Pest Control Operator
License & Test Information

The PCO license, is available only commercial contractors applying pesticides to their customers property. This certification is only available to those with documentation of 3 years experience working "under" someone with the same category of this certification. An application is required. There are 4 different categories within this certification - General Household Pest, known as GHP, Lawn & Ornamental (L&O), Termite and Fumigation. See complete details at: http://www.flaes.org/aes-ent/licenseandcert.html This license requires an application. The Florida PCO application packet is located at: http://www.flaes.org/pdf/exmpckt.pdf

This certification requires a passing grade (75%) on the PCO exam. This certification must be renewed annually either by testing or with 8 CEUs. Visit http://www.flaes.org/aes-ent/examinfo.html for exam schedules.

  • License Fees
  • License Renewal
  • Study Materials

Cost of test:

Cost of license:

Cost of renewal:
  • $225 per pest control category
  • Free
  • $250

CEUs needed for license renewal:

Renewal period:
  • 2 CEUs in each appropriate category plus
  • 2 CEUs in CORE
  • 4 CEUs in total
  • Annually

Note: 1 CEU (Continuing Education Unit) equals 50 minutes of classroom time. This is a State of Florida certification issued by the Bureau of Compliance Monitoring (BCM), a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). If you need more information, or have a problem call the Bureau by phone at 850-488-8731 or by fax at 850-488-8498 8-5 Monday through Friday.

Select a Heading Below to View Required Manuals:

Required for all categories:
Required for General Household Pest & Rodent Control:
  • "Pests In and Around the Home CD-ROM" (SW 126) $15.00
  • Handbook of Pest Control - Edited by Arnold Mallis, 9th Edition. Cost of $135.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling. Available from GIE Media, Attn: PCT Store, 4012 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, telephone (800) 456-0707 or (216) 961-4130. FAX (216) 961-0364.
Required for Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control:
Required for Termite & Wood-destroying Organism Control:
  • "Termites in Florida –
    A Guide for Homeowners and Building Professionals"     (SP 290) $14.00
  • Construction Terms – Anon are available at no charge upon request. Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control, 1203 Governor's Square Boulevard, Suite 300, Tallahassee, Florida 32301-2961, telephone (850) 921-4177.
  • Handbook of Pest Control - Edited by Arnold Mallis, 9th Edition. Cost of $135.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling. Available from GIE Media, Attn: PCT Store, 4012 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, telephone (800) 456-0707 or (216) 961-4130. FAX (216) 961-0364.
Required for Fumigation:
  • "2005 Florida Fumigation Manual" (SP 340) $60.00
  • Manufacturer's guides, manuals and labels: Use directions and precautions for commonly used fumigants and safety equipment. (These may be obtained from suppliers.)
  • Handbook of Pest Control - Edited by Arnold Mallis, 9th Edition. Cost of $135.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling. Available from GIE Media, Attn: PCT Store, 4012 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, telephone (800) 456-0707 or (216) 961-4130. FAX (216) 961-0364.

These exam study manuals are available from the IFAS Bookstore in Gainesville, either by ordering online or by calling 1-800-226-1764. If you order with a credit card, you should receive the books within 4-5 days. The links above go directly to the manuals themselves.