Masonry Contractor Bond Requirements
State licensing for masonry splits into two different problems depending on where you work: do you hold a masonry-specific classification, or are you licensed as a general or specialty contractor who performs masonry? The answer determines your bond amount, your licensing board, and — in Florida — whether you need a bond at all. This guide covers verified requirements for the states with explicit masonry license structures.
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Get Your Bond Quote →View All Contractor License BondsThe Classification Question Every Masonry Contractor Needs to Answer First
Most masonry bond guides skip this step. Before looking up a dollar amount, you need to know which license category your state puts masonry work in — because that classification determines your bond tier, not just the trade name.
States handle masonry contractor licensing in three distinct ways, and only the first two produce a masonry-specific bond requirement:
Type 1 — Named Masonry Classification
States like California (C-29 Masonry), Hawaii (Masonry Specialty), and Oregon (specialty endorsement covering masonry) have an explicit masonry-specific or masonry-eligible license category. Bond amounts are set by the classification tier, and the surety bond application names the masonry classification directly.
Type 2 — Specialty Contractor Tier (Masonry Is One of Many Trades)
States like Washington and Nevada classify masonry as one of dozens of regulated specialty trades. Your bond falls under the statewide specialty-contractor bond schedule — often lower than the general contractor tier. Washington: $15,000 specialty vs. $30,000 general. Nevada: $1,000–$500,000 based on the monetary limit the board grants.
Type 3 — No State Masonry License (Local Only or No Bond Required)
A significant number of states do not regulate masonry at the state level at all. Requirements exist city-by-city or county-by-county, and there is no state surety bond to file. Florida is a notable exception: state licensure is required, but the bond is only triggered by personal credit score below 660.
Verified Bond Requirements: States with Masonry Licensing Structures
The following bond amounts are verified from official state licensing board websites. States not listed either handle masonry at the local level, include masonry under a broader specialty-contractor category without a masonry-specific bond, or require insurance rather than a surety bond as the primary financial guarantee.
Masonry Contractor License Bond Amounts by State (2026)
Verified from official state .gov licensing board sources. All amounts are surety bond face values (not annual premium).
| State | Bond Amount | License Body | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $25,000 | CSLB | C-29 Masonry | SB 607 effective Jan 1 2023; all specialty classes unified |
| Washington | $15,000 | L&I | Specialty Contractor | $30K for GC; masonry is one of 63 specialty trades |
| Oregon | $20,000 (residential) | CCB | Residential Specialty | Commercial Specialty L1: $55K. HB 2922 raised amounts Jan 2024 |
| Hawaii | $5,000 minimum | DCCA/CLB | Masonry Specialty | Board discretion; considers experience & financial condition |
| Florida | $10,000 (credit-triggered) | DBPR/CILB | Division II Specialty | Only required if personal credit score below 660; reduced to $5K with approved financial course |
| Nevada | $1,000–$500,000 | NSCB | Specialty (C-3 Masonry) | Board sets amount per applicant based on monetary limit granted |
| West Virginia | Wage bond required | WV Div. of Labor | Contractor License | Wage bond covers 4 weeks employee wages; amount based on payroll. Exempt if 5+ years active in WV. |
| Oregon (commercial L2) | $25,000 | CCB | Commercial Specialty L2 | For smaller commercial masonry operations; same as residential general contractor bond |
All amounts are verified from official state licensing board websites. Annual premium paid to a surety is typically 1–15% of these face values. Last verified May 2026.
Sources: CSLB (cslb.ca.gov), WA L&I (lni.wa.gov), OR CCB (oregon.gov/ccb), HI DCCA (cca.hawaii.gov), FL DBPR (myfloridalicense.com), NV State Contractors Board (nvcontractorsboard.com), WV Division of Labor (labor.wv.gov)
Official California CSLB Requirements
"The bond must be in the amount of $25,000. A Contractor's Bond must be in place before CSLB can issue an active license, reactivate an inactive license, or renew an active license."California Contractors State License Board — Bond Requirements • California Business & Professions Code §7071.6
Official Washington L&I Requirements
"Specialty contractors require a $15,000 bond and may only perform the trade selected. General contractors require $30,000."Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries — Register as a Contractor • RCW 18.27 (Contractor Registration Act)
California C-29 Masonry: What the Classification Actually Covers
The CSLB C-29 Masonry classification is one of the most comprehensive masonry licenses in the country. It is not limited to brick or block work — the scope extends to any installation using mortar or adhesive-set masonry materials on both structural and non-structural applications.
