There are three primary avenues for pursuing a career as an electrician in Florida: a technical college program, a union apprenticeship, or independent training. It is very important to note that licensing for electricians in Florida is highly dependent on the county or area where the contractor intends to work. However, although independent electrical contractors are not required to have a state-issued electrical license (they do still require a license from the county), electrical companies are regulated at the state level. Additionally, all electricians in the state (including individuals) require a state-issued general contractor license in addition to their electrical licensing (see “Florida Journeyman Electrician License Requirements” below).
There are four general categories of electrical contractors in Florida:
- Certified Electrician (EC): Certified contractors are able to work anywhere in Florida.
- Certified Electrical Specialty Contractor (ES): Specialty Contractors, as the name implies, specialize in a specific aspect of the field, such as alarm installation and maintenance.
- Registered Electrician (ER): Registered contractors can only work in the county where they are licensed.
- Registered Electrical Specialty Contractor: Likewise, Registered Electrical Specialty Contractors can only work in the county where they are licensed, rather than statewide.
However, as mentioned, only electrical businesses need statewide certification. Individually, electricians do not need to be registered with the state, just in their county. That being said, there are only two types of licenses for individual electricians in Florida: journeyman and master. It is necessary for Florida electricians to work as an apprentice in order to gain journeyman status, but apprentices themselves do not need a license.
Choosing which license is best for you should first and foremost be based on your qualifications and your future career goals. Beyond that, the determining factors should be whether you want to work as a general electrician or a specialized one, and where you intend to work in the state.
The definition of Journeyman and Master electrician in Florida is dependent on the county. Below are links to the relevant definitions for four of the most populous counties in Florida:
Florida Electrical License Reciprocity
Florida does not have reciprocity agreements for electrical licensing with any other state. In fact, electrical licensing is largely done on a local level rather than at the state level, with some exceptions, such as for businesses.
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Florida Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
Although specific electrical licensing standards depend on the locality, generally speaking, most areas and counties in Florida adhere to the industry standard. This consists of about four to five years of experience, including about 144 class hours per year. A notable exception is the Miami-Dade county, where three years of experience is sufficient, and experience in the field can substitute for class hours.
Specific requirements and policy for renewal are dependent on the county, as is the submission information for applications. Below are the application links for the state, as well as several large counties:
- General Contractor license for businesses (Florida)
- General Contractor license for individuals (Florida)
- State electrical licenses (Florida)
- Miami-Dade electrical license applications
- Palm Beach electrical license applications
- Orange County electrical license applications
- Hillsborough County electrical license applications
- Broward County electrical license applications
Journeyman Electrician License Test
After the experience requirements are met, many counties require that the candidate sits for an examination. However, standards for examination are, again, dependent on county or locality.
Florida Electrical Insurance Requirements
Once you become a licensed electrician, it is highly recommended to consider business insurance in Florida to protect your work. We recommend the following insurance types for most electricians:
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
The state of Florida requires that all Certified Electrical Contractors carry Florida workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who get injured or sick from a work related incident. It also provides coverage for disability, missed wage replacements and death benefits.
Use the tool below to request a FREE insurance quote from our partner’s:
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General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance policies are most known for covering you and your company for claims involving bodily injuries and/or property damage resulting from company products, services or operations.
Tools and Equipment Insurance
Tools and equipment insurance covers the work tools and equipment used daily. It protects against equipment and/or tools that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for liability damages, collision or comprehensive physical damage to your business automobiles. These accident related incidents covered also include related expenses like towing, rental reimbursement and automobile repairs.
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial property insurance protects your company’s physical assets from unexpected incidents such as fire, storms, theft, and vandalism. This is recommended if you own or rent property for your business.
Electrical Apprenticeship Requirements
A license is not required to be an electrical apprentice in Florida. An apprentice can either independently search for work or join an apprenticeship program through an independent agency or a trade school. Such programs usually require candidates to pass exams and/or other fulfill requirements in order to register. This is a common apprenticeship route since many counties in Florida require electricians to have participated in a certain amount of class hours in order to receive their license.
Florida Electrical Apprenticeship Programs
As stated previously, there are three common career paths for an electrician in Florida to take. Which route a person decides to take will inform what type of apprenticeship they should pursue. If they want to go through a college or trade school, their first step should be to look into schools that offer electrical programs (see “Electrician Trade Schools in Florida”).
Pursuing the trade through a union program provides a perhaps more cut-and-dried list of options. There are eight union-sponsored electrical apprenticeship programs offered in Florida, which each offer a very structured program. The final option, independent work in the field, may not be realistic on its own for an electrical apprentice in any county, because many counties require in-class hours to qualify for a license. However, some counties may not require in-class hours or allow in-field experience to substitute for class hours. Those points of caution aside, however, a great option for finding this type of apprenticeship is to search online job boards.
