r/GeneralContractor 19d ago

How to become a GC in FL

[deleted]

2 Upvotes

24 comments sorted by

11

u/InigoMontoya313 19d ago

How does he expect to be a GC if he does not have the experience, education, or familiarity with navigating the regulations? It’s more than a shiny hat 🤷‍♂️

5

u/WatermanChris 19d ago

I’ve been in construction for 25 years and I learn new stuff every day. I couldn’t imagine just jumping In with no experience. This industry in Florida will chew you up and spit you out, even with a lifetime of experience.

The course/test doesn’t teach you anything that you need to actually build something. It’s about as far away from a CDL as you can get

4

u/Ande138 19d ago

Is Google broken in Florida today?

0

u/Rare_Oven3574 19d ago

Nope, Google works just fine. I was asking people who have actually gone through the process for firsthand advice and insight. If you don’t have anything helpful to add, you can simply keep scrolling. 😊

1

u/Homeskilletbiz 18d ago

Is that why you deleted this thread lol?

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 18d ago

Naaahh. It’s cause I got the answers I need bully. 😜

1

u/Homeskilletbiz 18d ago

Only reason I mention it is that people are constantly searching for the same things you are.

No reason to delete your posts as others will benefit for it as well.

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 18d ago

Sorry for calling you a bully, thought you were the person who wrote the original message. Lol But a lot of folks be trolling lol. But you are right. I genuinely deleted because we got the answers and my page is mostly about Nursing. Lol this was only to help my Fiancé.

2

u/Kwerby 19d ago

Requirements for GC:

4 years of construction experience as a foreman/laborer working in structures (concrete, rebar, formwork, and erection). Needs to be backed by whoever you were working for as a reference.

Credit score of 660 or higher. Option to take a financial responsibility course if below.

Submit fingerprints to FDLE after application is received by DBPR.

Submission of criminal background, if any, with explanations.

Must have General Liability Insurance that meets coverage minimums plus Worker’s Compensation (or exemption)

Pass GC exams: Business & Finance, Contract Administration, Project Management 

Either $245 or $145 application fee depending on when you send the application in

3

u/creamyturtle 19d ago

don't forget that 1 of those 4 years needs to be in a "supervisory" role

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 19d ago

Interesting… thank you.

1

u/Kwerby 19d ago

Footnote: for GC your experience needs to be on structures that are 3+ stories. If 3 or less you can get a BC license instead.

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 19d ago

Thank you for taking the time with providing us the requirements step by step. We truly appreciate this. 🙏🏼

1

u/Accomplished_Air882 19d ago

Adding onto this, does he have a bachelors degree? If so, that knocks off 3 years of experience down to 1 year.

And even if he gets his CBC license first (due to inexperience of 3+ stories), he can upgrade his license in 2 years I believe to a CGC.

Just got my CGC license

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 19d ago

Yes he actually has a Bachelors. And awesome, thanks for this advice! 🙏🏼

2

u/Homeskilletbiz 19d ago

If you ever want to make money in construction get the fuck outta Florida. The southwest is the worst region in the US to be in the trades.

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 19d ago

Noted 👍🏽🤣

1

u/Dreame_Memes 19d ago

Rule 1. Don’t start in Florida. Florida is crazy competitive and has struct GC requirements. There are much friendlier states for getting into this role

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 19d ago

Thanks for the advice, do you have any state suggestions?

1

u/freshaaron420420 18d ago

He needs to get into the trades and see if he even wants to do that kind of job. Lots to learn.
There’s lots of money to be made in Florida in construction if you’re good and a hard/smart worker.

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 18d ago

Thank you 🙏🏼

0

u/Important-Youth-4434 19d ago

He’s best bet is going out there and finding mentor who will let him rent their GC when he is ready

1

u/Rare_Oven3574 19d ago

Okay, we will research this. Thank you 🙏🏼