Florida Certified General Contractor • CILB • Contract Administration • Project Management • Business & Finance
Ready to earn your Florida General Contractor license? This guide explains the state examination, licensing requirements, approved reference books, construction subjects, study schedules, and practical ways to prepare for all three required exams.
The Florida Certified General Contractor license is issued through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and its Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
Unlike a Division II trade contractor examination, the Florida General Contractor exam process has three separate tests: Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance.
Contract Administration: 60 scored questions and 4.5 hours.
Project Management: 60 scored questions and 4.5 hours.
Business & Finance: 120 scored questions and 6.5 hours.
All three are computer-based and open book. Candidates need at least 70% on each required examination. This means 42 correct answers on each 60-question trade test and 84 correct answers on the 120-question business test.
Florida's General Contractor examinations test much more than basic jobsite experience. Candidates must understand construction contracts, bid preparation, scheduling, permitting, building codes, foundations, concrete, framing, construction safety, project management, accounting, and business law.
The state publishes an official reference-book list for the 2026 examination cycle. It includes important documents such as the 2023 Florida Building Code, AIA construction contracts, OSHA construction standards, commercial construction texts, and Florida contractor manuals.
Important 2026 change: The official Contract Administration and Project Management reference list specifies the 2025 Contractors Manual beginning July 1, 2026. It also specifies the 2025 edition of Building Component Safety Information beginning that date.
Some Contractor Exam Preps product listings still describe older versions of these books. Verify the included editions before buying or bringing books to the exam.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Florida General Contractor Premium Books and Courses Rental, which includes trade and business study support.
Candidates who prefer owning their reference materials can explore the Florida General Contractor Highlighted and Tabbed Complete Book Set.
For guided study, the Florida General Contractor Contract Administration and Project Management Online Course covers the major trade subjects and reference-book navigation.
Licensing also requires qualifying construction experience. Florida Certified General Contractor applicants generally need four years of qualifying experience or an accepted education and experience combination.
The state also requires experience in at least four approved construction work areas, including at least one year involving construction of structures four or more stories high.
This guide brings the exam information, licensing process, study products, required references, and practice strategy together in one place.
Important 2026 Florida General Contractor Exam Update: Certified General Contractor candidates must pass three separate computer-based examinations: Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance. Each trade examination contains 60 scored questions and allows 4.5 hours; Business & Finance contains 120 questions and allows 6.5 hours. Florida's official 2026 trade reference list changes to the 2025 Contractors Manual and 2025 Building Component Safety Information beginning July 1, 2026. In addition, the state identifies certain accounting, estimating, concrete, reinforcing-steel, and gypsum-panel books as study only. They cannot be brought into the trade testing room under the 2026 reference list. Compare every purchased or rented package with the current official list.
A Florida Certified General Contractor is a construction professional licensed to manage and contract for a broad range of building projects.
Florida law defines a General Contractor as a contractor whose services are generally unlimited as to the type of construction work that can be performed, subject to specific legal limits and required specialty licensing.
A general contractor may oversee large residential developments, commercial buildings, renovations, structural construction, and other qualifying building projects.
The job involves much more than supervising workers with a clipboard. A general contractor must coordinate schedules, costs, contracts, subcontractors, inspections, materials, and safety requirements.
For example, consider a four-story commercial building. The contractor must understand how the foundation, structural frame, floors, walls, and roof come together.
The contractor must also coordinate engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, inspections, construction documents, and project milestones.
If concrete arrives before formwork and reinforcing steel are ready, the construction schedule can become an expensive puzzle.
Florida General Contractors need knowledge of construction methods, building codes, contract documents, construction math, and business operations.
They also need to understand the legal limits of their license. Certain electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, and other regulated specialty services may require separately qualified contractors.
Holding a General Contractor license does not remove applicable trade licensing requirements or permit a contractor to ignore local approvals.
A Florida certified contractor is generally authorized to contract statewide within the licensed scope, while a registered contractor is limited according to the applicable local registration authority.
Certified General Contractor applicants must meet state experience, examination, financial, background, and insurance requirements.
The state's application materials require General Contractor experience in at least four designated construction areas. Applicants must also document at least one year of qualifying experience involving construction of structures four or more stories high.
That experience rule matters. Someone with years of small remodeling work may still need to determine whether the projects meet the specific Certified General Contractor qualifications.
