Florida Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

Electricians are skilled home and commercial service professionals who work in factories, residential homes, and businesses. These skilled professionals are in high demand across the country. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that overall job growth for electricians will increase at a rate of about 6% over the next decade. In Florida, the job growth potential for electricians is even higher, at a whopping 19% over the next 10 years.

Electrical work is a good career choice for anyone who enjoys complex projects and doing different jobs each day. If you’re ready to begin a challenging career, apply for a Florida electrical license. Our guide includes information about the license requirements, the different electrician jobs available in the Sunshine State, and helpful links to get you started.

Does Florida require an electrical license?

Yes, Florida requires professional electricians to be licensed to perform commercial and residential electrical work. The state designates two types of electrician licenses, though. A certified license permits you to work anywhere in the state. Local jurisdictions issue registered licenses, which you must have to work within each municipality.

Certified electrician contractor licenses are issued through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (ECLB). Master Electrician Certifications and Journeyman Electrician licenses (registered electrician licenses) are issued through the Construction Trades Qualifying Board for the cities and counties requiring them.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Florida?

There are about a dozen types of electrician certifications in the state for journeyman and master electricians. The specific certification can vary depending on the jurisdiction issuing the certification. Electrical contractors in Florida must be licensed by the state.

There are three types of electrical contractor licenses in Florida. The types and licensing requirements are as follows:

Registered Electrical Contractor

Registered electrical contractors are authorized to repair, install, and design electrical wiring.  These electricians can work on either commercial or residential buildings. You must also have a local competency card.

Applicants for the electrical contractor license must:

• Pass a licensing exam
• Pay a fee
• Submit a local competency card
• Submit an application

Alarm System Contractor I

Alarm system contractors I are authorized to perform work on all types of alarm systems, including fire alarms. Applicants for the alarm system contractor I license must:

• Pass an examination
• Submit a copy of a local competency card
• Pay a fee
• Submit an application

Specialty Contractor

Specialty contractors are authorized to work in specific electrical categories, including fixture maintenance, residential electrical contracting, and elevator services. Applicants for the specialty contractor license must:

• Pass two parts of the Florida Electrical Contractors exam
• Provide a copy of a personal credit report
• Have a net worth of at least $5,000
• Pay a fee
• Submit an application

Optional certifications for Florida electricians

Florida requires state-issued licenses and certifications to perform electrical work, but you may benefit from one or more of these optional certifications.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization of professional electricians. Any professional electrician, including journeymen, can join; you don’t have to be a contractor. NECA offers many benefits, including networking opportunities to help you find a job or people to work for you and continuing education opportunities. NECA’s online courses and certifications demonstrate to potential employers and government bid issuers that you possess certain niche and specialty skills.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) recognizes the most accomplished electricians in the nation. Certifications you earn through CPE are recognized in all 50 states and indicate that you possess certain skills and experience.

ICE offers apprenticeships for aspiring electricians and continuing education resources for electricians of any career level. The continuing education courses are recognized in every state, which can be beneficial when you must complete continuing education hours to renew your license.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issues multiple types of certifications, focusing on building safety systems and wiring for fire alarms and other security systems. If you plan to bid on government jobs, a certification from the NFPA can help you secure your bid.

How much does an electrician make in Florida?

There are many different types of electrician jobs in Florida, from an entry-level electrician helper to a Master Specialist Electrician. The average rate of pay for some of the most common types of electrician positions in Florida are as follows:

• Apprentice electrician: $19.79 per hour
• Electrician assistant: $20.53 per hour
• Electrician: $51,962 per year
• Electrician journeyman: $56,074 per year
• Electrical foreman: $31.71 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $95,430 per year

Entry-level Florida electrician salaries are a bit lower than the national average, although most parts of Florida have a lower cost of living than the national average, so the difference a lower average salary makes should be negligible. The national average wage for an electrician in the U.S. is $28.79 per hour, compared to Florida’s $23.52 per hour. However, when you look at specialist positions that require more training and education, the salary gap actually reverses; an electrical design engineer in Florida can make an average of $91,108 per year, while the average annual salary for an electrical design engineer is $82,862.

Some employers permit hourly workers to work overtime, which can increase their annual earnings. You may also be asked to work nights or weekends to handle emergency calls and earn a higher rate of pay for those shifts. Communities with a higher cost of living tend to pay more than those with a lower cost of living, so you may make more if you live in a large metro area like Orlando or Miami.

Whether you are an hourly or salaried electrician, you can demand a higher salary if you have the ability to perform niche work or have specialty credentials and certifications. And, if you’re pursuing a high-demand type of electrical work, like solar farming or green initiatives, you may make more, as the talent pool for these jobs is smaller.

