What Work Can a Certified General Contractor in Florida Perform themselves?

The construction industry in Florida is governed by the Florida Legislature to protect public health and safety by  regulat ing  the industry  and  Florida general contractor license requirements . Construction licensing in Florida also covers the scope of work (and restrictions to the scope of work) that a Certified General Contractor (CGC) license holder  is allowed to  perform.  

A Certified General Contractor needs to have an active license and can  thereby  enter into contracts to  construct   vari o us types o f building s and building  alteration s  in Florida. There are, however, some permissions and restrictions on a Certified General Contractor in Florida that govern the type of work that they are allowed to   perform themselves. The difference here is that even though the Certified General Contractor could possess a contract for the work, they may not be able to perform   all   the work themselves  because  they do not have the appropriate  state certificate for trade-specific work .  

An advertisement for contractors reporting services in florida 

General Contractors Must Subcontract Some Trade Specific Work  

In general, the basic requirement is that the general contractor will need to subcontract all plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, mechanical, electrical, swimming pool and air   conditioning work. But, if they ho ld  a state certificate or registration in the  particular sub- trade category, they are not required to subcontract those tasks and can legally  perform  the work  themselves . The converse also holds true, if the general contractor does sub-trade work  for which  t hey do not  have a license, they may be disciplined for working outside of the scope of their license.  

Structural and Site Work  

licensed Florida  general contractor is responsible for a nd permitted to perform a lterations or construction on the structural component of a project including steel and concrete work. The  licensed  general contractor  in Florida is also permitted to perform site work such as  clear ing , grad ing, and excavat ion  

Roofing  

In general, the roofing project will need to be subcontracted to a registered roofing contractor. The exception to this is the installation or repair  of  certain roof types that are still under warranty if the work is done on a new building that the  general contractor  constructed. For existing structures, a  licensed Florida general contractor  is not allowed to do roof repairs or maintenance. The only exception to this is in times of emergency where general contractors are given  permission  to help with roofing repairs.  

Swimming Pool  Construction  

licensed Florida  general contractor does not have to subcontract structural swimming pool work, including work to the pool shell if it is deemed to be part of the structure. For all other swimming pool work, the project needs to be subcontracted to a  registered pool contractor .  

An advertisement for contractors reporting services in florida 

Florida General Contractors Working as  Construction Manage rs  

Make sure you know the role and requirements of Florida general contractors Certified General Contractors
 
in Florida 
can work as construction managers. It is important to note that there are many different types of project delivery methods and 
in order 
to manage risk many 
general 
contractors are 
hired
 to work as construction managers. The two main types of construction managers are C
onstruction 
M
anagers
 at Risk 
(CMAR) 
and C
onstruction Managers as Agent (CMA)
 

Whether working as a CMAR or CMA , i f the management of a construction site is overseen by a  licensed certified general contractor in Florida , they can only oversee the activities of licensed  sub contractor s. The general contractor cannot perform the work themselves ; the work must still be performed by a licensed individual or an entity that is properly qualified.  

In summary, a Certified General Contractor i n Florida i s limited in the work that they can perform, and many tasks in a project will need to be subcontracted to an individual or entity that holds the correct sub-task license.   

An advertisement for contractors reporting services in florida

Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, FL helps businesses in the construction industry with paperwork, licensing, and approval processes. This means that business owners can focus on building their business, rather than just trying to keep up-to-date with paperwork.  Contractors Reporting Services  can assist with license applications and renewals, end-of-year filing, financial stability reviews ,  credit reports and more. With over 50 years of experience in the industry,  they are the right  team  to support  your business  and assist with all your Florida contractor license needs . Contact them for more.

