Whether you are hiring a contractor, getting your own license, or reporting unlicensed work, start here. Every link below goes to the official Collier County or State of Florida source.
Check a Contractor’s License
Before you sign a contract, confirm the contractor holds an active license from either the State of Florida or Collier County, and carries general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. A local Business Tax Receipt is not a contractor license.
State License (DBPR)
State certified contractors can work anywhere in Florida.
You can also use the free DBPR Mobile app.
Collier County License
Locally licensed contractors hold a Collier County Certificate of Competency.
Collier County GMD Public Portal
Contractor Licensing, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Confirm a contractor’s coverage status through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Before you hire
- Ask to see the license and verify the number yourself using the links above.
- Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- For jobs that need a permit, the contractor should ask you to sign the Notice of Commencement.
- Find a licensed CBIA member in the CBIA Member Directory.
How to Get Licensed
Florida has two kinds of contractor licenses. Choose the path that matches where you plan to work.
| State Certified | Local (Registered) | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), part of DBPR | Collier County Contractor Licensing (Certificate of Competency), then registered with DBPR where required |
| Where you can work | Anywhere in Florida | Only in the jurisdiction that issued it |
| License number starts with | “C” | “R” (state registration) |
| Start here | DBPR Construction Industry | Collier County Local Licenses |
Collier County Certificate of Competency: step by step
- Confirm your trade needs a license. Check the county Trades List (PDF) for required experience and exams. See the July 1, 2025 change below.
- Apply for exam sponsorship. Submit the Sponsorship Application (PDF) with the $130 exam administrative fee. A separate application is required for each exam. It is valid for 6 months.
- Pass your exams with 75% or higher. Collier County accepts two testing agencies: Gainesville Independent Testing Services (GITS), (800) 997-2129, and ProV, (866) 720-7768. Passing scores from another Florida county or city may be accepted through a letter of reciprocity.
- Submit your application. File the Business Organization or Journeyman application through the GMD Public Portal. Insurance certificates must list the Collier County Contractor Licensing Board as certificate holder.
- Get your Business Tax Receipt. Required from the county where your office is located. In Collier County, contact the Collier County Tax Collector.
- Renew on time. Local licenses renew by September 30 of the expiration year. Late renewals add $20 per month, and licenses not renewed by December 31 are suspended.
State certified license
Applications, exam forms, license categories and continuing education requirements are all on the DBPR Construction Industry page. Electrical contractors are licensed by a separate board, the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board.
Change effective July 1, 2025: these specialty licenses are no longer required in Collier County
Under Senate Bill 1142 and Florida Statute 489 (489.113 and 489.117), Collier County no longer requires the following specialty contractor licenses:
- Acoustical
- Cabinet
- Decorative Metal
- Dredging
- Epoxy
- Excavation
- Exterior Covering by Artificial Stucco System
- Floor Covering
- Insulation
- Landscape
- Nonelectrical Sign
- Nonrecreational Pond Waterfall Fountain
- Painting
- Paving Block
- Paving Commercial
- Pollutant Storage Contractor
- Reinforced Steel
- Sandblasting
- Satellite Dish
- Sealing and Striping
- Swimming Pool Cleaning
- Tile and Marble
- Tile, Marble, and Terrazzo
- Tree Trimming/Removal
Report Unlicensed Activity
Collier County Contractor Licensing
After hours, file through the GMD Public Portal.
Florida DBPR Unlicensed Activity
Tips to the hotline may be made anonymously.
Contacts
Collier County Contractor Licensing
Operations and Regulatory Management Division
2800 Horseshoe Drive N, Naples, FL 34104
(239) 252-2431
contractorslicensing@collier.gov
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
collier.gov/Contractor-Licensing
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 487-1395
myfloridalicense.com
Looking for a licensed professional you can trust? CBIA members have been part of the Collier County building community since 1953.
Find a CBIA Member Join CBIAInformation verified with Collier County and the Florida DBPR on October 13, 2026. Rules and fees change; always confirm with the issuing agency.