If you love doing odd jobs around the house, why not turn that interest into a career? There is significant demand for handyman professionals in Mississippi, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth in the field to continue through the end of the decade.
You may have been wondering about getting a Mississippi handyman license. Luckily, you can work as a handyman in the state without a license if you don’t accept residential jobs valued at over $10,000. Additionally, you may need to get a city or county license to perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work in Mississippi, but they are not regulated at the state level.
Keep reading to learn more about handyman license requirements Mississippi contractors must consider before performing work in the state.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. You should consult your local regulations and a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Do You Need a License to be a Handyman in Mississippi?
In short, you do not need a Mississippi handyman license for most common handyman projects. However, there are some situations where you may need a Mississippi residential or commercial contractor’s license or a local license.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in Mississippi?
There is not a specific handyman license in Mississippi. However, if you plan to complete any of the following, you will need to seek the appropriate state license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors:
- Residential remodeling or roofing projects valued at over $10,000
- Residential new construction projects valued at over $50,000
- Commercial contracting jobs valued at over $50,000
Additionally, if you plan to complete any residential electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, you may need to get a license from the city or county where the work is performed. There is no statewide license for these jobs.
Mississippi Handyman License Requirements
Because the state does not offer a Mississippi handyman license, there are no requirements that must be met unless you plan to work on larger projects. If that is the case, you should contact the Mississippi State Board of Contractors to obtain an application for a general contractor’s license.
Please refer to our Mississippi general contractor licensing guide for more information about how to become a general contractor in the state.
If you have more questions about how to get a handyman license in Mississippi or what a handyman can do in the state without a license, these articles may help:
- What Type of Work Can a Handyman Do Legally?
- How Much Work Can You Do Without a Contractor License?
- Are Handymen Cheaper Than a Contractor? By How Much?
- Can a Handyman Do a Remodel Job? (Bathroom, Kitchen & More)
Insurance Requirements
There are no liability insurance requirements for handymen in Mississippi. However, if you choose to get a contractor’s license, then you will also need to secure a general liability policy. The MSBOC must be listed on the policy.
In Mississippi, all employers with five or more employees must provide worker’s compensation coverage. More information about requirements and how to get coverage can be found through the Mississippi Worker’s Compensation Commission.
Additionally, all employees must be enrolled in the state unemployment insurance program. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security administers this.
Remember that just because it is not required does not mean you should skip liability insurance. It can help protect your business and personal assets if someone is injured or property is damaged because of your work. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
You do not need formal training to get a Mississippi handyman license; however, programs in construction technology may be helpful. The following Mississippi colleges offer programs that provide a solid foundation in construction methods.
- Holmes Community College, Goodman, MS (662) 472-9058
- Mississippi Delta Community College, Moorehead, MS (662) 246-6322
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, multiple campuses (228) 896-2536
- Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS (662) 325-8305
- Pearl River Community College, Poplarville, MS (601) 403-1000
- Southwest Mississippi Community College, Summit, MS (601) 276-2000
- University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS (601) 266-4902
Specific certifications or memberships, such as obtaining a home inspector certificate or joining The Association of Certified Handyman Professionals, can lend credibility to your business. It is also essential to understand fundamental business principles, which you can gain through an online training program.
Handyman License Mississippi FAQ
Mississippi handyman license requirements are relatively straightforward. However, we still get some questions about the process. Here are our answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
1. What Happens If I Do Not Have the Right License?
It is against the law to perform work that requires a contractor’s license without an active license. This includes residential remodeling and roofing projects over $10,000, new residential construction over $50,000, and commercial projects over $50,000. The MSBOC Statewide Investigative Team monitors unlicensed contracting activity. If caught and convicted, you could face monetary penalties and suspension/loss of any licenses you hold.
2. How Long Does It Take To Become a Handyman in Mississippi?
How long it takes to get your handyman license and start will depend on what path you take. If you decide to get formal training, there are certificate programs that can provide a solid basis for basic construction and repair practices in just a few months, while a degree in construction technology may take several years.
On the other hand, you may simply decide to start offering your services based on prior knowledge and experience. In that case, you can begin working as a handyman immediately since there is no statewide license requirement.
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Contact the Mississippi State Board of Contractors if you still have questions about how to get a handyman license in Mississippi. They can be reached by phone at (601) 354-6161 or (800) 880-6161 and email at info@msboc.us.
If you want to know more about starting a handyman business without a contractor’s license, contact the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office at (601) 359-1633.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Handyman in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Mississippi, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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