Electrician Trade Schools in Florida
Several trade schools in Florida offer electrical programs, such as:
Southern Technical College Orlando
Institution: Private
Tuition: Approximately $12,000/year
Contact Info: (407) 438-6000
Address: 1485 Florida Mall Ave, Orlando, FL 32809
Southern Technical College (Auburndale)
Institution: Private
Tuition: Approximately $12,000/year
Contact Info: (863) 551-1112
Address: 450 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale, FL 33823
Southern Technical College (Brandon)
Institution: Private
Tuition: Approximately $12,000/year
Contact Info: (813) 820-0200
Address: 608 E Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511
South Florida State College
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $90.00/credit
Contact Info: (863) 453-6661
Address: 600 W College Dr, Avon Park, FL 33825
Florida Panhandle Technical College
Institution: Private
Tuition: Approximately $4,000
Contact Info: (850) 638-1180
Address: 757 Hoyt St, Chipley, FL 32428
Lake Sumter State College — South Lake Campus
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $3,000
Contact Info: (352) 243-5722
Address: 1250 N Hancock Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
Lake Sumter State College — Leesburg Campus
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $3,000
Contact Info: (352) 787-3747
Address: 9501 US-441, Leesburg, FL 34788
Atlantic Technical College
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $4,000
Contact Info: (754) 321-5100
Address: 4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Coconut Creek, FL 33063
Daytona State College
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $3,000
Contact Info: (386) 255-0742
Address: 1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Atlantic Technical College — Arthur Ashe, Jr. Campus
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $4,000
Contact Info: (754) 322-2800
Address: 1701 NW 23rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Florida State College (Jacksonville)
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $3,500
Contact Info: (904) 633-8292
Address: 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Miami Dade College
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $26,500 total
Contact Info: (305) 237-8888
Address: 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132
George Stone Career Center
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $3,500
Contact Info: (850) 941-6200
Address: 2400 Longleaf Dr, Pensacola, FL 32526
Lively Tech School
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $3,000 total
Contact Info: (850) 487-7555
Address: 500 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Tallahassee Community College
Institution: Public
Tuition: Approximately $2,000
Contact Info: (850) 410-6461
Address: 444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Florida Professional License Search
State governments that issue electrical licenses provide listings and/or databases of licensed contractors as a means for others to verify an electrician’s authenticity. Despite local licensing practices, Florida does have a statewide database.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an Electrical Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Florida, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
- Florida General Contractor License Requirements
- How to Become a Plumber in Florida
- Florida Handyman License Guide
- Florida Welding Schools and Career Guide
- How to Get an HVAC License in Florida
FAQs
What can an electrical contractor do in Florida? ›
In Florida, an electrical contractor is defined as “a person who conducts business in the electrical trade field and who has the experience and knowledge to install, repair, alter, add to or design electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways and conduit, including the electrical installations and ...
How many companies can an electrical contractor qualify in Florida? ›How many electrical contractor businesses can a license holder qualify? How many electrical contractor businesses can a license holder qualify? There is no set number that a license holder can qualify. However, you will be required to show that you can properly manage each additional business.
What is certified electrical contractor in Florida? ›Electrical Contractors
Certified licenses are statewide; a certified license allows you to work as a contractor anywhere in Florida. Registered license are limited to certain local jurisdictions; a registered license only allows you to work in the cities or counties where you have a competency card.
- The relevant trade qualification or degree.
- Your Wireman's License or employ someone with a Wireman's License.
- Pass the trade test.
- NQF Level 3 minimum with a Technical Senior Certificate.
- passed the SANS 10142-1 national exams – the Installation Rules exams.
Plumbing – Virtually all plumbing work requires licensing. A handyman may add a water filter to a faucet, but even installing a dishwasher is not allowed. Electrical work – Similar to plumbing, it's illegal to perform virtually any electrical work in Florida without a contractor license.
What contractors need a license in Florida? ›In Florida, you can earn either a general contractor's license, or you will need to get a specialty license in sheet metal, roofing, HVAC, swimming pools, solar power, plumbing, underground utilities, glass installation and glazing, and pollutant storage.
What are the different electrical licenses in Florida? ›Florida offers two types of electrical contractors: registered and certified. Registered contractors may work only in certain jurisdictions, while certified contractors may work throughout the state. Requirements to obtain a competency card to become a registered electrical contractor vary by city/county.
What are the different types of contractor licenses in Florida? ›In Florida, there are two broad classifications of contractor licenses: a certified license and a registered license. A certified license is valid throughout the entire state of Florida, which means a contractor can legally work anywhere in the state.
