Florida Contractor License Codes Explained (CCC, CAC, EC, CGC and more)
Florida contractor license numbers aren’t random. The letter prefix encodes two things: the trade, and whether the license is certified (statewide) or registered (local). Knowing how to read them tells you at a glance what a contractor is legally allowed to do.
Certified vs. registered
- Certified (prefix begins with C, e.g. CCC, CAC, CGC) — issued by the state and valid anywhere in Florida.
- Registered (prefix begins with R, e.g. RCC, RAC, RG) — valid only in the specific local jurisdiction that approved the contractor.
Both are legitimate. The practical difference is geographic reach: a registered contractor must be locally licensed wherever they work.
The main trade prefixes
- CCC / RCC — Roofing contractor
- CAC / RAC — Air conditioning (HVAC) contractor, Class A/B
- EC / ER — Electrical contractor
- CFC / RF — Plumbing contractor
- CGC / RG — General contractor
- CVC / RV — Solar contractor
- CPC / RP — Pool & spa contractor
- CC-P — Painting contractor
- CC-G — Glass & glazing (impact windows & shutters)
The license class matters. A certified general contractor (CGC) can run many project types but is not a substitute for a roofing (CCC) or HVAC (CAC) license when the work specifically requires one.
Why it matters for homeowners
Matching the license to the job is the single most important check. Permits are issued against the correct license class, and insurance claims can be denied if unlicensed or wrongly licensed work is involved. When you browse contractors on ProGuild, each profile shows the DBPR license number so you can confirm the prefix matches your project.
Verify before you hire
Reading the prefix is step one. Step two is confirming the license is active on the official record.