Before paying for exam preparation, review the official requirements and confirm that your experience qualifies.
License: Florida Certified General Contractor.
Agency: Florida DBPR.
Board: Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Exams: Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance.
Experience: Generally four years or an accepted education and experience combination.
General-specific requirement: At least four experience areas and one year involving buildings four or more stories high.
Review the Florida contractor license definitions and the official Certified General Contractor application instructions.
Use this step-by-step roadmap to organize your examination preparation and license application.
| Step | Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Classification | Certified General Contractor | Confirm that the CGC license fits the construction services you want to perform. |
| Confirm Minimum Age | 18 or Older | Meet Florida's age requirement for certified contractor applicants. |
| Review Experience | Generally Four Years | Verify acceptable experience or an approved combination of college and work experience. |
| Document Work Areas | At Least Four Areas | Identify your qualifying construction experience categories. |
| Document High-Rise Experience | At Least One Year | Show qualifying work involving structures at least four stories high. |
| Register for Examinations | Professional Testing | Follow the current Division I contractor exam registration process. |
| Review Reference Lists | 2026 Approved Books | Use the correct list for each exam section and test date. |
| Study Contracts | Contract Administration | Prepare for 60 questions on contracts, preconstruction, permits, and operations. |
| Study Construction | Project Management | Prepare for 60 questions on materials, construction methods, safety, and drawings. |
| Study Business | Business & Finance | Prepare for 120 questions on contractor business, accounting, and legal responsibilities. |
| Schedule Testing | Pearson VUE | Schedule after receiving the necessary eligibility authorization. |
| Pass All Three | 70% Each | Earn the minimum passing score on every required examination. |
| Submit DBPR Application | State Licensing | Complete the proper individual or business-qualifier application. |
| Complete Background Review | Fingerprints | Provide required background screening information. |
| Meet Financial Requirements | Credit and Insurance | Submit the required credit, financial responsibility, and insurance documentation. |
| Receive Certification | CILB Approval | Wait until the state issues the appropriate license before contracting. |
The three required examinations are administered separately. The current published examination format is as follows.
| Exam Detail | Category | Information |
|---|---|---|
| State License | CILB | Certified General Contractor |
| Trade Exam 1 | Contract Administration | 60 scored questions |
| Trade Exam 1 Time | Contract Administration | 4.5 hours |
| Trade Exam 2 | Project Management | 60 scored questions |
| Trade Exam 2 Time | Project Management | 4.5 hours |
| Business Exam | Business & Finance | 120 scored questions |
| Business Time | Business & Finance | 6.5 hours |
| Exam Format | All Three | Computer-based through Pearson VUE |
| Reference Format | All Three | Open book, approved references only |
| Passing Score | Each Exam | 70% |
| Correct Answers for Trade | Each 60-Question Exam | At least 42 |
| Correct Answers for Business | 120-Question Exam | At least 84 |
| Project Contracts | Contract Administration | 40% |
| Preconstruction | Contract Administration | 27% |
| Permits and Approvals | Contract Administration | 20% |
| Construction Operations | Contract Administration | 13% |
| Methods and Materials | Project Management | 63% |
| Safety | Project Management | 20% |
| Plans and Specifications | Project Management | 17% |
| Official Trade References | 2026 | AIA documents, OSHA, Florida codes, commercial construction and other allowed titles |
| Florida Building Codes | Trade | 2023 editions |
| Contractors Manual | Trade, October 2026 | 2025 edition under July 2026 update |
| BCSI Truss Guide | Trade, October 2026 | 2025 edition under July 2026 update |
| Business Contractors Manual | Business & Finance | 2025 edition under the 2026 business list |
Total scored questions: 240 across the three examinations.
Total permitted exam time: 15.5 hours across separately scheduled examinations.
Trade sections: Contract Administration and Project Management.
Separate business section: Business & Finance.
Critical detail: Each examination requires an individual passing result.
The Certified General Contractor examination includes two technical and administrative trade tests, plus the separate Business & Finance test.
This is the largest Contract Administration category. Study agreements, contract conditions, contract types, modifications, changes, payments, retainage, lien-related requirements, completion, and closeout.
AIA documents are especially important. Learn how contract clauses distribute responsibilities between owners, contractors, architects, and subcontractors.
Review cost estimates, bids, proposals, subcontractor pricing, labor costs, material costs, equipment costs, overhead, profit, and the differences between lump-sum and unit-price estimates.