Can I do my own electrical work in Florida? ›State law requires electrical contracting to be done by licensed electrical contractors. You have applied for a permit under an exemption to that law. The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own electrical contractor even though you do not have a license.
How many companies can a Florida contractor qualify? ›The qualifying agent can apply to qualify two entities, the corporation and the LLC, or apply to transfer from the corporation to the LLC.
What is a CCC license in Florida? ›
A Florida Roofing Contractor (CCC) is a contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and ...
Can a journeyman electrician work for himself in Florida? ›A Journeyman can work on his own without direct supervision. He'll still operate under the guidance of a Master Electrician, but he's licensed to tackle wiring, outlet, and fixture installations by himself.
Does an electrician have to provide a certificate? ›The electrician is duty bound to give the certificate to the person ordering the work to be done, so if his contract was with the builder then he has fulfilled his obligations. If you personally contracted the electrician - and paid him - then he must give the certificate to you.
How long does it take to get an electrical license in Florida? ›You can learn through a trade program, like FTC's electrical diploma program, which takes much less time. Expect to finish the program in about nine months, as compared to the years it takes to earn a degree in most subjects.
How many types of electrical contractors are there? ›There are four specialty areas to choose from when pursuing a career as an electrician. These titles include outside linemen, inside wiremen, installer technician and residential wiremen.
What is electrical contractor certificate? ›An electrical contractors certificate is a certificate issued by the department of labour to confirm that an electrician, has the relevant skills to issue a certificate of compliance for general building electrical works.
How do you bid on electrical projects? ›- Choose the Right Work to Bid.
- Review the Specifications.
- Review the Drawings.
- Perform a Quantity Takeoff.
- Request Supplier Quotes.
- Create your Estimate.
- Add Overhead and Profit.
- Build your Proposal.
“If you pay someone to perform even the simplest of electrical work, such as connecting two wires, you must hire a licensee.” That means no installing ceiling fans or replacing lighting fixtures. You can't even replace an outlet.
What is the penalty for unlicensed contractor in Florida? ›In Florida, unlicensed contracting is generally charged as a first degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail or 12 months of probation, and a $1,000.00 fine.
What can I do without a contractor license in Florida? ›- Small electrical work and plumbing work is allowed.
- Caulking and painting.
- Tile cleaning and repair.
- Basic yard work and maintenance.
- Minor carpentry.
- Replacement and repair of interior doors and windows.
What is the easiest contractors license to get in Florida? ›
The easiest to go with would be a Residential Contractor license, mainly because there are fewer questions on the exam. However, it has the same process as General and Building, and the experience is still the same for all three.
How long does it take to get a contractors license in Florida? ›You need to have at least 4 years of journey-level experience to be able to take the contractor's exam and apply for a contractor license to legally operate as a contractor in Florida. If you don't have any experience, join a contractor's work crew and work for at least 4 years.
How do I get a contractors license in Florida with no experience? ›- Proof of workers' compensation insurance.
- Proof of general liability insurance.
- Be either 18 or 21 years old.
- Submit criminal background checks.
- Surety bond.
- Federal Tax ID or SSN.
- Financial statements.
- Register your business with the state.
Florida does not have reciprocity agreements for electrical licensing with any other state. In fact, electrical licensing is largely done on a local level rather than at the state level, with some exceptions, such as for businesses.
What is a journeyman license? ›Journeymen are considered competent and authorized to work in that field as a fully qualified employee. They earn their license by education, supervised experience and examination.
Do you need a license to install low voltage cable in Florida? ›The Low Voltage license allows electrical work with systems up to 77 volts. State certified licenses allow working anywhere within Florida, while registered licenses are valid in the issuing city or county.
Can a general contractor do electrical work in Florida? ›As a basic requirement, a general contractor must subcontract all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming pool, and air-conditioning work. The CGC does not have to subcontract if he/she holds a state certificate or registration in the respective sub-trade category.
Can I be my own general contractor in Florida? ›Florida State law requires construction to be done by licensed contractors. You have applied for a permit under an exemption to that law. The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own contractor with certain restrictions even though you do not have a license.
What is a specialty contractor in Florida? ›A Florida Specialty StructureContractor (SCC) is a contractor whose services are limited to the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge and skill necessary for the fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, replacement, dismantling, adjustment, alteration, repair, servicing and design ...
What electrical work requires a permit Florida? ›Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code states that a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing ...
Do you need a permit to replace electrical panel in Florida? ›
The replacement of an electrical panel, whether Commercial or Residential, requires an Electrical Permit be issued.
Do I need a permit to pour a concrete slab in Florida? ›All concrete flat work (slab), whether considered structural or non-structural (to include pavers), requires a permit and inspections. Work performed one foot or less from an existing structure will be required to be termite treated.
