Florida Handyman License Requirements

Florida is the third-largest state in terms of population in the United States. People from across the country flock to the state as a top retirement destination, and one thing is in dire need there: qualified handymen. We’re going to walk you through the requirements to get your Florida handyman license in this guide so that you can help fill the state’s demands.

Wait! You May Not Need a Florida Handyman License

First and foremost, consider what type of work you’ll be doing. Basic handyman work can be done without getting a license, such as:

• Painting
• Drywall repair
• Basic yard work
• Flooring
• Installing cabinets
• Installing an above ground swimming pool

Simple projects, like those listed above, have great demand and can be performed by anyone regardless of experience or licensing.

Florida Professional License for Contractors Guide

Specialty work, such as integral plumbing work or wiring, are more crucial to a home’s function, and if mistakes occur, they can cause serious damage to the home. If you plan on performing any of the following, you’ll need a license:

• Home structure improvement
• Advanced plumbing
• Electrical work
• Significant remodeling

The State of Florida has two main license types to consider.

Florida Contractor License Types

1. Certified contractor’s license, which is a comprehensive license that allows you to conduct handyman work throughout the state.
   
2. Registered contractor license, which is a local license that only permits you to perform such work in certain jurisdictions or localities.

If you may want to work outside of your local area or have plans to move to a different part of the state in the future, it’s clear that the certified contractor license is the one that will be most beneficial for you.

How To Get a Contractor’s License in Florida

If you know what Florida handyman license you need or prefer, it’s time to consider the requirements set by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Note: You’re becoming licensed as a general contractor because there is not a specific handyman license in Florida.

Florida Register Contractor License

A registered contractor license permits you to legally conduct work in some parts of the state. You’ll need to do the following before submitting your application:

• Pass your exam
• Earn a certificate of competency, provided by your local licensing authority

You’ll find that the exam covers three main topics:

1. Business and finance
2. Contracts
3. Project management

If you pass your exam and earn your certificate, the next step in the process is to supply the following:

• Application
• Fee of $305
• Employment history
• Fingerprints
• FICO score
• Legal documentation, if necessary

However, there are multiple types of registered licenses that you can obtain, depending on the world you specialize in. For example, you can get a license to legally perform work in one of the following:

• Air Conditioning
• Building
• General
• Glass & Glazing
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Pool/Spa
• Precision Tank Tester
• Residential
• Roofing
• Sheet Metal
• Specialty
• Tank Lining Applicator
• Underground Utility and Excavation

You’ll need to meet the requirements for your respective license. However, most handymen that will be performing more general work will obtain their general license.

Florida Certified Contractor License

Certified contractor licenses are more valuable if you plan on performing work anywhere in the State of Florida. Just like with the registered license, you will have multiple license types that you’ll need, depending on the work you want to perform.

The license options available include:

• Air Conditioning
• Building
• General
• Glass & Glazing
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Pollutant Storage System
• Pool/Spa
• Residential
• Roofing
• Sheet Metal
• Solar
• Specialty
• Underground Utility and Excavation

If you want to pursue your certified general contractor license as an individual, you must meet all of the requirements below:

Florida Certified General Contractor License Requirements

The requirements are set by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and they include the following:

First, we mentioned prior, you must take and pass the state’s exam for certification. The only contractor that doesn’t need to take this exam is a Swimming Pool Specialty contractor. Before even taking the examination, you may want to verify that you meet all of the additional requirements, such as:

• 4 years of experience or a combination of experience and schooling
• Provide proof that you’re financially stable, along with your FICO credit report
• Electronic fingerprints and a background check will be performed
• Insurance must be obtained within 30 days of getting your license and ought to include public liability and property damage coverage
• Pay the fee, which can change, but is $149 to $249, depending on the time of year you apply
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age when applying
• Military veterans can use the experience they earn in the military and apply it to the licensing requirements for a handyman

5 Steps to Obtaining Your Florida Handyman License

If you’re ready to pursue your license, follow these steps to get started:

1. Fill out the license application in its entirety, pay the fee and then send the application to the licensing board.
2. Study for the exam, which will cover a wide range of practical and theoretical questions to demonstrate your skills. The licensing board will provide you with study materials.
3. Sit for the exam and pass it. The exam requires you to go back to the board to learn if you passed or failed.
4. Provide your fingerprints and background check. You’ll need to pay for this documentation. If you do have a criminal background, you may still be able to obtain your license. However, you will need to write an explanation of your criminal past if requested by the board.
5. Receive your license and prepare to work in the field as a licensed handyman in Florida.

Licensing requires that you have proof of the skills you plan to use in your field. For example, many people seeking their Florida handyman license have gone to trade school or have experience from previous work.

For example, if you want to work on repairing roofs, working for a roofer in the past will look good to the licensing board.

You must prove that you’ll use the Florida professional license for contactors honorably and in circumstances where you have satisfactory experience.

When to Renew Your Florida Handyman License

Obtaining your original license is the hardest part of the process, and it’s one process that is relatively easy to fulfill. However, the state does want you to remain a skilled worker who is a reliable contractor.

You’ll need to do the following for renewal:

• Every two years, you’ll need to renew your license
• Show proof of ongoing education

At some point during the two years that you have your license, you must complete a minimum of 14 hours of continuing education. You’ll also need to have a minimum of one hour of continuing education for each of the following:

• State building codes
• Business practices
• Laws and rules
• Workplace safety
• Worker’s compensation

One of the major perks of being a contractor in Florida is that the state does have reciprocity agreements with California. Suppose you move to California or wish to do professional work in the state. In that case, you’ll need to apply for reciprocity, which will include revisiting some of the steps to obtain your Florida license, such as:

• Proof of satisfaction
• License verification
• Fingerprints
• Etc.

Anyone who holds a contractor license in Florida and has a FICO score of 660 or less will need to have a bond of $20,000, and this may be a letter of credit. However, if you take 14 hours or more of financial responsibility courses, the bond requirement is cut to $10,000.

A Florida handyman license is valuable, and it empowers you to work legally in the state on larger construction or remodeling projects.

While there are two license types you can receive, a certified contractor license is one of the best due to the ability to use the license anywhere in the state.