Prepare for calculations involving margins, markup, quantities, and project contingencies.
Study permitting, regulatory approvals, inspections, applicable codes, project approvals, and contractor obligations before construction begins.
Questions may ask which approval is required or how responsibilities affect a project schedule.
Review construction administration, scheduling, contract changes, site coordination, recordkeeping, inspections, and project operations.
This is the largest single category across the two trade examinations.
Study sitework, surveying, earthwork, soils, excavation, foundations, concrete, reinforcing steel, masonry, structural framing, trusses, building envelopes, roofing, equipment, construction methods, and materials.
Plan to spend substantial time learning these subjects rather than treating the category as one giant chapter.
Review OSHA construction safety standards, fall protection, excavation, scaffolds, ladders, hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, and safe jobsite procedures.
Learn to interpret architectural and structural drawings, symbols, details, dimensions, sections, schedules, specifications, and project notes.
Business & Finance covers contractor operations, accounting, cash flow, financial records, business organization, construction law, contracts, employment responsibilities, licensing, insurance, bonding, and other business topics.
The business exam has its own reference list. Preparing for Contract Administration alone will not cover every Business & Finance subject.
Contract Administration: Four published subject categories.
Project Management: Three published subject categories.
Business & Finance: Separate 120-question exam.
Study priority: Project contracts and construction methods carry especially large weights.
Begin by treating the three required tests as separate goals. Each one has its own time limit, subject areas, and preparation needs.
First, download the official Contract Administration and Project Management outlines. Use the published percentages to organize your schedule.
Then compare your books with Florida's current examination reference lists. A package may contain useful study materials that are not permitted in the actual testing room.
For Contract Administration, start with the AIA agreements and construction contract documents.
Learn where to find provisions concerning payments, subcontractors, changes, bidding, claims, project closeout, and contract responsibilities.
For Project Management, focus on construction methods, structural systems, building codes, and OSHA safety.
The methods-and-materials category represents 63% of the Project Management outline. This deserves a large share of your practice time.
Contract Administration: Bidding, contracts, payments, permits, change orders, and operations.
Project Management: Sitework, concrete, structural framing, materials, safety, and building methods.
Plan Reading: Architectural sheets, elevations, sections, schedules, symbols, and dimensions.
OSHA Safety: Fall protection, excavations, scaffolds, ladders, tools, and hazard recognition.
Construction Math: Quantities, percentages, area, volume, estimating, and unit conversions.
Business & Finance: Accounting, cash flow, payroll, taxes, insurance, business organization, and regulations.
Use timed practice questions with the books open. Learn which reference applies to each topic before looking for an answer.
The Florida General Contractor Online Trade Exam Prep Course offers a structured approach to Contract Administration and Project Management.
For Business & Finance, use a separate Florida Business and Finance Online Exam Prep Course or a corresponding study program.
Keep a record of missed questions. Every mistake is a chance to learn how a reference is organized, provided you go back and find the correct rule.
Successful open-book preparation is not about memorizing every page. It is about understanding the material and knowing where to look.
A Florida General Contractor must understand the order and relationship of construction activities. The diagram below shows a simplified building project with foundations, framing, roof structure, project documents, and jobsite coordination.
Educational construction illustration. Not an engineering or code-approved building plan.
Follow these eight stages to organize your Florida General Contractor exam preparation and application.
Check your intended work against Florida's Certified General, Building, and Residential Contractor definitions.
Document the required construction experience areas, including work involving structures at least four stories high.
Check the current DBPR lists, including the July 2026 Contractors Manual and truss guide changes.
Study estimating, bidding, project contracts, permits, payments, and construction operations.
Study building systems, sitework, concrete, framing, OSHA, and plan reading.
Review accounting, contracts, business organization, financial management, and Florida regulations.
Achieve at least 70% on Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance.
Submit the required state application, experience, background, financial, and insurance information.
Florida publishes separate subject weightings for Contract Administration and Project Management. These are approximate percentages; actual exams may vary within the published tolerance.
Contract Administration priority: Project Contracts, 40%.
Project Management priority: Construction Methods and Materials, 63%.
Published variation: Category percentages are approximate.
Business & Finance: Use its separate official content outline and study schedule.
Important: Estimated question counts are rounded illustrations, not guaranteed examination counts.
