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How to Become an Electrician in Florida
So, you’re thinking about becoming an electrician in Florida? Smart move. With a booming construction market, rising energy demands, and a strong push toward green infrastructure, electricians in the Sunshine State are in high demand.
Whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers, or a veteran looking for skilled work, this guide gives you the real roadmap-backed by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)1 and federal data from the U.S. Department of Labor2.
Electrician License Options in Florida
Florida offers two main license types through the DBPR:
| License Type | Description | Regulated By |
|---|---|---|
| Registered | Local jurisdiction only; cannot work statewide | Local Building Dept |
| Certified | Statewide license that allows work anywhere in Florida | Florida DBPR1 |
“To work legally as an electrician in Florida, you must hold either a certified or registered license.” - Florida DBPR1
License Comparison
| Feature | Registered License | Certified License |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Statewide? | Local Only | β Yes |
| Requires State Exam? | May vary | β Yes |
| Issued By | Local Municipality | Florida DBPR |
| Reciprocity Available? | β Limited |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Florida
1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check3
2. Choose a Training Path
Most electricians start as apprentices. You can train through:
| Program Type | Duration | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 4-5 years | IBEW, NECA, IEC, union & non-union programs |
| Trade School / College | 9-24 months | Florida technical colleges, career institutes |
“The best path to licensing is through a registered apprenticeship program approved by the Florida Department of Education or industry unions.” - U.S. DOL2
3. Document Your Experience (for Certified License)
To apply for a Certified Electrical Contractor license, you must document:
- At least 4 years of practical experience (one year must be supervisory)
- Completion of education may count toward some of that time1
You’ll also need to show:
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Liability insurance
- Financial stability affidavit
4. Apply to the Florida DBPR
- Submit application online: myfloridalicense.com
- Complete Form #DBPR ECLB 2
- Pay fee (approx. $300)
- Provide supporting documents (experience, insurance, ID)
“All applicants for certified electrical licensing must complete a full application and be approved before testing.” - DBPR Construction Licensing Unit1
5. Pass the Electrical Licensing Exam
| Exam Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Provider | FTI/PSI Exams4 |
| Exam Sections | Business & Finance + Electrical Trade |
| Passing Score | 70%+ on both parts |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
Study resources and candidate handbooks are available via the PSI website.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Training (school/apprenticeship) | $0-$15,000 |
| Exam Fees (Business + Trade) | ~$135 per part |
| DBPR License Application | ~$300 |
| Fingerprinting & Background Check | ~$60-$100 |
| Total Estimated Startup Cost | $500-$15,500+ |
Other Florida Trades
- HVAC in Florida
- Plumber in Florida
- Welder in Florida
- Carpenter in Florida
- Solar Installer in Florida
- Mold Inspector in Florida
FAQs
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Florida?
Yes. You must be licensed either locally (registered) or statewide (certified) to legally perform electrical work.
Can I skip apprenticeship and go straight to the test?
Only if you already have at least 4 years of verified experience. Otherwise, apprenticeship or school is required.
Is Florida’s electrician license valid in other states?
Only if that state has reciprocity with Florida. Most states do not.
Can I get financial aid for electrician school?
Citations
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) - Electrical Contractors Licensing: https://www.myfloridalicense.com ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Electricians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩︎ ↩︎
Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Background Screening: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us ↩︎
PSI Exams - Florida Electrical Contractor Testing: https://candidate.psiexams.com ↩︎
Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. Heβs the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.