Florida pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Florida pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (FDACS), how to check one online, the license types, and 2,284 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Florida?
| Who licenses them | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement (Chapter 482, F.S.) |
|---|---|
| License types | Pest Control Business License, Certified Operator – General Household Pest Control, Certified Operator – Termites and Other Wood-Destroying Organisms, Certified Operator – Lawn and Ornamental, Certified Operator – Fumigation |
| When a license is required | Each business location needs an annual license and a certified operator in charge for each category |
Licensed pest control businesses must carry liability insurance (at least $500,000 combined single limit; $2 million for fumigation companies). Ask for the company license and the name of its certified operator; individual licensees can be checked at https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/Reports/PBI---Individual-Licensees/.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Florida?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Florida pest control license lookup run by FDACS.
- 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 exterminator about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact FDACS.
What pest control licenses does Florida issue?
- Pest Control Business License
- Certified Operator – General Household Pest Control
- Certified Operator – Termites and Other Wood-Destroying Organisms
- Certified Operator – Lawn and Ornamental
- Certified Operator – Fumigation
How do you get a pest control license in Florida?
Licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement (Chapter 482, F.S.). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official FDACS 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 exterminators are there in Florida?
The Census Bureau counted 2,284 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Florida in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Broward County | 228 |
|---|---|
| Palm Beach County | 221 |
| Miami-Dade County | 195 |
| Hillsborough County | 125 |
| Lee County | 119 |
| Pinellas County | 116 |
| Orange County | 102 |
| Duval County | 88 |
What do Florida homes mean for pest control 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 exterminator in Florida?
- Ask for the business registration and the applicator's state certification number, and check them with the state agency.
- Ask what product they'll use and where, and what you need to do before and after (pets, kids, food, laundry for bed bugs).
- Prefer companies that inspect and seal entry points (integrated pest management) over ones that only spray.
- For bed bugs, ask how many visits are included and whether a follow-up inspection is part of the price.
- Get the guarantee in writing: what happens if the pests come back within 30 or 90 days.
Exterminators & Pest Control in other states
Sources: Florida licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.