How to get an electrician license in Florida

Florida has strict regulations for the electrical industry. You must work as an apprentice to become a licensed electrician. Enroll in a Florida apprenticeship program to get experience. As an apprentice, you will perform a variety of electrical jobs under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

Florida electrician apprenticeship programs

Florida apprenticeship application costs are between $50 and $100. Expect to pay up to $10,000 to attend a Florida trade school. Accredited trade schools generally offer financial aid options for apprentices. Electrician unions offer paid apprenticeships for qualified applicants. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom.

Some state-approved electrician apprenticeships include:

• Florida Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program
• Central Florida Electrical JATC
• Independent Electrical Contractors

Although each apprenticeship will have unique requirements and prerequisites, for the most part, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a general aptitude test (math and reading comprehension)
• Be physically capable of performing work as an apprentice

Some on-the-job experience you will earn as an electrician apprentice in Florida includes learning to:

• Repair and install lighting systems
• Restore power to residential and commercial buildings
• Replace electrical wiring systems
• Troubleshoot electrical problems

Florida license examination information

Once you complete your internship, you can apply for an electrician license. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues electrician licenses.

You must score at least 70% to pass each Florida electrician examination. Each exam costs between $75 and $200. Florida electrical examinations are administered and scheduled by Pearson VUE. You can learn more about what each exam covers and access practice tests on their website.

Florida electrical examination content includes:

• Definition, Plans, and Theory
• Electrical Wiring Methods and Materials
• Motors and Generators
• Electrical Equipment and Devices
• Examination preparation resources:
• Florida Electrician License Exam Preparation
• Florida Electrician Licensing Exam – Tests.com
• Florida Electrical Exam Online Test Prep

Should I join an electrician union in Florida?

Joining an electrician union in Florida has many benefits. Unions assist their members with employer disputes. Unions ensure that their members receive competitive salaries. Members get vacation pay, personal days, and a pension. You can also secure an apprenticeship through a Florida electricians union and gain valuable professional connections to help you get a job once you complete the apprenticeship.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is the largest electrician union in the country. There are many Local branches in Florida, including IBEW Local 606 in Central Florida, IBEW Local 728 in South Florida, and IBEW Local 915 in the Tampa Bay area. Each branch offers electrician apprenticeships.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

A Florida electrical license qualifies you for well-paying jobs. Types of electrician jobs include a highway electrical systems electrician, an instrumentation electrician, and a domestic electrical installer. Visit the following websites to find an electrician job:

• ZipRecruiter
• Indeed
• CareerBuilder
• Glassdoor

Your resume is a marketing tool that shows employers what you can do. It is important to write an effective resume if you want to outshine the competition. Apply the following tips to your resume:

• Include keywords from the job postings
• Check for grammatical errors.
• Include skills that are relevant to the job

Don’t forget the power of a professional network. From the moment you begin your apprenticeship, you begin making professional connections that can serve you well throughout your career. The company or agency sponsoring your apprenticeship may offer you a job once you complete it or may be able to refer you to another party hiring skilled electricians. And, if you join a union, you may have access to many high-paying, secure union jobs that non-union members may not have access to.

Electrician insurance in Florida

To become a certified electrical contractor in Florida, you must have the following insurance policies:

1. General liability insurance: Protects you from financial loss if you’re found liable for property damage or bodily injury to someone else’s belongings. The coverage limits are:
   • $300,000 per occurrence, including completed operations and products
   • $500,000 property damage, including completed operations and products
   • $100,000 per person
   • $800,000 combined single limit
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This helps injured workers cover lost wages and medical expenses if you or an employee are hurt on the job. The state requires most Florida employers to carry Workers’ Comp coverage; if you don’t have it and someone gets hurt, you can be sued.
3. Commercial Property Insurance: Protects your owned or rented building and the equipment you use as an electrician
4. Commercial Auto Insurance: If you use a vehicle primarily for your business, you’ll need the proper commercial auto policy

You must provide proof of insurance within 30 days of receiving your license.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians are using automated systems to schedule appointments, contact customers, and send bills. Residential customers are updating their homes with smart technology. To learn about industry technology, you can attend trade shows.

Florida’s real estate market, both commercial and residential, is booming, which means that the electrician job market is growing in response. And, if you want a niche electrician career with plenty of growth potential, consider solar farming. For example, the Florida Municipal Solar Project is a partnership between the Florida Municipal Power Agency and 16 public power utilities and is still growing, adding more communities to the partnership. Electricians may work on the grids themselves or the transfer of energy from the solar farms to municipal electrical grids.

Frequently Asked Questions about electrician licenses in Florida

Is my license only valid in Florida?

Florida does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.

How can I change important information on my Florida electrician license?

You can easily change your name or address on your Florida electrician license online. If you lose your license, you can request a new one online here.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Florida?

The license renewal deadline is August 31 every even year. In addition, both Certified and Registered Electrical Contractors must complete at least 11 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years. Seven hours of this training must be technical and include at least one 1-hour Florida Building Code advanced module course.