Florida Pest Control License: How to get Certified as a Pest Control Contractor in FL

Do you need a pest control license in Florida?

To do any type of pest control work in Florida, you’ll need a license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The type of license you have will determine which type of pest control work you can perform. Some of those types of work include:

• General household pest and rodent control
• Termite and other wood-destroying organisms control
• Lawn and ornamental pest control
• Fumigation

The two exemptions that don’t require a pest control license in Florida are:

1. Pest control performed at your own residential property (except for fumigation)
2. Pest control performed on properties where any type of farming happens

Many homeowners want to know how to get a license to use common pesticides like Roundup. No license is needed unless pest control is performed elsewhere besides their own home.

In Florida, pest control professionals are also restricted in the types of pesticides they can use and activities they can engage in, depending on what type of license they obtain.

Types of pest control licenses in Florida

The type of license you’ll go after depends on the type of work you want to do. Business operators, landscapers, or pest control operators will all need different types of licenses. 

In Florida, you can only perform the pest control services that your certification allows. So if you receive one of the limited licenses, you’ll be restricted to the types of work and materials permitted with the license. Only the Pest Control Business Operator can work without limitations. Here are the different types of pest control licenses you can get in Florida:

Pest Control License Type	Description
Pest Control Operator	Licensee is permitted to perform work for a licensed business in one or more of the following pest control areas: • General household pest and rodent control • Termite and other wood-destroying organisms control • Lawn and ornamental pest control • Fumigation
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Applicator	Commercial landscapers are permitted to use general pesticides on plant beds and ornamental plants only in authorized areas.
Limited Governmental or Private Applicator	Employees of private pest control companies or government agencies are permitted the use of general and restricted pesticides.
Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator	Licensee can perform fertilizer applications to urban properties, lawn and ornamental plants, and plant bed areas.
Limited Commercial Wildlife Management	Wildlife workers are given the authority to trap rodents in, on, or under residential, governmental, or commercial structures

Florida Pest Control License Requirements 

If you want to work in pest control, there are specific licensing requirements you must meet in order to obtain your license. You can start the process by applying for your pest control license. But first, you’ll need to make sure you have the prerequisites. 

You’ll find a full list of prerequisites on the state board website. 

Pest Control License Type	Requirements
Pest Control Operator	• 18 years of age or older • High school diploma or equivalent • Minimum 3 years of experience working under a pest control licensee with at least one year completed in Florida OR Minimum 1 year of experience working under a pest control licensee with a degree from a recognized college or university that includes entomology, botany, agronomy, or horticulture courses • The supervising licensee must work in one of the categories of certification you’d like to receive  (general household pest and rodent control; termite and other wood-destroying organisms control; lawn and ornamental pest control; or fumigation) • Minimum of 75% on the pest control operator certification exam
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Applicator	• 6 classroom hours of plant bed and ornamental training  • Minimum of 75% on the Limited Commercial Maintenance Exam
Limited Governmental or Private Applicator	• Minimum of 75% on the Limited Lawn & Ornamental License Exam • Minimum of 75% or higher on the Limited Structural Licence Exam
Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator	• Completed the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) training • Proof of training
Limited Commercial Wildlife Management	• Minimum of 75% or higher on the Limited Wildlife Management Certification Exam • Proof of insurance

Now let’s take a look at the specific steps of each certification process.

How to get a pest control license in Florida

You’ll need to complete the necessary training, testing, and paperwork to get a pest control license in Florida. The time it takes will vary from a few weeks to 3 years, depending on which license you need.

Here’s how to get a pest control license in Florida based on the specific license type:

Pest Control Operator 

1. Complete a high school education or equivalent
2. Determine which category or categories of certification you’d like to receive  (general household pest and rodent control; termite and other wood-destroying organisms control; lawn and ornamental pest control; or fumigation)
3. Work under a pest control licensee for either 3 years or 1 year if you have a degree that includes courses in entomology, botany, agronomy, or horticulture from a recognized college or university
4. Apply to take one or more of the certification exams and pass with at least a 75%

Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Applicator 

1. Complete 6 classroom hours of approved plant bed and ornamental training
2. Apply to take the Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Applicator Exam online or by mail
3. Schedule the exam and pass with at least a 75%

Limited Governmental or Private Applicator 

1. Determine with your employer what job duties you’ll be performing and where
2. Apply to take the Limited Governmental or Private Applicator Exam online or by mail and choose one or both of the relevant categories under this license (Limited Structural Pest Control, Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control) application
3. Schedule the exam(s) and pass with at least a 75%

Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator 

1. Complete the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) training
2. Submit a license application online or by mail including proof of your completed training

Limited Commercial Wildlife Management 

1. Apply to take the Limited Commercial Wildlife Management Exam online or by mail
2. Schedule the exam with the University of Florida’s Research and Education Center and pass with at least a 75%
3. Obtain proof of insurance for bodily injury and property damage

All paper forms, including fees, can be submitted to the Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement at the address:

3125 Conner Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650

Florida Pest Control License Exam

All Florida pest control licensing exam applications are managed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Once applications are approved, applicants will receive an admission slip. You’ll need to schedule the exam in one of two ways:

1. Schedule the exam to be taken electronically at your local county extension office (appointment only) or through the Pesticide Certification Exam Website.
2. Visit the testing center in Apopka to take a written exam. No appointment is needed, but approved applicants must bring their approval notice to the exam site.

