Apply for a Hillsborough County Contractor License

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Section
Overview
Fees
Things To Consider
How To
Resources
Get Help

Overview

If you want to perform construction-related work or operate a construction-related businesses in Hillsborough County, you must have a license. If you already have a state license, you can register that with us instead of going through our process.

Fees

Type of License Application Fee Register/Renewal Fee
State Certified Contractors ONLY  N/A  N/A
State Registered (Local) Contractors
Local Specialty and State Registered (Certificate of Competency)
 $280  $140 – 2 year cycle
Journeyman (Electrician & Plumber)  $150  $70 – 2 year cycle
Reinstatement of State Registered (Local) Contractors
Local Specialty and State Registered (Certificate of Competency)
 $280  If approved: $140 – 2 year cycle
Reciprocity INTO Hillsborough County for State Registered (Local) Contractors  
Local Specialty and State Registered (Certificate of Competency)
 $280  $140 – 2 year cycle

Things To Consider

  • You must renew your registration every 2 years
  • If you have a State of Florida CERTIFIED license, you only need to register it with Hillsborough County, and do not need to go through our licensing process
  • The license process will require testing on both the trade and basic Florida business law.
  • If you were previously licensed and let it lapse for longer than 2 years, but less than 5 years, you can apply for reinstatement
    • You may have to retest
    • If you have let your license lapse for longer than 5 years, you will need to reapply as if you have never had a license and will need to take the appropriate exam and pay the full fees
  • Regarding Reciprocity:
    • The exams are recognized for reciprocity in almost all counties in the state of Florida. We reciprocate only with jurisdictions that reciprocate in turn.
    • Normally, when applying for reciprocity to another jurisdiction, you will not have to retest if your scores meet the requirements of that jurisdiction. You will still need to meet other additional requirements of any jurisdiction.
    • If you are seeking reciprocity INTO Hillsborough County, please use the State Registered (Local) Contractors application
    • If you need a letter of reciprocity FROM Hillsborough County, please email your request to licensing@hcflgov.net and include the following information:
      1. License number
      2. First and last name of license holder
      3. Email address of jurisdiction needing the letter
      4. Payment Authorization Form

How To

  1. Download the appropriate application:
  2. Fill out the application completely and attach all required information

Resources

Get Help

Department
Development Services
Email
Licensing@HCFLGov.net
Phone
(813) 272-5600