Florida Electrician License Endorsement Explained

Key Takeaways

• No state has full reciprocity with Florida for electrical licenses.
• Florida does recognize certain out-of-state licenses and exams for endorsement if they are substantially similar and you meet experience requirements (usually 10 years licensed).
• Endorsement is not automatic. The Florida board reviews each application to decide if your license and exam are equivalent.

Electricians planning to move to Florida often wonder if they can transfer their license from another state. Florida does not have traditional reciprocity for electrical licenses, but it does offer a process called “endorsement.” Endorsement allows out-of-state electricians to apply for a Florida license if their experience, license, and exam history meet Florida’s standards.

How Endorsement Works in Florida

Endorsement is Florida’s method for accepting electricians licensed in other states. The state reviews each application to see if your license and exam are close enough to Florida’s requirements. If they are, you may be able to get a Florida license without starting the process from scratch. If your credentials don’t match, you might need to take the Florida exam.

Who Can Apply for Endorsement?

You may qualify for endorsement if:

• You hold a current, active electrical license from another state
• You have been licensed for at least 10 years, or you can show your license and exam are substantially similar to Florida’s
• You have worked in the trade within the last two years
• You passed a state exam with similar content and standards to Florida’s

The Florida Board reviews each application individually. There is no fixed list of states that qualify, though states like Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, and California may sometimes meet the requirements.

What You Need to Apply

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application for endorsement (from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation)
• A copy of your current out-of-state license
• Official verification of your license and exam results from your home state
• Proof of work experience, such as W-2s, 1099s, or letters from employers or building officials
• Three reference letters if you have been self-employed
• A personal credit report (and a business credit report if applying as a company)
• Proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Electronic fingerprints for a background check
• Application and processing fees

States with Licenses or Exams Recognized for Endorsement

According to the Florida Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board, the following states have licenses or exams that may qualify for endorsement if you have held the license for at least 10 years and meet other requirements:

Partial endorsements may exist for some exams, but applicants may still need to take either the Florida technical or business exam, depending on the state.

Experience and Exam Requirements

Florida usually requires four years of experience, with at least one year as a foreman or supervisor. Some college or military experience may count toward this requirement. If you have been licensed for at least 10 years in another state, you may qualify under the 10-year endorsement rule. Even with endorsement, most applicants need to take Florida’s business and finance exam.

Application Steps

1. Fill out the endorsement application from the Florida DBPR.
2. Collect and attach all required supporting documents.
3. Submit your fingerprints for a background check.
4. Pay the application and processing fees.
5. Wait for the board to review your application and notify you of their decision.

What Else to Know

• Endorsement is not automatic. Each application is reviewed to decide if your license and exam are “substantially equivalent.”
• If your out-of-state exam does not match Florida’s standards, you may need to take the Florida electrical exam.
• Certified licenses let you work anywhere in Florida. Some local counties may have their own rules, so check before you start work.

Electricians with strong experience and licenses from states with compatible requirements can transition to working in Florida through the endorsement process. Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for the most current application forms and requirements before submitting your application.