Work Covered Under C-29
- Concrete masonry units (CMU) and baked clay products
- Concrete, glass, and clay block
- Natural and manufactured stone
- Terra cotta and refractory fire brick
- Ceramic veneer (excluding tile) and thin brick facing
- Paving work using masonry materials
- Waterproofing, cleaning, and caulking incidental to masonry
- Structural load-bearing and non-load-bearing masonry walls
C-29 Bond Requirements Summary
- Bond amount: $25,000 (uniform across all specialty classes since Jan 1, 2023)
- Bond form: Must be on CSLB-approved form, signed by surety's attorney-in-fact
- Surety carrier: Must be licensed by California Dept. of Insurance
- Filing deadline: Bond received at CSLB HQ within 90 days of bond effective date
- Bond benefit: Consumers damaged by defective work or license law violations; unpaid employees
- Prior amount: Was $15,000 before SB 607 took effect
C-29 vs. B (General Building) Jurisdiction: If your masonry project includes significant non-masonry framing or structural work, you may need a B (General Building) license in addition to or instead of a C-29. CSLB requires that "two or more unrelated trades" in a project trigger B licensure. For pure masonry scopes — retaining walls, brick facades, CMU construction — C-29 is the correct single-trade license. See full CSLB classification breakdown →
Oregon's 2024 Bond Increase: What Masonry Contractors Actually Changed
Oregon's CCB bond increases under House Bill 2922 took effect January 1, 2024, raising amounts by $5,000 across every endorsement type. For masonry contractors, the relevant tiers break out as follows:
| Oregon License Type | Pre-2024 Bond | 2024 Bond | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Specialty | $15,000 | $20,000 | Masonry on residential projects |
| Commercial Specialty Level 1 | $50,000 | $55,000 | Larger commercial masonry (major projects) |
| Commercial Specialty Level 2 | $20,000 | $25,000 | Smaller commercial masonry |
| Residential General Contractor | $20,000 | $25,000 | GCs who self-perform masonry under broad license |
Source: Oregon Construction Contractors Board — Licensing Requirements (oregon.gov/ccb). HB 2922 effective January 1, 2024. Many sureties updated bond amounts automatically for existing clients.
Florida's Credit-Score Model: When Masonry Contractors Need a Bond
Florida's approach to masonry contractor bonds is unlike any other state. Under Chapter 489, masonry work falls under the Division II Specialty category regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). A state license is required — but the surety bond requirement is conditional on personal credit score, not automatic.
Credit Score 660 and Above
No surety bond required. Florida DBPR allows contractors who meet the net worth and financial responsibility standards to qualify without posting a bond. Insurance requirements still apply: $100,000 liability / $25,000 property damage minimum for Division II.
Credit Score Below 660
A $10,000 surety bond is required. If the contractor completes an approved financial management course, the bond requirement drops to $5,000. This course approval must be obtained through DBPR before bond submission.
Why this matters in practice: A masonry contractor who builds their credit above 660 mid-license-term does not automatically get their bond released. The credit assessment happens at application and renewal. Contractors who improve their credit profile significantly should contact DBPR at renewal to reassess bond requirements under the current financial responsibility rules.
Source: Florida Statute §489; DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board. Verify current thresholds at myfloridalicense.com.
What You Actually Pay: Masonry Contractor Bond Cost by Credit Score
Bond face value is set by your state. Your annual premium is what the surety charges to back that face value — and it is individually underwritten based primarily on personal credit score. Two masonry contractors in California, both needing the same $25,000 C-29 bond, can pay $125/year or $3,750/year depending on FICO. The premium is not the bond amount.
California C-29 Masonry Bond ($25,000) — Annual Premium by Credit Tier
Based on a $25,000 bond amount
- Excellent (700+)Rate: 0.5%–2%$125–$500
- Good (650–699)Rate: 2%–5%$500–$1,250
- Fair (600–649)Rate: 5%–10%$1,250–$2,500
- Poor/Challenged (<600)Rate: 10%–15%$2,500–$3,750
Premium rates are industry standard ranges for contractor license bonds. Exact rates depend on carrier, applicant's full financial profile, and business history. Washington $15K bond annual premium is approximately 60% of the CA amounts shown.
Washington ($15,000)
Oregon Residential ($20,000)
Florida ($10,000, if triggered)
Estimate your exact premium
Use our contractor license bond calculator or get a live quote — no credit impact from initial inquiry.
