Do you need a contractor license in Florida?

When do you need a license?

Anyone who builds, repairs, remodels or demolishes buildings for pay must be certified or registered, unless exempt. The main exemption is casual, minor or inconsequential jobs under $2,500 total (labor and materials). (source: Florida Statutes 489.113 (opens in a new tab), source: Florida Statutes 489.105 (opens in a new tab), source: Florida Statutes 489.103 (opens in a new tab))

• The $2,500 exemption does not apply if the job is part of a bigger project, if a job is split up to get under the limit, or if the person advertises as a contractor. (source: Florida Statutes 489.103 (opens in a new tab))
• A local business tax receipt is not a contractor license. (source: Florida Statutes 489.127 (opens in a new tab))
• "Certified" contractors can work statewide. "Registered" contractors can work only in that city or county, plus nearby areas that accept it. (source: DBPR Construction Industry FAQs (opens in a new tab))

Penalties for unlicensed work

• Unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor. It becomes a third-degree felony for a repeat offense, during a declared state of emergency, or for pollutant-storage work. (source: Florida Statutes 489.127 (opens in a new tab))
• DBPR can issue stop-work orders. (source: Florida Statutes 489.127 (opens in a new tab))
• An unlicensed contractor's contract cannot be enforced, and they lose lien and bond claims. (source: Florida Statutes 489.128 (opens in a new tab))