Does a subcontractor need a contractors license in Florida? ›Persons who want to perform covered contracting work anywhere in the state need a “Certified License;” to work in a specific city or county, they need a “Registered License.” The Construction Industry Licensing Board under the guidance of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation handles the ...
Can a contractor be criminally charged in Florida? ›And thanks to a recent change in Florida law, contractors need to take seriously the possibility of criminal prosecution if they fail to complete a construction project to the homeowner's satisfaction. Back in July, new legislation took effect in Florida amending the rules governing claims of contractor fraud.
What is a qualifier in Florida? ›A qualifying agent is someone who takes responsibility for the management of construction operations for a construction company in Florida. It is the person who the State identifies as being in-charge of all construction-related operations.
What is the difference between a certified contractor and a registered contractor in Florida? ›A certified contractor passed the state licensing examination. Certified contractors can work anywhere within the state in which they are licensed. A registered contractor is registered by a local county or municipality and receives a certificate of competency from the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board.
What is the difference between certified and registered contractor in Florida? ›Certified licensees can work anywhere within the State of Florida. A registered contractor is someone who registered a local county or municipal certificate of competency. Registered licensees can only work in the counties or municipalities where they hold a local license. They cannot work anywhere else in the state.
How many times can you take the Florida contractors exam? ›A candidate must pass all parts of the examination (Business and Finance or Trade Knowledge or Contract Administration or Project Management) within four years from the first exam scheduled. You have an unlimited number of attempts within the four year period.
What states reciprocity with Florida electrical license? ›Florida does not have reciprocity agreements for electrical licensing with any other state. In fact, electrical licensing is largely done on a local level rather than at the state level, with some exceptions, such as for businesses.
Can a journeyman electrician work for himself in Florida? ›A Journeyman can work on his own without direct supervision. He'll still operate under the guidance of a Master Electrician, but he's licensed to tackle wiring, outlet, and fixture installations by himself.
Can you do your own electrical work in Florida? ›
State law requires electrical contracting to be done by licensed electrical contractors. You have applied for a permit under an exemption to that law. The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own electrical contractor even though you do not have a license.
How do I become a master electrician in Florida? ›Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses are issued by examination on the local level. A Journeyman electrician applicant must typically posess a minimum of four years (8,000 hours) of experience working in the trade. A Master Electrician must work at the journeyman level for a minimum of two years (4000 hours).
Can a Florida contractor work in another state? ›Yes. 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.
Can a Florida contractor work in Georgia? ›Contractors who have held a NASCLA-accredited license for at least 3 years or more in a neighboring state, may also be eligible for reciprocity in Georgia.
Can out-of-state contractors work in Florida? ›With recent changes to its laws, Florida now allows for contractors in other states to apply for a Florida license without taking an exam. Out-of-state contractors who have been licensed in other states for at least 10 years may qualify for reciprocity.
Can a general contractor do electrical work in Florida? ›As a basic requirement, a general contractor must subcontract all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming pool, and air-conditioning work. The CGC does not have to subcontract if he/she holds a state certificate or registration in the respective sub-trade category.
Do you need a permit to replace electrical panel in Florida? ›The replacement of an electrical panel, whether Commercial or Residential, requires an Electrical Permit be issued.
What is higher than a journeyman? ›Each individual guild generally recognised three ranks of workers: apprentices, journeymen, and masters. A journeyman, as a qualified tradesman could become a master and run their own business, but most continued working as employees.
Can a handyman change an outlet in Florida? ›“If you pay someone to perform even the simplest of electrical work, such as connecting two wires, you must hire a licensee.” That means no installing ceiling fans or replacing lighting fixtures. You can't even replace an outlet.
What electrical work requires a permit Florida? ›Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code states that a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing ...
Who can pull permits in Florida? ›
As the holder of a general contractor license in Florida, you should typically be the one to pull the permits. Homeowners can only pull permits on their own if they are doing the work themselves or have family and friends who are not being paid for their work.
How much do journeyman electricians make in Florida? ›The average salary for a journeyman electrician in Florida is $57,000 per year. Journeyman electrician salaries in Florida can vary between $30,500 to $86,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
How long does it take to become a master electrician in Florida? ›Complete 2 years in a registered apprenticeship with 2 years of work experience plus an additional 3 years of work under the direct supervision of a certified or licensed contractor OR. 6 years of practical work experience under the direct supervision of a certified electrical contractor.
How much does an electrician apprentice make in Florida? ›How much does an Electrician - Apprentice make in Florida? The average Electrician - Apprentice salary in Florida is $50,400 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $43,900 and $58,500.