Florida's 2026 General, Building, and Residential Contractor reference list identifies books allowed for the Contract Administration and Project Management examinations.
For examinations taken in October 2026, candidates should pay special attention to the editions introduced on July 1, 2026.
| Book or Reference | 2026 Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| AIA A201: General Conditions of the Contract for Construction | 2017 | Approved exam-room reference for contract conditions and project responsibilities. |
| AIA A401: Contractor-Subcontractor Agreement | 2017 | Approved exam-room reference for subcontract agreements. |
| AIA A701: Instructions to Bidders | 2018 | Approved exam-room reference for bidding procedures. |
| OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | July 1, 2025 | Approved construction safety reference. |
| Contractors Manual | 2025 beginning July 1, 2026 | Approved reference with a midyear edition change. |
| Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction | 11th Edition, 2024 | Approved trade reference for commercial construction practices. |
| Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida | 2024 | Approved trade reference for energy-efficient building construction. |
| Building Component Safety Information, BCSI-ED2-D | 2025 beginning July 1, 2026 | Approved truss handling and bracing reference with a midyear edition change. |
| Florida Building Code - Building | 2023 | Approved building construction code reference. |
| Florida Building Code - Accessibility | 2023 | Approved accessibility reference. |
| Florida Building Code - Residential | 2023 | Approved residential construction reference. |
| Florida Building Code - Existing Building | 2023 | Approved reference for alterations and existing structures. |
| Florida Building Code - Energy Conservation | 2023 | Approved energy-code reference. |
The following are specifically identified on the 2026 DBPR list as suggested study references. They may help with preparation but may not be brought into the Contract Administration or Project Management testing room under that list.
Allowed: The references identified as approved exam-room materials on DBPR's 2026 list.
Study only: The five additional books listed in DBPR's suggested-study section.
July 2026 update: Contractors Manual 2025 and BCSI 2025.
Business & Finance: Has its own separate reference list; a book restricted from the trade exam may be permitted for business if listed there.
Edition rule: Exam answers are based on the listed editions, even when an alternate edition is allowed at the candidate's risk.
Florida General Contractor examinations are open book, but only approved materials can be used in the testing room.
The state permits appropriate highlighting and pen underlining completed before testing. Movable tabs, handwritten notes, loose papers, and writing in reference books during the examination are prohibited.
Open-book strategy: Identify the subject and the correct book before searching for a particular answer.
Trade timing: 270 minutes for 60 questions, averaging 4.5 minutes per scored question.
Business timing: 390 minutes for 120 questions, averaging 3.25 minutes per scored question.
Best preparation: Practice with your authorized references, not only flash cards or memorized answers.
The Florida General Contractor Pre-Printed Tabs and Highlights product provides permanent tabbing aids, highlighting guides, and instructional support. Confirm the guides match the current editions of your books.
Florida Certified General Contractors have broad contracting authority under Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes.
They may enter into construction contracts and manage projects within the authorized General Contractor scope.
Examples may include large commercial buildings, multi-story structures, residential developments, renovations, and major building improvements.
General Contractors can plan project schedules, evaluate construction documents, coordinate subcontractors, supervise jobsite activities, and manage costs.
They may oversee site preparation, foundations, structural framing, building envelopes, interior construction, and other authorized activities.
The scope of a Florida General Contractor license is broader than the scope of a Residential Contractor or Building Contractor license in many circumstances.
However, the general license is not a free pass to personally perform every regulated specialty trade.
Florida law places restrictions on performing work that requires separate specialty licensing.
For example, plumbing and electrical systems may need to be installed by appropriately licensed professionals.
General Contractors must also comply with local permit and inspection requirements.
They need to understand Florida Building Code provisions, accessibility standards, energy conservation requirements, construction safety, and contractual responsibilities.
A construction project's success often depends on coordination between building departments, architects, engineers, subcontractors, owners, and suppliers.
Imagine a project where the roofing installation begins before the structural framing inspection has been approved. That scheduling mistake could cause serious delays.
General Contractors are responsible for recognizing such problems and managing the sequence of work properly.
This combination of technical construction knowledge and business management explains why Florida's General Contractor examination has three parts.
Statewide certification: Generally allows contracting throughout Florida within the license scope.
Major responsibilities: Construction planning, contracts, coordination, jobsite operations, and safety.
