How to Get a Contractor License in Broward County

Broward County is one of the two Florida counties in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, and it runs its own contractor licensing system through the Broward County Building Code Division and the Central Examining Board. If you want to contract in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood or anywhere else in the county, here is how the state and county layers fit together.

Three kinds of license in Broward

Broward's own "Know the Law" page lays it out:

The county adds that a local business tax receipt "is only a tax certificate and does not qualify an individual to act as a contractor."

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).

The Central Examining Board and Certificates of Competency

Broward County requires contractors in certain trades to hold a county Certificate of Competency, which the county describes as a construction trade license. Depending on the trade, it lets the holder contract and pull permits in all cities and towns within Broward. The Central Examining Board, created under the county charter and Chapter 9 of the county code (Ordinance 78-9), issues certificates of competency, checks insurance, and hears complaints. Chapter 9 was amended again in December 2025 (Ordinance 2025-47) for consistency with the state's 2021 occupational licensing law.

Renewal facts from the county:

• Certificates expire August 31. Late renewals pay $30 for the first month and $15 for each additional month.
• General, specialty and engineering contractors need 4 hours of continuing education, including a Chapter 9 Broward County Code review.
• To qualify a business, proof of at least $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage coverage.
• A new photo ID card every 4 years (every cycle for plumbing).

Building departments

The Broward County Building Code Division permits work in the Broward Municipal Services District (unincorporated areas), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (as the county names it), and cities that contract with it. It also handles regional elevator permitting and county contractor licensing. Most Broward cities run their own building departments, so you will register with the city where each job is located.

High-Velocity Hurricane Zone

The Florida Building Code defines a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties. A Florida Building Commission fact sheet notes that the HVHZ uses a single specified wind speed per risk category, for example 185 mph for Risk Category IV buildings in Broward. HVHZ provisions affect roofing, windows, doors, shutters and structural design, and products used here need approvals that are valid for the HVHZ. Roofers and window installers should study the HVHZ sections of the code for their trade exam and local work.

Local business tax

The Broward County Tax Collector issues the county Local Business Tax Receipt. It says any person doing business in Broward needs one per location and per business category, and recommends checking with your city first because your city receipt depends on zoning. Its FAQ lists fees from $27 to $150 depending on category.

Cities in Broward County

Fort Lauderdale (county seat), Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, plus Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation, Sunrise and others.

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.

Broward County FAQ

Do I need a Broward Certificate of Competency if I am state certified? No. Broward's own page says state certified contractors must be recognized by all local jurisdictions. You will still register with each city building department.

Does a Broward Certificate of Competency let me work in Palm Beach County? No. The county says it is valid only in Broward.

Is a Broward business tax receipt a contractor license? No. It is a tax certificate only.

What is the HVHZ? A Florida Building Code wind zone that covers Broward and Miami-Dade, with stricter wind design and product requirements.

Next step

State certification starts with the Business and Finance exam. Our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep covers the full outline with practice questions.