A picture of a blue house next to a picture of an empty building
By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
As a licensed contractor in Florida, you may eventually find that your business needs to expand its scope of work. Whether you're looking to move from residential to commercial projects or increase the size of the projects you can legally take on, upgrading your contractor’s license to a higher class can be an essential step in growing your business.
A green circle with a red check mark and the words licensed licensed
By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
Obtaining a contractor's license in Florida is an essential step to legally work in the construction industry. However, the process can be complex, and many applicants make mistakes that delay or even derail their application. Whether you're a new contractor or looking to expand your business, knowing the most common pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress. In this article, we'll highlight the top mistakes to avoid when applying for your Florida contractor's license and provide tips for a smoother process.
Two men are shaking hands over a table with a hard hat and a model house.
By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
In Florida, contractors are required to be licensed to ensure that construction projects are executed safely, correctly, and in compliance with state laws. Two major regulatory bodies oversee contractor licensing in Florida: the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB). While both fall under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), their areas of focus are quite different. If you're a contractor or considering entering the construction industry in Florida, it’s crucial to understand the roles these boards play and how they affect you.
A close up of a fan on a blue background.
By Chris Cook March 18, 2025
A career in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) can be a good idea in Florida, as in many other parts of the United States. Florida's warm and humid climate certainly makes air conditioning a necessity, so there is a consistent demand for HVAC services. This demand can provide job security and opportunities for those working in the HVAC industry. HVAC technicians in Florida can earn a healthy income, with the potential to increase their earnings as they gain experience and expertise. And HVAC professionals who choose to start their own HVAC businesses often find this a rewarding option. Overall, a career in HVAC in Florida can be a good idea if you have a genuine interest in the field, are willing to invest in your education and training, and are prepared to adapt to changing industry trends and technologies. It can provide job stability, good earning potential, and opportunities for career growth, especially if you are committed to delivering quality service to your customers.
A row of electrical meters on a brick wall.
By Julia Bradley July 27, 2023
The demand for licensed electricians is high in Florida and expected to continue growing as new construction and infrastructure projects are undertaken. If you are considering a career as a licensed electrician, you can expect to earn a competitive salary, and have steady employment and job security. Skilled electricians are needed in various industries, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Electricians also have the flexibility to work independently, for an established company or start their own businesses which can give you more control over your work schedule, projects, and income potential. Although physical demands and challenging environments, such as cramped spaces, heights, or extreme weather conditions exist, those who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and working with electrical systems will find this profession rewarding, and you can continually expand your knowledge and expertise through ongoing training and certifications.
Two construction workers are standing on scaffolding at a construction site at sunset.
By Ryan Bradley April 25, 2023
Running a successful construction business requires careful planning and execution, as well as a good understanding of the industry and the market you operate in. Here are some key steps to consider when starting and growing a successful construction business.
A laptop with the word crm on the screen
By Ryan Bradley March 1, 2023
Get Organized in 2023: Three Construction Management Software Programs to Try
A model house is being built with bricks and a trowel.
By crs-admin November 15, 2022
Realtor.com has recently published its housing market predictions for 2020. In the forecast, analysts looked at four areas: supply, demand, home sales, and the move to affordability. 1) Supply Low affordability and higher interest rates caused growth in the housing inventory, while higher housing prices and higher interest rates raised barriers to entry. Houses satContinue reading
A stamp on a piece of paper that says application for license approved
By Sandra Brown April 17, 2022
Six steps Contractors Reporting Services can assist you in becoming a Florida contractor. #1 The Application. #2 Work Experience and State Examination: you must pass the Florida contractor license and provide educational and/or vocational experience. #3 Proof of financial stability and a high FICO score. #4 Fingerprinting and criminal background check. #5 Proof of Insurance. #6 Application fees. These steps can be difficult on your own. Call Contractors Reporting Services for more information.
A cell phone with a padlock on the screen is sitting on a wooden table.
By crs-admin March 10, 2020
IT management and cybersecurity are critically important for the general contractor. Project management for the general contractor encompasses schedules, materials, services, permits, and, most importantly, people. When a cyber-attack steals client, subcontractor, and vendor account information, it hurts people.
More Posts