Glass and glazing contractors install windows, glass doors, storefronts and curtain walls on residential and commercial buildings. Of the three Florida licenses that touch windows (glass and glazing, window and door installation, and specialty structure), glass and glazing is the only one with no height restriction in its rule scope.
Status and legal basis
This is a specialty category created by board rule under F.S. 489.105(3)(q). The former stand-alone rule, 61G4-15.018, was repealed May 5, 2024, and the scope now appears in rule 61G4-15.100(1)(s). DBPR still schedules the Glass and Glazing exam.
What the license covers
Rule 61G4-15.100(1)(s) limits the scope to:
- installation and attachment of all types of windows and glass, residential and commercial, "without any height restriction," fixed or movable
- installing swinging or sliding glass doors to existing walls, floors, columns or other structural members
- glass-holding or supporting mullions and horizontal bars
- structurally anchored impact-resistant opening protection attached to existing building elements
- cutting and installing glass and mirrors
- prefabricated glass, metal or plastic curtain walls, storefront frames or panels, incidental caulking, shower and tub enclosures, and metal fascias
Comparing the window licenses
| Glass and glazing | Window and door | Specialty structure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule | 61G4-15.100(1)(s) | 61G4-15.100(1)(j) | 61G4-15.015 |
| Height limit | None stated | None stated; no structural changes | Certified window/door assemblies in Group R up to 3 stories or 30 feet |
| Curtain wall, storefront | Yes | No | No |
| Glass cutting, mirrors | Yes | No | No |
| Trade exam | 80 questions, 5 hours | 50 questions, 2.5 hours | 80 questions, 5 hours |
Certification
Rule 61G4-15.100 provides for state certification; procedures and fees match other CILB certifications (61G4-15.100(2)). A certified contractor may work statewide.
Eligibility
F.S. 489.111(2): 18 years old, good moral character, and an experience route such as 4 years as a skilled worker or foreman including 1 year as foreman.
The exams
| Exam | Scored questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business and Finance | 120 | 6.5 hours | 70% |
| Glass and Glazing trade knowledge | 80 | 5 hours | 70% |
Content outline
| Area | Topic | Share |
|---|---|---|
| A | Pre-construction | 35% |
| B | Fabricating product | 20% |
| C | Transporting product | 5% |
| D | Installing product | 35% |
| E | Servicing product | 5% |
Pre-construction at 35% is unusually heavy. Expect plan reading and load calculations, which is where ASTM E1300 comes in.
Reference list overview
- GANA Glazing Manual
- ASTM E1300, Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Buildings
- Florida Building Code: Building and Accessibility (2023)
- Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926
Exam volume
Pearson VUE exam performance reports show 104 graded glass and glazing attempts in 2025 (63 first attempts) and a 52% first-time pass rate state-wide.
Steps
- Document glazing experience under 489.111.
- Register with Professional Testing, Inc.; schedule both exams with Pearson VUE.
- Pass both at 70%.
- Apply to the CILB for certification.
FAQ
Can a glass and glazing contractor install hurricane shutters? The rule includes "structurally anchored impact-resistant opening protection" attached to existing building elements.
Is there a height limit? The rule says the scope applies "without any height restriction."
Can I frame a new wall opening? The rule covers installing doors to existing walls and structural members. Structural framing is outside the stated scope.
Next step
Glass and glazing candidates also take the Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.
Practice questions
A certified roofing contractor forms an LLC and wants to contract under the LLC's name. What must she do?
- ANothing; her individual certificate automatically covers any entity she owns
- BHave the LLC take the state exam in its own name
- CApply for certification as the qualifying agent of the LLC
- DRegister the LLC only with the local building department
Show answer
Answer: C. Under F.S. 489.119(2), an applicant who will contract as a business organization (partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity) must apply to be the qualifying agent of that organization. An individual certificate does not carry over to an entity automatically.
Source: F.S. 489.119(2)
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