Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

🔴 License Required: Florida requires specific licenses for most low voltage work, with distinct categories for different systems.

Current Requirements (2024-2025)

Florida maintains comprehensive licensing requirements for low voltage contractors under Chapter 489, Part II of the Florida Statutes. The state is currently in a transition period regarding local licensing, with significant changes taking effect by June 30, 2025.

Low-Voltage Specialty Electrical Contractor

This license authorizes installation, fabrication, repair, alteration, or modification of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, and related equipment not exceeding 77 volts.

Key Requirements:

Voltage Threshold: Maximum 77 volts
Qualifying Agent: Must have a master low voltage technician
License Duration: 2 years (biennial renewal)
Statewide Authority: Valid throughout Florida

Alarm System Contractor Classifications

Alarm System Contractor I

All types of alarm systems including fire alarms
Requires passing Fire Alarm System Agent examination
Must maintain liability insurance

Alarm System Contractor II

All alarm systems EXCEPT fire alarms
Includes burglar alarms, CCTV, access control
Lower insurance requirements than Contractor I

Systems and Work Covered

Low-Voltage Electrical Work Includes:

Communication Systems: Telephone, data, computer networks
Audio/Visual: Sound systems, displays, intercoms
Control Systems: Building automation, energy management
Lighting Control: Low voltage lighting systems
Landscape Lighting: When hardwired (not plug-in)

Important Exclusions:

Alarm system work (burglar and fire alarms) requires separate Alarm System Contractor licensing and is NOT covered under the Low-Voltage Specialty Electrical Contractor license.

License Requirements

Experience Requirements

Minimum Experience: 4 years (6,000 hours) in the trade
Type of Experience: 3 years as journeyman, 1 year supervisory
Documentation: Affidavits from licensed contractors or employers

Examination Requirements

Trade Knowledge Exam: 3.5 hours, covers NEC Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, 810
Business and Finance Exam: 3.5 hours, covers business law, lien law, OSHA
Passing Score: 70% minimum on each exam
Testing Provider: Pearson VUE

Financial Requirements

Fees and Insurance:

Application Fee: $249
Initial License Fee: $100
Renewal Fee: $259 (biennial)
General Liability Insurance: $300,000 per occurrence
Workers' Compensation: Required if employees

Alarm System Agent Requirements

For burglar alarm system agents employed by licensed contractors:

Minimum 14 hours of training within 90 days of employment
Must include 2 hours on false alarm prevention
Criminal background check through FDLE required
Must be at least 18 years of age

Legal Authority

Florida Statutes Chapter 489, Part II - Electrical and Alarm System Contracting
Florida Administrative Code 61G6 - Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board
Florida Building Code - Electrical volume incorporating NEC

Local Jurisdiction Transition (Important)

2025 Preemption Changes:

Deadline: Local licensing prohibited after June 30, 2025
Current Status: Counties can still require licenses through June 2025
Permit Requirements: Low-voltage permits capped at $40 per project
Major Cities Affected: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough

Exemptions

Telecommunications companies operating under Chapter 364 or 610 certificates
Wireless alarm system installations (no permit required)
Low-voltage landscape lighting with factory-installed plugs
Data/voice cabling by certified telecommunications contractors

Contact Information

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 487-1395
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR

Renewal and Continuing Education

License Term: 2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period: By August 31 of even-numbered years
Continuing Education: 14 hours required per renewal period
CE Topics: 7 hours technical, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers' comp, 1 hour laws/rules, 3 hours advanced topics

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Requirements may change, and specific situations may require additional licensing. Always consult with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and legal counsel for current requirements and compliance guidance. Note that significant changes to local licensing requirements take effect June 30, 2025. Last updated: January 2025.

Last updated: January 2025

Low Voltage License Florida