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Statutory Licensing · Florida Contractor Law

Florida Contractor Licenses.

The statutory licenses and registrations that legally authorize residential construction work in Florida — the Certified General Contractor (CGC) and the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. Each reference explains who needs it, what it covers, and how to verify a contractor in under 60 seconds at the state registry.

The Two Credentials FL Law Requires

Florida separates the right to pull a building permit from the right to sell home improvement work. The CGC covers structural work and permitting; the HIC registration covers the consumer contract and unlocks the consumer protection fund. A legitimate FL contractor carries both — and will print both numbers on the first page of a proposal.

License / RegistrationWhat It Authorizes
FL Certified General Contractor (CGC)Examination-based license required to pull building permits and supervise structural work in Florida. Issued by the Florida Building Commission under F.S.143.
FL Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)State registration required for residential work over $1,000. Unlocks the DBPR consumer protection programs consumer protection. Administered by DBPR under F.S.142A.

Why We List Both Numbers

IWD Miami prints its CGC and HIC numbers on every proposal because each protects you differently: the CGC means a licensed supervisor is accountable for code-compliant structural work, and the HIC registration means you are covered by the Florida consumer protection fund. If a contractor stalls when you ask for either number, walk away.