Is General Contracting in Florida a Good Career Path?
If the idea of spending your workdays operating tools and completing general laborer work excites you, then a career as a general contractor may be right for you. General contractors in Florida enjoy many benefits, including good job stability and unlimited earning potential. This guide reviews a few reasons why you might consider becoming a general contractor, plus tips on how to get started.
Why Work as a General Contractor in Florida?
Contracting in Florida is a top choice for many employees for a few reasons. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider a career as a general contractor in Florida:
Good Job Stability
Florida’s general contractors enjoy good job stability. Record numbers have moved to the state over the last few years, leading to ample demand for new homes, condos, apartments, stores, and restaurants. Local counties also need more laborers to build infrastructure, including new roads, to meet the demand. General contractors also have the opportunity to change careers easily or even to start their own businesses, adding even more job stability to this career path.
Opportunity To Help Others
General contractors are in a position to help others daily. Making general repairs or completing renovation projects makes a significant difference to the day-to-day life of a homeowner. Florida is also subject to hurricanes, with over 500 tropical or subtropical cyclones to have hit the state over the last 150 years. General contractors are an important part of helping residential and commercial property owners recover from the damages.
Flexible Work Schedule
General contractors in Florida can also enjoy a flexible work schedule. Some construction crews may complete jobs during normal business hours. Others, however, may work around business schedules or the unique needs of the homeowner. General contractors can also take on weekend jobs to help build their businesses or to earn extra money. The general contracting industry also offers part-time or contractual work positions. Whether you’re looking for a little extra income or prefer to complete contracted jobs, you have a lot of opportunities in the construction and general labor industries.
Unlimited Earning Potential
While the average salary for a general contractor in Florida is $24.10 per hour, this number doesn’t include overtime. Many general contractors earn much more by working overtime, which often pays much more than the average wage. Full-time general contractors also often receive other benefits in their compensation packages, which increases overall compensation. Some employers may offer health insurance, disability insurance, retirement funding, and paid time off or parental leave.
There are also many ways a general contractor can increase their earnings. One of the best ways to earn more as a Florida general contractor is to take on a management or supervisory role. Obtaining safety certifications or learning how to coordinate safety tasks on the job site can also make you a more desirable contractor, thus often earning more. Some experienced general contractors may also start their own contracting business, which gives them more control over the types of jobs they do and how much they charge.
Other States Reciprocate the General Contractor License
Florida offers license reciprocity, which means as long as you have a valid contractor’s license in the state, you can work on approved projects in other states. Currently, Florida has reciprocity agreements with:
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
A reciprocity agreement essentially means that should you move to one of these states, you may be eligible to work without retaking the state exam as long as your current license is active.
How To Get Started as a General Contractor in Florida
You’ll need a Florida general contractor license to start your career. While you may be able to complete small jobs, like cleaning grout or mowing lawns, without a license, you’ll have much more employment freedom with a license. Licensed general contractors can bid on all types of jobs, helping to expand your financial opportunities.
The first step in becoming a general contractor is to choose a pre-licensing course. While not necessarily a requirement, a pre-licensing class can help you study for and pass your state exam. Florida also requires aspiring general contractors to demonstrate previous proof of experience. Once the state exam is complete and you complete all the experience requirements, you must also show proof of liability and property damage insurance.
Working as a Florida general contractor offers good job stability, flexible work schedules, and unlimited earning potential. Florida’s general contractors are also an important part of helping Floridians recover after a hurricane. The first step toward becoming a general contractor in the state is to sign up for a pre-licensing class and prepare for the state exam.
