Florida contractor bond requirements
Unlike California or Washington, Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) does not publish a single license-bond amount that every certified or registered contractor must post. Instead, Florida uses two related rules:
1. Financial responsibility & stability (most applicants)
Florida law requires construction contractor applicants to show they are financially responsible and stable before a license is issued. Per DBPR/CILB guidance, that means:
- No unsatisfied liens or judgments against the applicant (or the company they will qualify).
- A FICO-derived credit score of 660 or higher.
- If the score is under 660, completion of a Board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course.
Applicants submit personal and business credit reports from a nationally recognized agency that searched federal, state and local records.
2. Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) bond — $100,000
When a business organization names a Financially Responsible Officer, Rule 61G4-15.0021, F.A.C., requires that officer to provide a $100,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit, payable to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board for fines and costs. DBPR form CILB 8 uses the same $100,000 amount and names the Board as obligee.
| Requirement | Amount / rule | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| FRO surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit | $100,000 | Business organizations that designate a Financially Responsible Officer (61G4-15.0021) |
| Financial stability (credit) | FICO 660+ (or 14-hour Board course if lower) | Active-status contractor applicants (CILB financial responsibility guidance) |
| Statewide fixed “license bond” for every contractor | Not required under CILB rules reviewed | N/A — confirm locally / for municipal permits |
Public liability insurance is a separate CILB requirement (see Florida general liability insurance). Cities and counties may still ask for project or permit bonds — those are local, not CILB license bonds.
Source: Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-15.0021 (Business Organizations); DBPR CILB financial responsibility guidance; Rule 61G4-15.006. Confirm with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) – Construction Industry and Electrical Contractors' Licensing Boards before buying a bond.
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