Bradford County, with Starke as its county seat, is a small north central Florida county. Contractor registration and permitting are handled by one Building Department, which states it is "currently in the 2023 FBC" (the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition). This page summarizes what official county pages say.
Certified vs. registered in Bradford County
A state certified contractor (license number starting with "C") passed the state exams and can contract anywhere in Florida without meeting local competency rules (F.S. 489.105). A state registered contractor (license number starting with "R") holds a local competency license and can contract only where that local license is recognized (F.S. 489.117).
Bradford County lists separate document sets for the two groups, so know which one you hold before you apply.
Registering to pull permits
The Building Department FAQ answers "What do I need in order to register in Bradford County as a contractor to pull permits?" For a state certified contractor:
| Required item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Copy of current state contractor's license | DBPR certificate |
| Valid driver's license | |
| Workers' compensation insurance or exemption | |
| General liability insurance | Made out to Bradford County |
The FAQ notes a one-time $50 registration fee for mobile home installers only.
A state registered contractor needs more. Per the FAQ: a letter of reciprocity from the county where the test was taken, proof of passing both the technical exam and the business and law exam with at least 75% on each, a copy of the current state registered license, a driver's license, and the same insurance proof. The FAQ lists a $90 fee to register and an annual $40 fee to stay active. The difference is a good argument for state certification if you plan to work here long term.
Permits and the owner's role
Bradford County uses an online citizen portal (iWorQ) for permit applications. The portal separates building permits (new single family, modular, commercial and stick-frame garages) from multi-trade permits (electrical, HVAC, mechanical, plumbing). It says complete contractor information is required at application or the application will not be accepted.
The FAQ also spells out responsibility: if a licensed contractor does the work and no permit is pulled, "the contractor is legally responsible." If the contractor is unlicensed, the owner is. That is a useful point to make to customers who ask you to skip the permit.
Business tax
We could not find an official Bradford County page that describes local business tax receipt requirements for contractors. Ask the Bradford County Tax Collector, and the City of Starke if your business is located in the city.
Cities in Bradford County
Starke is the county seat. Other municipalities include Brooker, Hampton and Lawtey.
State license guides
The county steps above come after the state license. For the state side, start with the Florida licensing hub and the trade guides: general contractor, roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Every CILB construction license, Division I or II, requires the Business and Finance exam: 120 questions, 6.5 hours, 70% to pass. Pearson VUE exam performance reports show a 56% first-time pass rate statewide for that exam in 2025.
Bradford County FAQ
Is there a fee to register as a state certified contractor? The county FAQ lists fees only for mobile home installers ($50, one time) and state registered contractors ($90, then $40 a year). Confirm current fees with the Building Department.
Which code edition does Bradford County enforce? The department says it is on the 2023 Florida Building Code.
Where do I apply for a permit? Through the county's online citizen portal, with your contractor information complete at submission.
Who can verify a contractor's license locally? The Building Department, or DBPR's online license search.
Next step
Getting certified means passing Business and Finance plus your trade exam. Our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep covers the B&F portion every CILB trade shares.