Florida Handyman License Requirements (Step-by-Step Process)

If you’re planning to work as a handyman in Florida, it’s important to understand state laws. Though Florida doesn’t require a specific handyman license for things like light home repairs, carpentry, or maintenance, some jobs may still require a contractor’s license or local registration. Our guide will walk you through when you need a license, how to register your business, and how to meet insurance and bonding requirements.

We also spoke to two experts in the contracting industry about their licensing and business tips:

Jeff Lexvold, a 20-year construction crew veteran and owner of Tropic Renovations in Venice, Florida
Laura Waterson, general manager of Koehn Painting in Wichita, Kansas

Florida handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a quick look at Florida’s handyman licensing laws. These are overseen by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which sets rules, reviews applications, and handles disciplinary actions.

Do you need a handyman license in Florida?

There’s no specific handyman license in Florida, and many minor repair and maintenance tasks can be done without one. However, you’ll need a contractor’s license for any work that requires a permit or involves structural changes. This includes projects that affect a building’s load-bearing components or plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Florida sets a $2,500 threshold for handyman work. Jobs over this amount typically require a contractor license, even if the work seems minor. Here are some examples of jobs you’ll need a license for:

• Building room additions or garages
• Concrete foundation or driveway construction
• Electrical wiring, panel upgrades, or circuit installation
• Installing or replacing HVAC systems
• Installing water heaters
• Major remodeling projects that require a permit
• Plumbing repairs or system installations
• Replacing exterior doors or windows
• Roof repairs or replacements
• Structural framing or load-bearing wall modifications

What can a handyman do without a license in Florida?

Unlicensed handymen can do various home improvement and maintenance tasks. Here are some examples:

• Assembling furniture or installing shelving
• Doing basic yard work or landscaping
• Installing above-ground swimming pools
• Installing baseboards, crown molding, or trim
• Installing kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Laying nonstructural flooring (tile, laminate, vinyl, etc.)
• Painting interior and exterior walls
• Pressure washing exterior surfaces
• Repairing or patching drywall
• Replacing door hardware or light fixtures (no rewiring)

Always check local building codes to confirm whether a permit is needed before starting a project.

Consequences of working without a contractor license in Florida 

Working without a license when a job requires one is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida. Penalties can include up to one year in jail, 12 months of probation, and a $1,000 fine. Beyond the legal consequences, working unlicensed can damage your reputation and future business opportunities.

In one recent case, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Impact Unit conducted an undercover operation identifying and going after unlicensed contractors. Several individuals were arrested for agreeing to perform structural work, such as exterior door and window replacement, and for offering electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services without proper licensing or permits. Always confirm whether a job requires proper licensure before starting work.

Types of handyman work that may require additional licensing

Even if you have a contractor’s license, some work requires specialized certifications or completing exams and apprenticeships. These trades are overseen by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and other licensing boards.

Here are some examples of work that requires additional licensing:

• Asbestos or mold remediation
• Electrical work beyond basic fixture replacement (e.g., wiring, installing new circuits)
• Elevator installation, repair, or maintenance
• Fire protection system installation (e.g., sprinklers, alarms)
• Gas line installation or repair
• HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance
• Plumbing installation or major repairs
• Roofing installation or major repairs
• Structural engineering or design work
• Swimming pool construction or major repairs

Florida handyman license requirements: Age, education, and training

If your work requires a contractor’s license, you’ll need to meet the state’s eligibility standards. Florida offers two license types:

• Certified license: Allows you to work anywhere in the state
• Registered license: Limits your work to specific local jurisdictions

To apply for either license type, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have four years of work experience, a related four-year degree, or a combination of both (handyman experience counts)
• Pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprints
• Pass the required Florida state certification exam

Passing the exam can often feel like the hardest part of getting licensed, but Lauren Waterson of Koehn Painting recommends not rushing through the paperwork. “I suggest making a checklist of everything you have to submit, which could include proof of insurance and exams for the license,” she says. “If you have any questions about the requirements, don’t hesitate to contact your local licensing office. It’s better to ask questions at the beginning than to deal with delays or fines later on.”

Recommended skills

Offering a wide range of services will make your handyman business more competitive. Here are some recommended skills:

• Appliance installation: Set up dishwashers, washers, and dryers with existing plumbing connections.
• Basic carpentry: Repair doors, build shelves, and handle light wall framing.
• Flooring installation: Work with tile, laminate, hardwood, or vinyl.
• Furniture assembly: Put together or repair household items.
• Home maintenance: Clean gutters, pressure wash, and handle basic yard work.
• Light remodeling: Update kitchens, bathrooms, or basements within code limits.
• Minor electrical work: Install light fixtures, outlets, and switches within legal limits.
• Painting and finishing: Paint interiors and exteriors, patch drywall, and apply caulk.
• Plumbing repairs: Fix leaks, replace faucets, and unclog drains.
• Tool safety: Operate ladders, power tools, and equipment safely.

Contractor license cost in Florida 

Since Florida doesn’t require a license for general handyman work, there’s no cost to get started. If you decide to get a contractor license, expect to pay $600 or more, depending on the license type and time of year you apply. Below is a breakdown of the typical fees involved.

How to apply for a contractor license in Florida 

Contractor licenses are handled at the state level through the DBPR. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Determine license type (Certified for statewide, Registered for local work)
2. Meet eligibility requirements (age, experience, background check)
3. Apply through the Florida DBPR portal
4. Schedule and pass the required exams
5. Submit fingerprints and background info
6. Pay all required application and testing fees
7. Provide proof of insurance and bonding

There are no fixed deadlines. Applications are accepted year-round. Be sure to keep your license current if you expand into regulated work.

