Florida Roofing License: How to get certified as a roofer in FL

Do I need a roofing license in Florida?

Yes, you need a roofing license if you want to work as a roofing contractor  in Florida. 

Like other skilled trades in the state, these licenses are overseen and administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

As a state certified contractor, you can install, maintain, and repair roofs, including working with the following materials: 

• Asphalt, synthetic, and composite shingles
• Waterproofing 
• Coating 
• Fascia 
• Sheathing 

Types of roofing licenses in Florida

The DBPR has split the Florida roofing contractor licenses into two types and two categories. There is a range of state-wide roofing licenses available to individuals (CILB 5-I), qualified businesses (CILB 6-I), and various other licenses for status changes. 

You can see them below:

To see the other licenses available to Florida roofers, like those for inactive licenses, reinstatement, change of status, or qualifying an additional business, visit the DBPR website.

Florida roofing license requirements

To be eligible for a Florida roofing license, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and be able to demonstrate roofing trade knowledge, such as Florida building code law. Here’s what’s required if you’re applying as either an individual or a qualifying business:

* Below are the combinations of college education, supervised roofing work experience, and military service that the DBPR and CILB count toward this requirement:

1. A four-year degree from an accredited college offering a construction-related program and one year of experience as a roofer 
2. At least three years at an accredited college and at least one year of experience as a foreman
3. Two years at an accredited college and two years of work experience—one as a roofer and one as a foreman
4. One year at an accredited college, two years of experience as a roofer, and one year as a foreman 
5. Four years experience as a roofer, at least one of which must include work as a foreman
6. Three years of military service and one year of experience as a foreman
7. Two years of military service, one year as a roofer, and one year as a foreman
8. One year of military service, two years as a roofer, and one year as a foreman

How do I get a roofing license in Florida?

Once you meet all the requirements for working as a roofer in Florida, you can get your roofing license by following the steps outlined in the individual and qualifying business applications. 

Here is the general process for becoming a certified roofer:

1. Take both the Roofing General Trade Knowledge and Business & Finance exams, passing each with a score of at least 70%
2. Build up the necessary combination of roofing, college, and/or military experience
3. Submit a credit report and FICO credit score to prove your financial stability and responsibility
4. Perform a background check with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and submit your fingerprints 
5. Obtain the necessary public liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance, or an exemption for the latter
6. Include payment for all the licensing and application fees
7. Print and complete the CILB 5-I application and submit it to the DBPR office at the following address:

2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL
32399

If you’re applying to become a registered roofer, you need to meet the requirements of your county or municipality. Contact your local government website to learn their specific application process.

Florida roofing license exam

Florida trade licensing exams are overseen by the DBPR and administered online by the exam vendor Pearson VUE.

To become a certified roofer, you need to pass two exams: the General Trade Knowledge exam and the Business & Finance exam. Here’s an overview of each exam:

General Trade Knowledge Exam: Roofers

• Writing Time: 5 hours
• Number of Questions: 80
• Passing Score: 70%
• Topic Areas: Built-Up roofs, Shingles and Shakes, Architectural Metal Roofs, Single Ply Systems, Modified Roofing Systems, Concrete and Clay Tile Roofs, Drains and Cutters, Membrane Waterproofing, Equipment and Safety

Business & Finance Exam

• Writing Time: 6.5 hours
• Number of Questions: 12
• Passing Score: 70%
• Topic Areas: Establishing the Contracting Business, Managing Administrative Duties, Managing Trade Operations, Conducting Accounting Functions, Managing Human Resources, Complying with Government Regulations

For more information on the Florida roofing license exam, check out the DBPR’s candidate information booklet and the exam content info docs for the roofing trade and business & finance exams. You can also grab a copy of the NRCA Roofing Manual.

If you’re getting a registered roofing license, you need to check in with your county about any exam requirements. 

Does Florida reciprocate roofing licenses?

Reciprocal license agreements let professionals from out of state apply directly for a roofing license in Florida.

Florida has reciprocity agreements with Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi for all general contractor, building contractor, and residential licenses, including roofing.

How much does a roofing license in Florida cost?

If you want to apply for a certified roofing license, you can expect to pay between $310 and $360, with later additional fees depending on the status of your license. Renewal fees are paid every odd or even year based on the year of the initial application.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the costs: 

* The Florida government has reduced licensing fees by 50% for the application and renewal window for fiscal years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. Before this, the application fees were $245 and $145.

Renewing your Florida roofing license

Certified roofing licenses are renewed every two years in Florida. 

To qualify for renewal, you need to complete a continuing education course from an approved provider. The DBPR has a Continuing Education Course Search page where you can find all the roofing courses available in the state.

After you complete the course, you just need to fill out the form that matches your license type, category, and activity status and then pay the renewal fee for your license. 

You can physically send your renewal form to the DBPR office in Tallahassee or use the online web portal.

How to start a roofing business in Florida

Once you have your certified or registered roofing license and have built up some experience, you’re ready to take the next step: starting your own roofing business. 

In order to do this, you need to fill out the CILB 6-I and get your qualified business license. You’ll also need to prove that you have the financial stability necessary to operate a business. Keep in mind that anyone performing contractor work in Florida must have both public liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance. 

There are also some practical considerations to think about when starting your own roofing company, including: 

• Choosing a roofing company name
• Pricing your roofing services appropriately
• Securing financing and setting up an accounting system
• Getting general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Finding the necessary roofing apps, equipment and product suppliers
• Creating a sales strategy
• Marketing your roofing business

If you have any other questions about starting your roofing business, visit the Florida Department of State.