Specialty work: Observe separate licensing requirements when applicable.
Legal scope: Review Florida Statutes Section 489.105.
| Classification | Scope | Examination Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Certified General Contractor | Broad general contracting authority within Florida law. | 60 Contract Administration + 60 Project Management + 120 Business & Finance. |
| Certified Building Contractor | Work within the state's Building Contractor classification. | 50 Contract Administration + 50 Project Management + 120 Business & Finance. |
| Certified Residential Contractor | Work within the state's Residential Contractor classification. | 45 Contract Administration + 45 Project Management + 120 Business & Finance. |
| Registered General Contractor | Authority limited by the applicable registration and local competency requirements. | Requirements depend on the valid registration pathway. |
| Certified Plumbing Contractor | Licensed plumbing contracting within its specialty scope. | Plumbing Trade Knowledge plus Business & Finance. |
| Certified Roofing Contractor | Roofing construction within the specialty license. | Roofing Trade Knowledge plus Business & Finance. |
| General Contract Administration | Project contracts, preconstruction, permits, and operations. | 60 questions, 4.5 hours. |
| General Project Management | Building methods, materials, construction safety, and drawings. | 60 questions, 4.5 hours. |
| General Business & Finance | Business operations, accounting, and financial responsibilities. | 120 questions, 6.5 hours. |
General: The broadest of the three main Division I building contractor classifications.
Building: A separate classification with its own scope and trade question counts.
Residential: A separate classification with its own scope and trade question counts.
Choose carefully: Your qualifying experience and intended construction work should match the license you seek.
Qualifying Construction Background
Contract, Project and Business
DBPR and CILB Requirements
Most important eligibility detail: Florida's Certified General Contractor application has a specific four-story construction experience requirement.
Military and education pathways: Additional qualification options may apply; review the current state application.
Insurance: Follow the applicable certified contractor insurance requirements.
Passing exams: Does not automatically result in license issuance.
This six-week plan provides an organized review of Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance. Candidates with limited study time may wish to extend the schedule.
The Florida General Contractor exam can be challenging because candidates must pass three separate tests covering a large amount of construction and business information.
The Contract Administration and Project Management examinations each contain 60 questions.
The Business & Finance examination contains another 120 questions.
That means candidates face 240 scored questions across the complete examination process.
The exams are open book, but that does not mean the answers jump off the page when you open a reference.
Many questions require understanding how to apply a contract provision, building code section, construction method, or business rule.
Contract Administration can be challenging because AIA agreements use precise language.
For example, the responsibilities of an owner, contractor, or architect can vary depending on the contract provision involved.
Preconstruction questions may also require estimating calculations and careful evaluation of costs.
Project Management is broad. Candidates may need to understand site preparation, foundations, concrete, framing, building codes, safety, and materials.
Some candidates have years of experience in one construction specialty but less experience in another. That can leave gaps in their knowledge.
OSHA safety questions require attention because the correct answer may depend on a particular situation, standard, or equipment requirement.
Reading plans and specifications can also test your ability to interpret drawings, details, notes, and schedules.
Business & Finance adds financial management and legal responsibilities that may be unfamiliar to experienced field workers.
Another challenge is using the correct references. Florida's 2026 list distinguishes between approved exam-room books and titles that are recommended only for study.
There are also edition changes beginning July 1, 2026. Candidates studying with old rental or purchased packages should confirm which books match their testing date.
The most effective strategy is to practice with the approved books and a timer.
Learn to recognize the subject of each question, select the likely reference, locate the correct section, and check the answer.
Organized study can make the tests more manageable. The goal is to become comfortable with both the construction topics and the open-book testing process.
Contract Administration: 60 questions, 4.5 hours.
Project Management: 60 questions, 4.5 hours.
Business & Finance: 120 questions, 6.5 hours.
Passing: 70% on each exam.
References: Bring only those permitted for your specific examination and session.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Florida General Contractor book rentals, complete reference sets, highlighted and tabbed materials, online courses, business preparation, and exam study aids.
These products can help organize your study materials. Because the state's approved editions change, verify the current contents of any package before ordering.
Books, Trade Course and Business Preparation
Owned Reference Books
Structured Online Trade Exam Preparation
All-inclusive licensing option: Florida General Contractor All-Inclusive Exam and Licensing Solution.
Unhighlighted book set: Florida General Contractor Complete Book Set.
