FLORIDA CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
All General, Building, & Residential Contractors who work and do business in the state of Florida must have a license to do so issued by the governing authority.
Along with licensing, a General Contractor and/or Building Contractor must have all the proper insurance coverage at all times. Professional Services Contracting is fully Licensed and Insured to handle your construction project.
The law defines home improvement as the construction, repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, rehabilitation, renovation, modernization, improvement, or addition to any land or building, or that part of the land or building used or designed to be used as a residence or dwelling place.
The home in home improvement refers to:
. condo units
. co-op units
. rented apartments
. private buildings with four or fewer residential units
This applies to contracts with homeowners who own single or multiple dwellings of up to four residences, as well as tenants, condominium unit holders, and cooperative shareholders who are making improvements to their apartments (regardless of the number of residences or dwelling units in the buildings where they reside).
A contractor cannot:
​
1. Abandon or fail to perform any home or commercial renovation contract.
2. Make any substantial misrepresentation in the solicitation of a renovation, remodeling, or new construction contract.
3. Commit fraud in the execution of a contract, mortgage, promissory note or other document related to the property improvement transaction.
4. Publish any advertisement which contains false, deceptive or misleading representations.
5. Violate the building, sanitary, fire and health laws.
6. Fail to notify The Governing Authority of ownership and management changes.
7. Conduct the contracting business in any name other than the one licensed.
8. Act as an agent for, or advertise, promote or arrange a home loan or a home improvement loan for the homeowner.
Below are some standard questions & answers to questions to help consumers understand who is allowed to to what in their home or apartment.
1. Do you need a license to be a contractor in Florida?
In Florida, contractor licensing is done both at the state and local level. If you want to perform work anywhere within the state of Florida, you will need a Certified License, and if you want to perform work in a specific city/county, you will need a Registered License.
​
2. Do I need a license to paint in Florida?
Instead, Florida painters may need a general contractor license to work in the state. Florida requires tradespeople, including professional painters, to have a general contractor license if they complete projects that total $500 or more and will become a finished part of the structure.
​
3. Do you need a permit to replace drywall in Florida?
If you want to legally install drywall, you will need a contractor's license in the state of Florida. Drywall contractors do the installation and repairs of dry wall in buildings and homes.
​
4. Can a handyman install a toilet in Florida?
Construction – It is illegal in Florida to do any structural or remodeling work without certification and licensing by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.
​
5.Can a handyman repair drywall in Florida?
The state of Florida does not license or regulate those calling themselves a handyman. Therefore a handyman is only permitted to perform minor repairs and cannot legally perform any of the work previously mentioned that requires a license.
​
6. Can a contractor work under someone else's license Florida?
According to Section 489.127(4), Florida Statute, pulling a permit for construction work performed by others is punishable as a misdemeanor. A second violation of this rule is punishable as a felony. Also, you could be subject to discipline by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
​
7. Can a licensed contractor hire an unlicensed subcontractor in Florida?
It's Illegal to Hire an Unlicensed Contractor in the State of Florida. In Florida, if it's discovered that a contractor knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor to do work for them, they can be subject to fines and, potentially, have their license revoked.
​
8. Can a handyman change a light fixture in Florida?
In Florida only licensed electrician's can do electrical work, installing or changing out light fixtures and ceiling fans is electrical work. A handyman could probably legally change a screw in bulb and maybe plug in lamps and Christmas lights.
​
9. What is the penalty for contracting without a license in Florida?
In Florida, unlicensed contracting is generally charged as a first degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail or 12 months of probation, and a $1,000.00 fine.
​
10. Can a handyman install a toilet in Florida?
Construction – It is illegal in Florida to do any structural or remodeling work without certification and licensing by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.
​
There are many more questions and answers on these topics however this is just to give you an idea of what you can and cannot do which consumers need to be aware of and adhere to.