Working as a handyman can be a rewarding career. You can perform a wide range of tasks indoors and out, in homes and small businesses. This guide provides insight into how to get a Florida handyman license and the scope of work that you can perform with it.
It is possible to become a handyman in Florida and perform small jobs without getting a state license. These include painting, general yard maintenance, installing above-ground pools, and repairing drywall. However, if you plan to perform larger jobs involving structural, electrical, or plumbing components, you will need to have an appropriate contractor’s license.
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 Florida?
You do not need a Florida handyman license for many small jobs. According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, jobs that do not require a license include installing cabinets, flooring tiles, and insulation, changing faucet filters, basic drywall repair, and painting.
You will need a general contractor or specialty license from the DBPR for any HVAC work, plumbing connected to potable water sources, electrical work, and any work that creates or alters load-bearing walls.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in Florida?
There is not a license specific to being a handyman in Florida. Instead, you may need a general contractor or electrical contractor license depending on the type of work you perform. Check with the DBPR to learn more about how to get a handyman license in Florida and precisely what types of work you can perform with one.
Florida Handyman License Requirements
The Department of Business & Professional Regulation handles all business licensing for skilled trades in Florida. Within the agency, the Construction Industry Licensing Board ensures contractor and handyman licensing requirements in Florida are met.
Since there are no actual handyman licenses in Florida, requirements are generally limited to having the knowledge and experience required to perform the work you are hired to do. However, if you want to complete projects requiring electrical components, plumbing systems, or structural alterations, you will need to obtain a contractor license regardless of the project cost.
To learn more about contractor licensing requirements in Florida, visit our comprehensive Florida general contractor licensing guide. You may also find helpful and relevant information in these articles:
- What Type of Work Can a Handyman Do Legally?
- Can a Handyman Hire Subcontractors?
- How Much Work Can You Do Without a Contractor License?
- Does a Handyman Need a License? (What Kind and From Whom)
Insurance Requirements
The Florida Division of Worker’s Compensation requires that all construction businesses with one or more employees carry workers’ comp insurance. If you have questions about this requirement, you may contact the Division directly by calling (850) 413-1609 or emailing workers.compservice@fldfs.com.
If you operate vehicles in performing handyman services, you will also need to obtain a commercial auto policy.
While there are no other insurance requirements for a Florida handyman license, general contractors must maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance.
Additionally, it is a good business practice to obtain an appropriate liability insurance policy. Commercial liability insurance can protect you against claims made for injuries or property damage caused by your work. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Florida Handyman Licensing and Registration Fees
Since there are no handyman license requirements in Florida, there are no fees associated with getting started. However, if your work pushes past the scope of a handyman, you will be responsible for any costs to obtain an appropriate contractor license. Contact the DBPR to get a list of current fees.
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
There are no formal education requirements to obtain a Florida handyman license. However, that doesn’t mean you should forgo training. Both classroom and on-the-job training can help you develop new and existing skills so you can further your handyman career.
The Florida community college system is an excellent resource for technical career training. A few of the public schools and programs that might help you as a handyman include:
- Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL (813) 253-7000
- Pensacola State College, Pensacola, FL (850) 484-1000
- Suncoast Technical College, Sarasota, FL (941) 924-1365
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 Florida FAQ
It is common to have questions about handyman license requirements in Florida. Please keep reading for answers to some of the most common questions we hear from up-and-coming handymen.
1. What Happens If I Do Not Have the Right License?
According to Florida statutes, you could be subject to fines if you perform work outside the scope of handyman services without the appropriate Florida contractor license. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable with up to a year of probation or prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Subsequent guilty verdicts are felonies, punishable with any combination of up to five years prison or probation and a maximum fine of $5,000.
2. How Much Can I Earn As a Florida Handyman?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average handyman’s salary in Florida is approximately $32,000 per year. That works out to slightly above $15.00 per hour and falls below the national average of just over $38,000.
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
If you need additional information about how to get a handyman license in Florida, the best course of action is to contact the Licensing Board Customer Contact Center at:
Division of Professions
Construction Industry Licensing Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791
Phone: (850) 487-1395
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 Florida, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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