How to Get a Contractor License in Escambia County

Escambia County, at Florida's western tip, runs one of the more complete local contractor systems in the Panhandle. It has two local licensing boards, and every contractor, state or county licensed, must register with the county before working. Here is how it fits together.

Certified vs. registered in Escambia 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).

The county's "Choosing a Contractor" page puts it plainly: "Construction Contractors can be licensed either by the state of Florida or by Escambia County. All contractors need to be registered with Escambia County Building Inspections regardless of state or county license."

Two local boards

Together, per the county, the CCB and BOEE "provide countywide certification and registration of contractors and countywide certification of journeyman." Contractor classifications are in Escambia County Ordinance Chapter 18. Meetings are at the Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place.

Building Services

Escambia County Building Services reviews plans, issues permits and inspects work in unincorporated Escambia County and the Town of Century. It also handles contractor licensing and investigations. The City of Pensacola has its own permitting.

Some trades are handled outside Building Services: propane gas contractors do not register with the county (licensed plumbers may do propane and natural gas work), and fire sprinkler contractors are licensed by the State Fire Marshal's office.

Business tax receipt

The Escambia County Tax Collector says you need an Escambia County BTR to do business in the county, unless the business "falls under the Contractors category, is State-certified and has a Business Tax Receipt from your home county in Florida." The City of Pensacola may still require a BTR to issue permits.

Coastal construction

Escambia is one of the Florida counties with a Coastal Construction Control Line per the Florida DEP. Gulf-front work on Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach seaward of the line needs a DEP permit.

Cities in Escambia County

Pensacola (county seat) and Century. Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach are unincorporated.

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.

Escambia County FAQ

I am state certified. Do I register with Escambia County? Yes. The county says all contractors must register with Building Inspections regardless of license type.

Do architects register with the county? No. The county says architects and engineers are not required to register.

Do I need an Escambia BTR if my office is in Santa Rosa County? Not if you are a state certified contractor with a BTR from your home county, per the Tax Collector. Pensacola may still require one for permits.

Who licenses electrical contractors locally? The Escambia County Board of Electrical Examiners, alongside the state ECLB.

Next step

State certification starts with the Business and Finance exam. Our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep covers it.