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Pest Control
Total cost: $700 | Training: 40 hours
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
Florida offers 5 pest control license categories. Available: General Household Pest Control, Termite/WDO, Fumigation, Lawn and Ornamental, Mosquito Control. Choose the category that matches the services you plan to provide.
Complete the required pest control training. Minimum 40 training hours required. UF/IFAS Extension provides training; FDACS-approved programs Apprenticeship is available: Work under certified operator; ID card holders gain experience.
Gain supervised work experience in pest control. Required: Experience as ID card holder under certified operator. ID card holders must work under direct supervision of certified operator
Pass the Florida pest control licensing exam. Administered by State-administered by FDACS. Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 70%. Exam categories: General Household Pest, Termite/WDO, Fumigation, Lawn and Ornamental. Exam fee: Included in application.
Obtain EPA certification for applying restricted-use pesticides. Categories: Category 7 - Industrial/Institutional/Structural, Category 3 - Turf and Ornamental, Category 8 - Public Health. Federal EPA certification is required for any applicator using restricted-use pesticides. State certification covers general-use pesticides.
Obtain general liability insurance (minimum $500,000) and a surety bond of $5,000 for WDO/termite work as required by Florida.
Submit your application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Application fee: $150. Technician license fee: $100. Operator license fee: $150. Total initial fees: $700.
Florida requires a separate business license for pest control companies. Requirements: Employ at least one certified operator, Obtain required insurance, Obtain surety bond for WDO work, Register with FDACS. Business license fee: $300.
Renew your license every 1 year. 4 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $150.
Total Initial Licensing Fees
$700
Includes application, exam,
and license fees
Application Fee
$150
Exam Fee
Included in application
Technician License
$100
Operator License
$150
Business License
$300
Renewal Fee
$150
1 year
Additional costs: General liability insurance (min. $500,000) and surety bond ($5,000 for WDO/termite work) may also be required.
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
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for pest control operator and pesticide applicator licensing exams.
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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
Not sure if you need a pest control license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Florida with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Pest Control requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Florida
See how Florida compares: Pest Control License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Moving to Florida? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pest Control license to Florida →
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.