE Requirements. If you do not have Internet access, please contact the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for assistance.
The applications are on the main page, Apply For A License.
Mail the completed application and fees to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
The courses are reviewed and approved by the board. The provider approval/registration is handled by department staff in Tallahassee.
Yes. Applications must be deemed complete 45 days prior to the meeting date to be considered at that meeting. If you miss the deadline, the application will be considered at the next scheduled meeting.
You will receive written notification within seven to ten days after the board meeting.
No. Application fees are non-refundable.
Provider approvals expire May 31 of every other odd-numbered year beginning May 31, 2019.
Course approvals expire May 31 of the next odd-numbered year, unless the provider’s approval expires or is revoked by the board.
Yes. Renewal notices are mailed 90 days prior to the expiration date of May 31 next-odd numbered year. It is the responsibility of the provider to renew the courses.
Yes. Renewal notices are mailed 90 days prior to the expiration date of every other odd-numbered year beginning May 31, 2019. It is the responsibility of the provider to renew the provider status.
No. Only approved providers can obtain course approval.
You may receive up to 3 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle for attending a meeting of the Board in which disciplinary cases are heard. The disciplinary portion of the meeting is generally on the Thursday of a Board meeting and begins at 8:30 a.m.. Please check posted agendas to verify time and location. Note: You may not receive continuing education credit if appearing at the Board meeting for any other purpose than gaining continuing education credit.
You can earn up to three hours per renewal cycle for attending a meeting at which disciplinary cases are considered. You must attend the entire disciplinary portion of the meeting and cannot be a subject of the disciplinary proceedings.
An approved course provider may request board approval for you to be added to their instructor list. The provider must submit your resume for board review.