General Contractor / Construction Manager Careers in Florida
Construction managers plan, coordinate, and supervise construction projects from conceptual development through completion, managing budgets, schedules, and subcontractors. In Florida, the Certified General Contractor (CGC) license is mandatory for projects exceeding $2,500 involving structural work. Florida's construction boom — driven by population growth, hurricane rebuilding, and commercial development — makes this one of the state's highest-demand professional licen...
What does a General Contractor / Construction Manager do in Florida?
Construction managers plan, coordinate, and supervise construction projects from conceptual development through completion, managing budgets, schedules, and subcontractors. In Florida, the Certified General Contractor (CGC) license is mandatory for projects exceeding $2,500 involving structural work. Florida's construction boom — driven by population growth, hurricane rebuilding, and commercial development — makes this one of the state's highest-demand professional licen...
Typical Florida work setting: Outdoor construction sites|Offices for planning; mix of field and administrative.
Florida salary and job outlook
Estimated Florida median pay for General Contractor / Construction Manager is approximately $103,320 per year. Entry-level Florida pay typically starts near $55,540, with experienced workers earning around $184,240.
Florida’s projected growth for this occupation is approximately 9% through the next decade — in line with broader state and national workforce trends.
Estimated figures based on publicly reported Florida and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Actual pay varies by employer, metro area, experience, and credentials.
How to become a General Contractor / Construction Manager in Florida
- 1. Choose an accredited Florida programLook for a Florida program that prepares you for the FL State Certified General Contractor (CGC); 4 years experience + business/finance + trade exams (Prometric) required to work as a General Contractor / Construction Manager. Public technical colleges and state colleges are typically the lowest-cost option; private career schools tend to cost more but may finish faster.
- 2. Complete the trainingMost Florida General Contractor / Construction Manager programs take about 2-4 years (AS or BS in Construction Management) or exam prep 3-6 months (experience path). Plan around your work and family schedule — many programs offer day, evening, or hybrid options.
- 3. Pass the Florida licensing examWorking as a General Contractor / Construction Manager in Florida requires a state license issued through FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). You’ll typically need to pass a national or state exam after completing an approved program.
- 4. Apply for Florida jobsHospitals, clinics, employers, and staffing agencies across Florida hire newly licensed General Contractor / Construction Managers every month. Use our Florida school directory to find programs with strong job-placement support.
Requirements & Training
- Credential: FL State Certified General Contractor (CGC); 4 years experience + business/finance + trade exams (Prometric)
- Typical program length: 2-4 years (AS or BS in Construction Management) or exam prep 3-6 months (experience path)
- Typical tuition range: $6,000 - $18,000
- Florida license required: Yes (FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB))
Career Path
- Apprentice/Laborer
- Foreman
- Superintendent
- Project Manager
- General Contractor (licensed)
- Construction Company Owner
Top Florida Employers
Related Programs to Look For
- Construction Management AS/BS
- Civil Engineering Technology AS
- Project Management Certificate
Florida General Contractor / Construction Manager FAQs
Do I need a Florida license to work as a General Contractor / Construction Manager?
Yes. Florida requires state licensure for General Contractor / Construction Managers, administered through FL DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). You’ll generally need to graduate from an approved program and pass an exam before you can practice.
How long does it take to become a General Contractor / Construction Manager in Florida?
Most Florida training programs for General Contractor / Construction Manager take about 2-4 years (AS or BS in Construction Management) or exam prep 3-6 months (experience path). Part-time, evening, and hybrid schedules can extend that timeline; accelerated programs may shorten it.
How much does General Contractor / Construction Manager training cost in Florida?
Typical Florida programs run about $6,000 - $18,000. Public technical and state colleges are usually the lowest-cost route. Financial aid, employer reimbursement, and payment plans are widely available.
What is the average salary for a General Contractor / Construction Manager in Florida?
Estimated Florida median pay for General Contractor / Construction Managers is about $103,320 per year. Entry-level pay is typically lower, and experienced workers in high-demand metros (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville) can earn meaningfully more.
Where can I study to become a General Contractor / Construction Manager in Florida?
Florida has hundreds of public technical colleges, state colleges, and private career schools that offer training relevant to General Contractor / Construction Manager. Use our Florida school directory to filter by region, cost, and accreditation.
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