From the Producer's Desk: What the Underwriting Desk Actually Asks
A note on how masonry bonds move through the underwriting process differently than roofing or HVAC bonds. Masonry work — especially structural masonry, tuckpointing of historic brick, and CMU retaining walls — generates a slightly different risk question from carriers than finish trades do.
For the standard contractor license bond cost, the primary underwriting factor is credit score — that's true across all trades. But when a masonry contractor applies with a prior bond claim on record, the claims analysis tends to focus on two questions that are specific to masonry: Was the claim related to structural failure (load-bearing wall, retaining wall, foundation repair), or was it a cosmetic/finish issue? Structural claims are treated more seriously because they carry higher remediation costs and greater potential for consequential damage.
The second pattern: masonry contractors who work primarily as subcontractors under GC licenses sometimes assume they don't need their own bond because the GC has one. But the GC's license bond doesn't cover a subcontractor's licensing violations, unpaid wages to the sub's employees, or code violations attributable specifically to the masonry sub. If you're performing masonry work under your own license — even as a sub — your state's bond requirement attaches to your license, not theirs.
If you have a prior claim or are working through a net-worth-based licensing exception, it's worth a direct conversation before applying. Call 1-844-810-BOND (2663) to speak with a licensed producer about your specific situation.
States Where Masonry Licensing Is Local-Only (No State Bond)
In many states, masonry work is not regulated at the state level at all. Licensing requirements — and any associated bond requirements — come from the city, county, or municipality where the work is performed. Examples include:
No state masonry license. Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio each have separate permit and registration systems. No statewide surety bond required for masonry.
Home improvement contractors over $5,000 register with the Attorney General's office (no masonry-specific bond). Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have separate municipal requirements.
Masonry licensing is local. NYC requires masonry subcontractors to be licensed with the Dept. of Buildings; bond requirements vary by license category.
No statewide masonry contractor license. Chicago requires masonry contractors to be licensed, with a $50,000 bond for general masonry work (City ordinance).
No statewide masonry specialty license. CISL applies to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing only. Local jurisdictions control masonry permitting.
The State Construction Industry Licensing Board does not include masonry as a separately licensed specialty. Masonry work may require a general contractor license for larger projects.
If you work across state lines: Each state where you hold a license requires its own bond. A masonry contractor licensed in both California (C-29) and Washington (specialty) must maintain separate bonds in each state. Oregon additionally requires separate residential vs. commercial endorsements if you work in both markets. See our general contractor license bond requirements guide for the full 50-state picture.
Getting Your Masonry Contractor Bond: What to Prepare
License bonds for masonry contractors are among the fastest surety products to obtain. For applicants with 650+ credit, approval typically takes 24–48 hours and does not require business financial statements.
Confirm your state's exact bond requirement
Use the table above or contact your state licensing board directly. Know the bond face amount, the obligee (the state agency or licensing board named on the bond), and whether your state has a specific bond form that must be used.
Gather your application information
Most masonry license bond applications require: full legal name, Social Security Number (for credit check), business name, business address, license number or application number. For bonds over $50,000 (Nevada high-limit), business financial statements may be required.
Apply and receive quote
A soft credit inquiry is used for most license bond quotes — no impact to your credit score. You will receive a rate based on your credit profile. For standard amounts ($10,000–$25,000), instant approval is available for 650+ FICO.
Pay the premium and receive your bond
After paying the annual premium, the surety issues the bond certificate. Most state licensing boards accept electronic submission (PDF). California's CSLB requires the physical bond to be received at headquarters within 90 days of the bond's effective date.
Submit to your licensing board
File the bond with the board along with your license application or renewal. Keep a copy of the bond. Set a calendar reminder for renewal — most license bonds are annual and your license becomes inactive automatically when the bond lapses.
License Bonds vs. Project Bonds: Masonry Contractors Need to Know Both
Masonry contractors working on commercial or public projects will encounter both types. They are completely different instruments with different purposes, different buyers, and different financial mechanics.
| Characteristic | License Bond | Performance Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Who requires it? | State licensing board | Project owner or GC |
| Purpose | Ongoing compliance with licensing laws | Guarantee project completion |
| Duration | Continuous (annual renewal) | Single project term |
| Bond amount | State-set ($5K–$55K) | Sized to contract value (often 100%) |
| Who files? | You file with the state board | You provide to the project owner |
| Covers | Code violations, unpaid wages, licensing violations | Failure to complete contracted work |
| Annual premium approx. | 0.5%–15% of bond amount | 0.5%–3% of contract value |
If you are bidding on a public masonry contract or a private project that requires a bid bond, see our guides on performance bond requirements and bid bond requirements. Federal public works masonry projects over $150,000 require both performance and payment bonds under the Miller Act — Miller Act bond guide here.
