INTRODUCTION
Florida added $74 billion in new construction value last year—making it the nation’s hottest migration market. The catch? Out-of-state firms face exam queues, bond confusion, and DBPR paperwork. A seasoned Florida Qualifying Agent (QA) turns a nine-month slog into a six-week sprint. Here’s the blueprint. Procore
SIX-STEP SPRINT SCHEDULE
- SCOPE & SKILL FIT (Week 0–1)
• Pinpoint license class (General, Building, Roofing).
• Florida Contractor Qualifier matches QAs who already hold that license. - SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE (Week 1–2)
• Execute QA agreement + Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) rider.
• Define retainer, site-visit cadence, and $100 k bond logistics. - DBPR DOSSIER DROP (Week 2–3)
• File CILB 24 “Add/Change Qualifying Agent” + fingerprints + fees ($200–$410). My Florida License - STATE REVIEW & RFIs (Week 3–5)
• Typical turnaround 15–25 business days; respond to Requests for Information within 10 days. - PERMIT PULL (Week 5–6)
• QA signs permit apps; crews mobilize.
• Update COIs to list QA as additional insured. - POST-LAUNCH AUDIT (Week 8)
• One-month site-visit and financial review to stay inspection-proof.
RECIPROCITY & EXAM ENDORSEMENT HACKS
Florida waives trade exams for contractors who’ve held comparable licenses 10 years in another U.S. jurisdiction (e.g., NC, GA). Procore
Paperwork Still Required – You must document work history, pass the Business/Finance exam if not waived, and file state credit reports.
COST & CASH-FLOW TABLE
| Expense | Typical Range |
| QA Monthly Retainer | $2 000–$4 000 |
| FRO Surety-Bond Premium (on $100 k) | $750–$1 500 |
| DBPR App & Fingerprints | $200–$410 |
| Legal / Docs Prep | $750–$1 500 |
Tax Tip – Bond premiums are deductible as ordinary business expense in year paid. Consult your CPA.
CASE STUDY—GEORGIA GC GOES GULF-SIDE
Scenario – Atlanta-based “Peachtree Builders” lands a $5 M condo rehab in Pensacola.
Play – Partners with a Florida QA, uses 10-year endorsement to waive trade exam, files CILB 24 packet.
Result – Permit pulled in 44 days; project profit margin 9 % higher than if they’d subcontracted to a Florida GC.
FAQ FAST FIVE
- Do I need a Florida-based FRO? – Yes; can be an in-house CFO or third-party consultant.
- What if my QA quits? – File a replacement within 30 days or all active permits freeze.
- Can a QA supervise multiple out-of-state firms? – Over two entities triggers mandatory board appearance. My Florida License
- Is workers’ comp different? – Yes; Florida’s exemption thresholds differ—budget for higher premiums.
- Can I keep my home-state LLC? – Register it as a foreign entity with SunBiz before filing DBPR forms.
PRO TIPS & PITFALLS
- • Reserve Fingerprint Slots Early* – Out-of-state execs often hit travel bottlenecks.
- • Mirror Your Home-State Safety Manuals* – Florida inspectors like documented safety plans.
- • Track Bond Renewal Dates* – Lapse = automatic permit suspension.
CONCLUSION & CTA
Florida rewards the fast-moving and fines the forgetful. Schedule a “Fast-Track Feasibility Call”—Florida Contractor Qualifier handles the QA match, FRO bond, and DBPR filings while your crews focus on the build.