Book tabs: Florida General Contractor Pre-Printed Tabs and Highlights.
Business online course: Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep Course.
Business practice questions: Florida Business and Finance Online Practice Questions.
Before purchasing: Verify current editions and whether each listed book is allowed in the trade exam room, allowed only for Business & Finance, or intended for home study.
This custom Florida General Contractor exam prep illustration features the Florida state outline, construction hard hat, four-story building, crane, drafting plans, and structural framing.
The image represents contractor education and exam preparation. It is not an official DBPR license card or government-issued credential.
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Florida Certified General Contractor
• Contract Administration Exam
• Project Management Exam
• Business & Finance Exam
• 60 Contract Administration Questions
• 60 Project Management Questions
• 120 Business Questions
• 70% Passing Standard
• Computer-Based Open-Book Testing
• AIA Construction Contracts
• Florida Building Code 2023
• Construction Cost Estimating
• Project Contracts
• Bidding and Procurement
• Permits and Inspections
• Sitework and Foundations
• Concrete and Reinforcing Steel
• Structural Framing
• Truss Safety
• OSHA Construction Safety
• Plan Reading
• Scheduling and Coordination
• Contractor Accounting
• Financial Management
• Contract Administration
• Construction Business Operations
• Licensing Application Requirements
Prepare for the three required examinations with approved reference books, simulated practice tests, course review, and a structured study calendar.
Florida General Contractor Licensing
Most applicants seeking statewide general contracting authority pursue the Florida Certified General Contractor license through DBPR and the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation administers the licensing process through the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Applicants generally need four years of qualifying construction experience or an approved education and experience combination, with additional category-specific requirements.
Yes. The Certified General Contractor application requires at least one year of qualifying experience in the construction of structures at least four stories high.
Yes. General Contractor applicants must document experience in at least four of the approved work areas listed in the application instructions.
A certified contractor generally has statewide authority within the license scope. A registered contractor works within the limits of the applicable local competency and registration requirements.
Three Required Examination Parts
Three: Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance.
60 scored questions, with 4.5 hours allowed.
60 scored questions, with 4.5 hours allowed.
120 scored questions, with 6.5 hours allowed.
Florida requires at least 70% on each required exam. That is 42 correct answers on each 60-question trade test and 84 correct on the 120-question business test.
Yes. Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance are administered through computer-based testing.
Examination registration and eligibility are handled through Florida's designated process, including Professional Testing. Computer-based examination appointments are delivered through Pearson VUE.
Contract Administration Subjects
Project Contracts, representing approximately 40% of the published Contract Administration outline.
Preconstruction Activities represent approximately 27% of the published examination outline.
Yes. Obtaining Licenses, Permits and Approvals represents approximately 20% of the outline.
Yes. AIA contract documents are important references for understanding project relationships, contracts, payment procedures, changes, bidding, and other construction responsibilities.
Project Management Subjects
Construction Methods, Materials, Tools and Equipment represents 63% of the published outline.
Yes. Safety accounts for approximately 20% of Project Management, and OSHA construction standards are an important study reference.
Yes. Reading Plans and Specifications represents approximately 17% of the Project Management outline.
Yes. Foundations, concrete, reinforcing steel, masonry, framing, and building construction methods are relevant Project Management study topics.
2026 Reference Book Rules
Yes. Only the references approved for the specific examination may be brought into the testing room.
The official 2026 trade reference list includes the 2023 editions of the Florida Building Code volumes for Building, Accessibility, Residential, Existing Building, and Energy Conservation.
The official trade reference list specifies the 2025 Contractors Manual beginning July 1, 2026.
The 2025 Building Component Safety Information edition is specified beginning July 1, 2026.
Not if they appear in the suggested-study-only section of the official list. Florida's 2026 list identifies several estimating, accounting, concrete, reinforcing, and gypsum books as not permitted inside the trade testing room.
Properly attached permanent tabs may be used under Florida's examination reference rules. Movable sticky tabs are prohibited.
No. Handwritten and typewritten notes in examination references are prohibited.
Business, Finance and Licensing
Study accounting, financial management, contracts, business organization, licensing, insurance, payroll, taxes, and contractor legal responsibilities.
No. Applicants must complete the state licensing application and satisfy experience, financial, background, insurance, and other requirements.
Applicants must meet applicable public liability, property damage, and workers' compensation insurance requirements or lawful exemptions.