Masonry Bond Renewal and Lapse Consequences
What Happens When a Bond Lapses
- California: CSLB automatically places the license on inactive status the day the bond cancels. You cannot work under an inactive license.
- Washington: L&I suspends contractor registration; you must cease work immediately and re-register with a new bond.
- Hawaii: DCCA triggers automatic license forfeiture. If coverage is not reinstated within 60 days, you must re-apply as a new applicant.
- Oregon: CCB suspends license and can issue a stop-work order on active projects.
Renewal Best Practices
- Most license bonds renew annually on a specific date. Mark it 60 days before expiration.
- If your credit has improved since the last renewal, re-shop your rate — you may pay significantly less at a higher FICO tier.
- In California, the new bond must be received at CSLB headquarters before the current bond expires. Mail delivery time matters — submit at least 2 weeks before expiration.
- For multi-state operations, stagger renewal dates in your calendar by state — a lapse in one state does not affect your other state licenses, but operating in the lapsed state is a license violation.
For a detailed walkthrough of the contractor license bond renewal process, including multi-year discount options and state-specific filing timelines, see our contractor license bond renewal guide.
Masonry Contractor Bond FAQs
- Does California have a separate masonry contractor bond or does C-29 use the standard CSLB bond?
- California does not have a separate masonry bond amount. The C-29 Masonry classification uses the same $25,000 CSLB contractor license bond required for all specialty contractor classifications since January 1, 2023 (SB 607). There is no premium or separate bond form for C-29 vs. any other specialty class.
- Why does Washington state charge masonry contractors less than general contractors for their bond?
- Washington's Labor & Industries contractor registration program distinguishes between general contractors ($30,000 bond) and specialty contractors ($15,000 bond). Because masonry is classified as one of the 63 regulated specialty trades under Washington's registration statute, masonry contractors qualify for the lower specialty tier — half the general contractor requirement. The bond is a continuous surety bond or can be replaced with an assignment of savings account.
- I'm a masonry subcontractor working under a GC in Florida. Do I need my own bond?
- In Florida, specialty masonry work (Division II under Chapter 489) requires a state license, and bonding is triggered by personal credit score. If your personal credit score is 660 or above, no surety bond is required — you qualify through net worth and financial responsibility. Below 660, DBPR requires a $10,000 surety bond, which can be reduced to $5,000 if you complete an approved financial management course. This is separate from any bond your GC carries. Source: Florida Statute §489, DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board.
- Oregon increased bond amounts in 2024 — how does this affect masonry contractors there?
- House Bill 2922, effective January 1, 2024, raised Oregon CCB bond amounts by $5,000 across all endorsement types. For residential specialty contractors (including masonry), the bond increased from $15,000 to $20,000. For commercial specialty Level 1 (larger commercial masonry), it rose to $55,000. Many sureties updated bond amounts automatically for existing clients, but contractors should verify their current bond form reflects the new amounts.
- Can I get a masonry contractor license bond with bad credit?
- Yes, but the cost increases significantly. For most masonry license bonds ($10,000–$25,000 range), applicants with FICO scores below 600 typically pay 10–15% of the bond amount annually — so $1,000–$3,750/year versus $125–$500/year for contractors with 700+ scores. Adding a financially strong co-signer (spouse or business partner with 700+ credit) often reduces rates from high-risk to standard pricing. States with credit-triggered bond requirements, like Florida, are different — the bond only kicks in when credit falls below 660.
- Is a masonry license bond different from a performance bond for a masonry project?
- Completely different instruments. A masonry contractor license bond is a continuous bond filed with the state licensing board — it covers ongoing compliance with licensing laws, code violations, and unpaid wages across all your work. A performance bond is project-specific, required by the project owner, and guarantees that one particular contract will be completed to specifications. License bonds are typically $5,000–$55,000; performance bonds are sized to the project value (often 100%). Both require reimbursement from the contractor if claims are paid.
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Eric Drummond
Licensed Surety Bond Producer
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All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by surety bond specialists. We maintain direct integrations with Treasury-certified surety carriers rated A- or better by AM Best.