I’m looking to get my GC license and start my own business but I do have a checkered past that I’m trying to move past.
1 reply
Feb 7, 2020
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) does require a criminal background check in order to get a Florida contractor's license. However, the regulations don't explicitly list the types of offenses that would necessarily disqualify you from licensure. Each application is determined on a case-by-case basis.
The background check requires fingerprinting and answering questions about past convictions. The important thing is to be as honest as possible. A discrepancy between the background check and your answers is far worse than merely having a criminal record. The licensing board may call you in to review your application and answer any follow-up questions to determine your eligibility.
For any additional information, the DBPR website does have a forum where questions can be posed and answers can be searched: DBPR Support Center