Contractor Exam Preps Products
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers Florida General Contractor premium rental packages with reference books and associated study support.
Yes. The store lists a Florida General Contractor Complete Book Set in highlighted and tabbed format. Verify included editions against the 2026 state list.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers an online Contract Administration and Project Management course with simulated practice exams and book navigation guidance.
Yes. The store offers Business and Finance online practice questions and a separate online preparation course.
No. Study materials help with preparation but cannot guarantee examination results or Florida licensing approval.
Watch this related 1Exam Prep video covering the Florida General Contractor licensing path, preparation options, and the steps involved in becoming a contractor. Use the video for background and study motivation, then rely on the official 2026 DBPR materials for current examination counts and approved reference editions.
Video: How To Become a General Contractor in Florida.
Channel: 1Exam Prep.
Topic: Florida General Contractor licensing and exam preparation.
Video context: Published in 2019, so some licensing procedures and reference books may have changed.
Current exam format: Three computer-based tests totaling 240 scored questions.
Current reference caution: Use DBPR's 2026 approved book lists and July 2026 edition updates.
Watch the 1Exam Prep Florida General Contractor Video on YouTube
Use Contractor Exam Preps for books, highlighted and tabbed references, rental packages, online courses, and practice questions. Use Florida DBPR and the applicable exam vendors for official examination and licensing requirements.
License: Florida Certified General Contractor.
Three required exams: Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance.
Questions: 60, 60, and 120.
Passing standard: 70% on each exam.
2026 trade books: Include 2023 Florida Building Code volumes and specific 2025 reference editions.
Book warning: Not every useful study reference is allowed into the trade examination room.
Licensing: Qualifying experience, application approval, background review, financial responsibility, and insurance.
Preparing for your Florida Certified General Contractor license is a major career step. The right study plan can help you organize technical construction knowledge, contract administration, and business responsibilities into manageable subjects.
Florida requires three separate examinations: Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance.
Contract Administration contains 60 scored questions and allows four and a half hours. Project Management also contains 60 scored questions and allows four and a half hours.
The Business & Finance examination contains 120 scored questions and allows six and a half hours.
Each examination is computer-based, open book, and requires a score of at least 70% to pass.
For Contract Administration, focus on project contracts, preconstruction activities, permits, approvals, and construction operations.
Project Contracts alone represent 40% of the published Contract Administration outline, so understanding contract documents is especially valuable.
For Project Management, place extra emphasis on construction methods, materials, tools, equipment, OSHA safety, and reading plans.
Construction Methods and Materials account for 63% of the Project Management outline. This includes a wide range of topics, from site preparation and foundations to framing and building systems.
Business & Finance requires a separate study plan covering accounting, financial management, business operations, insurance, contracts, employment responsibilities, and Florida regulations.
One important preparation step is confirming the current approved book editions.
For 2026, the Florida General Contractor trade list includes the 2023 Florida Building Code volumes, AIA contract documents, OSHA, commercial construction resources, and other approved references.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida specifies the 2025 Contractors Manual and the 2025 Building Component Safety Information edition for the trade examinations.
The state also lists several helpful accounting, estimating, concrete, reinforcing-steel, and gypsum-panel books as suggested study references that are not permitted in the trade testing room.
That distinction matters. A product package can contain useful books without every book being authorized for examination use.
The Florida General Contractor Premium Books and Courses Rental provides an organized option for candidates who want books, trade preparation, and Business & Finance support.
The Florida General Contractor Highlighted and Tabbed Book Set offers another option for candidates who prefer purchasing their reference materials.
For flexible home study, the Florida General Contractor Online Trade Prep Course helps organize Contract Administration and Project Management subjects.
Beyond testing, applicants must also satisfy the state's licensing requirements. Those generally include qualifying construction experience, financial responsibility, background screening, insurance, and official CILB approval.
Florida General Contractor applicants must also document experience in the required construction work areas, including at least one year involving structures four or more stories high.
Build a realistic schedule, review the approved references, complete timed practice questions, and check every answer you miss.
Good preparation combines construction knowledge with accurate reference navigation and a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved in managing real projects.
The goal is not simply to finish three exams. It is to develop the skills needed to plan, supervise, and manage construction work responsibly.
Find additional Florida contractor licensing and examination study materials at ContractorExamPreps.com.
