The state of Florida is constantly building. From road repairs and park renovations to HVAC upgrades in schools, the demand for skilled trades is massive. For General Contractors and specialized tradespeople, government work offers stability and large project values.
However, the barrier to entry is higher than in the private sector. This guide covers the specific requirements for construction and trade bids in Florida—licensing, bonding, blueprints, and where to find the best leads.
1. Licensing is Non-Negotiable
Unlike some private residential work where a handyman might get by, government contracts strictly enforce licensing laws.
Certified Contractor
Your license must be current with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
The "Prime" Rule
If you are bidding as the Prime Contractor, you must hold the license for the main scope of work. If the project is 80% HVAC and 20% electrical, the HVAC contractor usually bids as the Prime and hires the electrician as a sub.
Warning: Bidding without proper licensing can result in immediate disqualification and potential legal penalties.
2. Understanding Bonds (Bid, Performance, Payment)
Construction bids often require "Bonds." These are financial guarantees that protect the government (the taxpayer) if you fail to finish the job.
Bid Bond
Usually 5% of your total bid price. You submit this with your proposal. If you win the bid but refuse to sign the contract, the government keeps this money.
Performance Bond
A guarantee that you will finish the job according to the plans and specifications.
Payment Bond
A guarantee that you will pay your subcontractors and material suppliers so they do not put a lien on public property.
The Sweet Spot
For smaller projects (under $100,000 or $200,000 depending on the city), bonds are often waived. This is the ideal entry point for smaller construction firms looking to build their government portfolio.
3. Finding the Drawings and Blueprints
When you find a bid on a platform like OpenGov or VendorLink, you will see a massive list of documents. You must download the Plans and Specifications.
Plans
The visual drawings (blueprints) showing the layout and dimensions.
Specifications (Specs)
The written book detailing exactly what materials to use.
Snepbid Tip
Our AI summarizes the scope, but you must always download the full technical specs to estimate your material costs accurately.
4. The "Addenda" Trap
During the bidding process, the architect might change the plans. They issue a document called an Addendum.
“If there are 3 addenda issued, you must acknowledge receiving all 3 of them in your final bid form.”
Critical: If you only acknowledge 2 out of 3 addenda, your bid is considered "Non-Responsive" and will be thrown out—even if you had the lowest price.
5. Where to Find Construction Leads
You can look at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for roads and bridges. For vertical construction (buildings), you need to look at:
- School Boards: Summer is the busy season for school repairs.
- City Public Works Departments: Infrastructure and facility maintenance.
- County Capital Improvement Divisions: Major construction projects.
Filter by Trade with Snepbid
HVAC: Air conditioning and mechanical systems
Concrete: Foundations and structural work
Electrical: Power and lighting systems
Conclusion
Government construction requires strict attention to detail. You need your license, your bonds, and a sharp pencil for estimating. But the reward is worth it.
“Government payment is guaranteed, and a completed public project looks excellent in your portfolio.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Davis-Bacon Act?
This is a federal law that might apply if federal money is funding the project. It requires you to pay your workers a specific "prevailing wage." Always check if the bid documents mention Davis-Bacon, as it will increase your labor costs.
Can I bid if I don't have bonding capacity?
You should look for projects under the bonding threshold (often under $200,000). You can also work as a subcontractor for a larger Prime Contractor who holds the bond.
What happens if I make a mistake in my bid?
If it is a minor clerical error, they might let you fix it. If it is a major pricing error, you might be allowed to withdraw your bid, but you will not be allowed to resubmit a new price for that same project.
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