All paper certification exams are administered at:

The UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center
2725 S. Binion Rd.
Apopka, FL 32703

The exception is the Limited Commercial Wildlife Management exam. Instead of scheduling the exam with your Local County Extension Service office, you’ll schedule it with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services(FDACS) in Apopka, Florida.

Pest Control Operator License Exams

All exams, regardless of license type, must be passed with 75% or higher.

Information about scheduling, studying for, and writing these exams can be found on the Pesticide exam website.

Under the pest control operator license, you’ll need a separate certification for each type of job you do. There are 20 tests in total, including:

Pest Control Operator License Exams	Exam Details
General Household Pest	• 200 questions, multiple-choice on treating household pests and rodents in and around buildings • 4 hours time limit
Wood-Destroying Organisms	• 200 questions, multiple-choice on termites and other wood-destroying organisms in an around structures • 4 hours time limit
Lawn and Ornamental	• 200 questions, multiple-choice on treating lawns and ornamentals in and around structures • 4 hours time limit
Fumigation	• 200 questions, multiple-choice on fumigating structures for wood-destroying organisms • 4 hours time limit

Limited Licenses Exams

Because limited licenses limit licensees to specific activities, the exams are much simpler than pest control operator exams.

Limited Licenses Pest Control Exams	Exam Details
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance	• 80 questions, multiple-choice on treating ornamental plants and beds around buildings • 2 hours time limit
Limited Governmental or Private Applicator	• 80 questions, multiple-choice for each exam (Limited Lawn and Ornamental, Limited Structural) • 2 hours time limit per exam
Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator	• Provide proof of the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP)training instead of an exam
Limited Commercial Wildlife Management	• 30 questions, multiple-choice on trapping and exclusion of rodents from a structure • 2 hours time limit

Does Florida reciprocate pest control licenses with other states?

Some states have reciprocity agreements available that allow your state license to be active within other states.

Florida does reciprocate pest control licenses in various states depending on the license category. Here is the most up-to-date Reciprocity Compatibility Chart.

How much is a pest control license in Florida?

The total cost of a pest control license depends on which license you choose to obtain. Generally, you can expect anywhere from $15-$300 in exam fees per license.  Here are some exam costs and fees you can expect to pay for different licence types:

• All limited license exams: $150 per exam
• Pest control operator exams: $300 per exam
• Urban commercial fertilizer: $15 class fee, $25 license fee

Review the Florida Pesticide Certifications site and  pest control licensing fee table for the most up-to-date fee information.

Florida pest control license renewal

You’ll need to renew your Florida pest control license every 1-4 years, depending on which license you have received. You’ll receive a notice in the mail 60 days before your license expires. You can renew your pest control licenses online through the portal on the FDACS website.

The renewal fee is anywhere from $25-$300 and there may be continuing education requirements.

 Florida Pest Control Operator License Renewal

• $150 annual renewal fee per certificate needed renewed
• 4 hours of continuing education units. 1 CEU equals 50 minutes of classroom time.
• 1-year renewal

 Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Applicator License Renewal

• $75 annual renewal fee
• 4 hours of continuing education units. 1 CEU equals 50 minutes of classroom time.
• 1-year renewal

 Limited Governmental or Private Applicator License Renewal

• $25 renewal fee every 4 years
• 4 hours of continuing education units. 1 CEU equals 50 minutes of classroom time.
• 4-year renewal

 Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator License Renewal

• $25 renewal fee every 4 years
• 4-year renewal

 Limited Commercial Wildlife Management License Renewal

• $75 annual renewal fee
• 4 hours of continuing education units. 1 CEU equals 50 minutes of classroom 
• 1-year renewal

What happens if my pest control license expires?

If your license isn’t renewed before it expires, you won’t be able to purchase or apply any restricted-use pesticides.

If your license gets renewed after its expiration date, then you’ll need to submit a signed and notarized affidavit saying you haven’t purchased or applied any restricted-use pesticides since your license expired.

You’ll have to pay a $50 late fee if your license is renewed more than 60 days after it expires.

Licenses that have expired for more than a year cannot be renewed. At that point, you’ll have to retake the certification exams.

It’s important to keep an eye out for your license expiration dates and renew within 30 days of the anniversary renewal date to avoid retaking the exams. You can search for your license here.

Requirements for business owners

There are a few steps to starting a pest control business. Before getting your certifications and licensing, you’ll want to:

1. Define what pest control services you’ll be offering: Focus on the most in-demand service needed in your area. It’ll be much easier to start in one niche and then expand from there.

2. Figure out your pest control pricing: Use a value-based or tiered pricing strategy. Be sure to account for your labor, overhead, materials, and profit margin.

3. Identify your value proposition: Your value proposition will make you stand out from your competitors. Start by researching pest control businesses in your area, see how they are marketing themselves, and summarize what you do better or differently.

Once you have a general idea of what type of pest control business you want to create, then you’re ready to explore the steps needed to start your business.

In Florida, the requirements to start your own pest control business are:

• Apply for a pest control business license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
• Obtain the proper certifications to qualify as a pest control operator
• Pay an annual license fee of $300
• Obtain the proper insurance at a minimum of $250,000 for bodily injury, $250,000 for property damage, and worker’s compensation which will be a variable amount