Construction / Code Official License / Florida
- Florida
- Code Official
- Code Enforcement
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Florida Code Official Certification
What it takes to become a certified code official in Florida: the required training course, the exam, and how to apply through the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE).
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Florida Association of Code Enforcement requirements
Application fee
Not stated
Contact FACE for current fees
Exam time
Not stated
Not published in our source
Time to get license
Varies
30–40 hour course, then pass the exam within 3 years
Continuing ed
Not stated
Check with FACE
Overview
Do you need a Florida code official license?
Code officials in Florida earn their certification by finishing an approved training course and passing an exam. Applications and exam scheduling run through the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE).
License required when
- You review plans, issue permits or conduct inspections for a local government
- You enforce state and local construction codes and regulations
- You advise the public on land use and respond to code inquiries
- You coordinate with other departments and emergency management on compliance and disaster impacts
Common exceptions
- Contractors and tradespeople doing the work itself (they hold their own licenses)
- Administrative staff who don’t perform code enforcement duties
Working without certification
Our source doesn’t list specific penalties. In general, employers and certifying bodies can refuse to let uncertified staff perform code enforcement duties, so confirm your certification is in place before you take on the role.
Your fast-track Florida code official license checklist
The Florida application, one page
- 30–40 hour training course completed
- Application submitted on the FACE website
- Exam scheduled through FACE
- Passing score of 75% or higher
- Exam passed within 3 years of the course
Types
Florida code official license types and classifications
Our source describes one Florida code official certification. It covers code enforcement for both residential and commercial buildings.
CO
Single certification
Code Official
Reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections and enforces construction codes for residential and commercial buildings.
Exam
FL Code Official Exam
Limit
Residential & commercial
Requirements
Florida code official license requirements, class by class
There are two core requirements: finish the training course and pass the exam within three years.
| Requirement | Code Official |
|---|---|
| Training course | 30–40 hours, hosted by a Florida Institute of Government affiliate |
| Exam | FL Code Official Exam |
| Passing score | 75% or higher |
| Exam deadline | Within 3 years of finishing the course |
| Application | Through FACE |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Florida code official license, step by step
- Take the training course30–40 hours
Complete the code official course hosted by a Florida Institute of Government affiliate. - Apply through FACEBefore the exam
Submit your application on the FACE website or call 850-645-6700. You need an approved application to schedule the exam. - Study the topicsBefore exam day
The exam covers administrative aspects, fundamentals and legal issues of code enforcement, plus officer safety and field applications, based on the 2021 International model codes. - Pass the exam75% to pass
Score 75% or higher. You must pass within three years of finishing the course. - Receive your certificationAfter passing
Once you’ve passed, FACE completes your certification.
Exam
What to expect on the Florida code official exam
The Florida Code Official exam is administered through FACE. You schedule it by submitting an application on the FACE website.
Format
Not stated
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
75%
Exam vendor
FACE
Scoring & content
- 75% or higher to pass
- Based on the 2021 International model codes
- Administrative aspects and fundamentals of code enforcement
- Legal issues in code enforcement
- Officer safety and field applications
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t published in our source
- You must pass within three years of finishing the course
- Contact FACE at 850-645-6700 for retake details
Exam references
The state hasn’t published a reference list for this exam in our sources. Check the candidate bulletin from the exam vendor before you buy books.
Prep
Best Florida code official exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Florida code official license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Training course (30–40 hours) | Variable | Not stated |
| Application fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| Exam fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| Code books | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Fees aren’t published in our source | Not stated |
Contact FACE for current course, application and exam fees.
Reciprocity
Does Florida accept out-of-state code official licenses?
Our source doesn’t list any reciprocity for the Florida code official certification.
No reciprocity agreements
None are listed, so plan to apply as a new applicant: take the training course and pass the Florida exam.
Local
Do Florida cities and counties have their own code official licensing rules?
Code officials work for cities and counties, so your certification and your day-to-day duties come from different places.
State handles
- Certification through FACE
- The training course and exam
- The 75% passing standard and 3-year exam window
City & county handle
- Hiring code officials
- Plan review, permits and inspections
- Land use guidance and code inquiries
- Coordination with emergency management after disasters
Governance
Who certifies code officials in Florida
Oversight responsibilities
- Accepts code official applications
- Schedules and administers the Code Official exam
- Issues code official certifications
Maintenance
How to renew your Florida code official license and keep it active
Our source doesn’t describe renewal or continuing education for this certification. Check with FACE for current renewal rules.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the Florida CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Florida code official license FAQs
How do I become a code official in Florida?
Finish a 30–40 hour course hosted by a Florida Institute of Government affiliate, then pass the Code Official exam with 75% or higher. You apply through FACE.
What score do I need to pass?
75% or higher.
How long do I have to pass the exam?
You must pass within three years of finishing the training course.
Who do I contact to apply?
The Florida Association of Code Enforcement, at 850-645-6700 or on the FACE website.
What’s on the exam?
Administrative aspects, fundamentals and legal issues of code enforcement, plus officer safety and field applications, based on the 2021 International model codes.
How much does it cost?
Our source doesn’t list course, application or exam fees. Contact FACE for current pricing.
Sources
Official sources for the Florida code official license
- Florida Association of Code Enforcement, Code Official certification
- Florida Institute of Government, code official training course
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Florida Association of Code Enforcement.