Licensed General Contracting Framework

In Florida, a licensed general contractor holds legal responsibility for permitting, inspections, code compliance, and oversight of structural construction and renovation projects. A licensed building contractor carries the same legal authority and responsibilities as a licensed general contractor for these activities, with the sole limitation that a building contractor is authorized to construct buildings up to three stories in height, while a licensed general contractor carries no height limitation.

Role and Legal Authority of a Licensed General Contractor

A licensed general contractor is the legally responsible party for coordinating permitted construction work, managing inspections, ensuring compliance with applicable building codes, and overseeing subcontracted trades on structural construction and renovation projects. This role carries statutory responsibility for project execution, safety, and regulatory adherence.

Building Contractor and General Contractor Distinction

In Florida, the distinction between a licensed building contractor and a licensed general contractor is limited to building height. Both licenses authorize structural construction, permitted renovations, and code-regulated work. A licensed building contractor is authorized to construct buildings up to three stories in height, while a licensed general contractor may construct buildings of any height.

Construction-led remodeling refers to remodeling projects governed by structural scope, permitting requirements, and inspection sequencing managed by a licensed general contractor. This approach applies when remodeling work involves load-bearing elements, structural alterations, or other activities regulated by building codes and permitting authorities.

This framework exists to define the role, authority, and legal responsibilities of licensed general contracting in Florida, and to clarify the relationship between licensed general contractors, licensed building contractors, and non-structural remodeling services.