Florida electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Florida electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DBPR), how to check one online, the license types, and 6,480 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Florida?
| Who licenses them | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB) |
|---|---|
| License types | Certified Electrical Contractor (statewide), Registered Electrical Contractor (local jurisdiction only), Alarm System Contractor I, Alarm System Contractor II, Specialty electrical contractor (e.g. residential electrical, sign) |
| When a license is required | No dollar threshold in statute; license required to contract electrical work |
Electrical contractors are licensed under Part II of Chapter 489 by a separate board from general contractors; certified licenses work statewide, registered ones only locally. Electrical work usually needs a local building permit, and the Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund (a CILB fund) is not listed as covering ECLB licensees.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Florida?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Florida electrical license lookup run by DBPR.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the electrician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact DBPR.
What electrical licenses does Florida issue?
- Certified Electrical Contractor (statewide)
- Registered Electrical Contractor (local jurisdiction only)
- Alarm System Contractor I
- Alarm System Contractor II
- Specialty electrical contractor (e.g. residential electrical, sign)
How do you get a electrical license in Florida?
Licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DBPR source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Florida city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in Florida?
The Census Bureau counted 6,480 electrical contractors with employees in Florida in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Miami-Dade County | 827 |
|---|---|
| Broward County | 685 |
| Palm Beach County | 568 |
| Hillsborough County | 388 |
| Orange County | 358 |
| Lee County | 318 |
| Pinellas County | 302 |
| Duval County | 247 |
What do Florida homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Florida was built in 1988, 33% of households rent and 61% of homes are single-family houses. 5% of homes heat with utility gas and 91% with electricity.
How do you choose an electrician in Florida?
- Check the license on the state or city license search, and ask whether the person doing the work is licensed or working under someone's license.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection, and who files it. A licensed electrician files the permit.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Electrical mistakes show up later, so you want the company insured.
- For panel upgrades, ask whether the utility needs to be scheduled to cut and restore power, and who arranges it.
- Get a written estimate that lists the circuits, fixtures and materials.
Electricians in other states
Sources: Florida licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.