Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed pest control operator in Florida. State exam required. EPA certification required. Experience: Experience as ID card holder under certified operator. Total initial fees: $700. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Official website →5
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
4 hrs
CE Hours
$700
Total Initial Fees
Experience as ID card holder under certified operator
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Additional Training
VerifiedAdditional fumigation safety training required
Exam required
Exam required
Entry-level allowing work under supervision of a certified operator
Requirements
Full certification allowing independent pest control work and supervision
Requirements
License for pest control companies
Requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedState Exam Required
Examination Requirement
Exam Categories
Exam Provider
State-administered by FDACS
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Experience required
Experience as ID card holder under certified operator
Experience Required
Supervision Details
ID card holders must work under direct supervision of certified operator
Required
Training
40 hrs
Training Hours
Approved Programs
UF/IFAS Extension provides training; FDACS-approved programs
Apprenticeship
Work under certified operator; ID card holders gain experience
EPA certification required
EPA Categories
Details
Federal EPA certification is required for any applicator using restricted-use pesticides. State certification covers general-use pesticides.
Required
GL Insurance
Min: $500,000
Required
Surety Bond
Amount: $5,000 for WDO/termite work
Required
Business License
Yes
Separate from Individual
Requirements
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $150 |
Exam Fee | Included in application |
Technician License Fee | $100 |
Operator License Fee | $150 |
Business License Fee | $300 |
Renewal Fee | $150 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $700 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$150
Regulatory Board
Pest control licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering integrated pest management, pesticide safety, environmental regulations, and applicable state/federal law updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Florida does not offer formal reciprocity.
Pest control license reciprocity varies by state. Some states accept credentials from other states with equivalent requirements, while others require applicants to pass the state exam regardless of prior certification.
IPM not specifically mandated
Details
IPM is encouraged but not mandated statewide.
Additional certification required for RUP
Requirements
Must obtain state certification to apply restricted-use pesticides.
Florida has a tiered system with ID card holders (technicians) and certified operators. Certificates expire annually with a $150 renewal fee. A $5,000 surety bond is required for termite/WDO work.
Operator certificate costs $150 and expires annually.
ID card holders (technicians) work under certified operators.
WDO/termite work requires a $5,000 surety bond.
4 CEUs required annually for renewal.
There is no interstate compact for pest control operators. EPA restricted-use pesticide certification is a separate federal requirement.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#17 of 51
Cost
#48 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pest Control Workers (SOC 37-2021)
Entry Level
$37,790
25th percentile
Median
$45,790
+2% vs. national avg ($44,730)Experienced
$50,920
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,130 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Pest Control Workers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.9%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+5,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
10,100
per year (avg.)
95,600 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for pest control operator and pesticide applicator licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Exam prep tips, certification categories, EPA requirements, CE details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Florida requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.