For general handyman work that doesn’t require a license, you’ll still need to follow business and tax requirements at the local level. Jump to the “starting a handyman business” section below for more detail.

Transferring your contractor license to Florida 

If you’re a licensed contractor in another state and want to work in Florida, you may qualify for licensure by endorsement. This process allows contractors to apply for a Florida license without retaking certain trade exams. To qualify, your out-of-state license must be active and in good standing for at least 10 years.

Florida offers three main endorsement pathways:

Endorsement through reciprocity

• Available to contractors licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina
• Trade exams are waived
• Must still pass Florida’s Business and Finance Exam
• Must complete a Florida Building Code course

Endorsement through examination

• Available to contractors who passed the NASCLA Commercial Contractor exam
• Limited recognition for exams taken in California
• Business and Finance Exam still required
• Building Code course still required

Endorsement through licensure

• Available to those moving from states without formal reciprocity (e.g., Georgia)
• License scope and experience must match Florida’s license requirements
• Business and Finance Exam still required
• Building Code course still required
• Must submit an application with fees, proof of licensure, and work history

Note that approval is not guaranteed. Applications are reviewed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) on a case-by-case basis.

How to renew your Florida contractor license

Florida contractors must renew their license every two years. You can complete the process online by logging into your DBPR account, where you can update personal details and business information, plus submit payment. The renewal fee is currently $130 for active licenses and $55 for inactive licenses. 

You must also complete any required continuing education (CE) hours. These typically take one to two weeks to appear in your DBPR account, so allow time for processing. Your online portal allows you to check CE status and complete the renewal when eligible. For more information, visit the DBPR website.

What happens if your contractor license expires?

If your contractor license expires, you can reactivate it by completing the reactivation application, paying the required fee, and submitting proof of continuing education from the most recent renewal cycle. This allows you to return to active status without retaking the exam.

If your license becomes null and void due to extended nonrenewal, you’ll generally need to restart the licensing process, including retaking the contractor exam.

In some cases, the DBPR may allow reinstatement without retesting if the failure to renew was due to illness or economic hardship. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request reinstatement, submit a formal reinstatement application through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Florida 

If you’re starting a handyman business in Florida, you’ll need to take the following steps—even if your work doesn’t require a contractor license.

• Register your business name with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
• Apply for a local business license from your city or county office
• Get an EIN from the IRS if you plan to hire employees
• Verify zoning and permitting rules with your local jurisdiction

If you plan to grow or take on larger projects, getting a contractor’s license is the next step.

Insurance and bonding needs

Florida doesn’t require general liability insurance for unlicensed handymen, but it’s strongly recommended. “Insurance is not just a piece of paper to get [a] license. It protects your business from risk and lawsuits,” Waterson says. “Be sure that the insurance is current, and always make sure that you have the correct policies for what type of work you are doing.”

Most professionals carry coverage of $300,000 to $500,000, with minimum coverage limits typically set at $300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage.

Florida does require general liability insurance for licensed contractors. You’ll also need a contractor’s bond, with the amount based on license type:

• Division I contractors: $20,000 bond
• Division II contractors: $10,000 or $5,000 bond

You don’t pay the full bond amount upfront. Bond premiums typically range from 1% to 10% of the total, depending on your credit and business history. You’ll also need workers’ compensation coverage if you plan to hire one or more employees.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Florida

Growing a handyman business in Florida comes with unique challenges, from managing unpredictable weather to navigating licensing and customer expectations. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, here are a few quick tips:

• Get licensed and insured to build trust: Though a contractor license isn’t required in Florida, many customers prefer it, and it will allow you to take on higher-paying jobs over time. Proper insurance also reassures clients that you’re reliable. 
• Maintain a strong online presence: Ask for reviews from satisfied customers, showcase photos of your work, and keep your contact information up to date to attract people searching online.
• Manage cash flow carefully to avoid pitfalls: “[My business] nearly went under because I didn’t factor in material cost fluctuations mid-project,” says Jeff Lexvold of Tropic Renovations. He recommends building a buffer into your estimates and asking for progress payments every two weeks. Pricing tools and templates can also help you create consistent, accurate, and profitable quotes.
• Document your work thoroughly to avoid disputes: “We photograph every step of our bathroom remodels because [of] Florida’s humidity,” Lexvold says. “I’ve seen contractors lose their entire profit margin on one project because they couldn’t prove proper waterproofing installation.”
• Build an in-house team: Relying on subcontractors can lead to delays and unpredictable schedules. “What actually grew our business was [refusing] to outsource,” Lexvold says. “When other contractors’ subcontractors don’t show up, we’re completing projects in under six months.”
• Use handyman software for scheduling and management: Platforms like Housecall Pro help you streamline scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication to keep your business organized and save time on admin and marketing work. Try our free 14-day trial to see if our software is the right fit for your needs.

FAQ

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Florida?

Florida handymen can charge any amount under $2,500 (including materials and labor), so long as the work doesn’t require a permit or fall under regulated trades.

Can I do plumbing or electrical work as a handyman?

No, you can’t do plumbing or electrical work as a handyman. These are regulated trades that require a specialty license, regardless of project size. However, you can do minor tasks like replacing faucets or light fixtures with existing plumbing or wiring.

What’s the difference between a handyman and a general contractor in Florida?

A handyman can do minor repairs and cosmetic tasks. A general contractor is licensed to handle structural work, larger projects, and any job requiring permits.