Requirements for a Handyman License in Florida

Published on May 28, 2024 by Nate Bortz

Contractor Worker Assembling of New Apartment Kitchen Cabinets

The general construction industry is a great choice for anyone looking for a new career. With continued strong demand and good starting compensation, now is a great time to find a rewarding job that doesn’t require a degree.

In Florida, one of the simplest ways to find work and gain experience in the industry is to become a handyman. If you’re wondering whether a license is needed to be a handyman in Florida, this article explains licensing requirements and provides resources to help you get started.

Florida Handyman License Requirements

Currently, there are no license requirements or training necessary for handymen and handywomen in Florida. According to the law set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the following jobs are some examples of construction work that handypeople can do for compensation without a license:

Add a water filter onto a faucet
Install a driveway or install pavers/tile walkways
Insert a plug-in A/C window unit
Paint; install cabinets, wood or tile flooring, and insulation
Install or replace drywall if the contract does not include other work on the load-bearing part of the wall or any plumbing, electrical, or air conditioning work
Minor repairs that do not become a finished part of a structure
Projects with a $500 charge limit

Performing jobs like these can be a great way to gain hands-on experience in the industry with low upfront costs. Average hourly rates for a self-employed worker range between $50 and $100. Some basic equipment and a strong work ethic can be all you need to get started at a general contracting company. But remember, it’s critical to understand exactly what you’re allowed to do. As a handyperson, performing a project that requires a license may result in penalties, misdemeanor charges, or even jail time.

Business Registration

Handypeople may not need licenses, but there are still rules to consider if you want to start your own handyperson business.

Generally, starting any business requires registering with the Florida Department of State, the IRS, and the Florida Department of Revenue. Areas like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and Orlando require business tax receipts and other permits. Check your municipality’s guidelines for more information.

Additionally, the DBPR has resources available designed to help people avoid unlicensed contractor scams. When initially marketing yourself as a handyperson, you should study this Construction Information Brochure.

It contains information that you can use to establish trust with potential customers. It lists jobs that don’t need a license and outlines common scam warning signs (so you can avoid them).

Florida Handyman Liability Insurance Requirements

As a handyperson, a potential customer might not expect you to show a license. But they’ll almost certainly expect to see some proof of insurance.

According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, workers’ comp insurance is required for all construction businesses with one or more employees (including the business owner).

It’s also wise for any business — especially ones that visit and repair someone’s personal property — to obtain liability insurance. This type of policy (sometimes called contractors or construction insurance) covers accidents where someone other than an employee gets hurt. It also protects the business owner from paying out of pocket for accidentally damaging a customer’s property.

It’s easy to find policies online that fit your needs, whether you’re a one-person operation or you hire other handypeople to help you. Investopedia has a helpful page that compares different companies and the types of policies they offer.

FL Contractor License Benefits

Once you get a taste of the industry and build a reputation for yourself doing helpful handyperson work, you may decide to start expanding your income potential. For most people, getting licensed is the best choice to make to help meet long-term construction career goals.

Getting a general contractor license opens the door to a wider range of projects, including jobs that require more work and demand higher pay.

These are just some of the jobs you can complete with a contractor license:

Install a dishwasher or replace a hot water heater
Install a central air-conditioning unit
Build a barn, metal building, or detached garage
Install or replace drywall if the contract also includes work on the load-bearing part of the wall, plumbing, electrical, or air conditioning work

There are two license types: certified and registered. Getting a certified license means you can work anywhere in Florida. Whereas a registered license is intended only for certain jurisdictions.

Florida contractor license requirements for applicants include:

You must be at least 18 years old
You need at least four years of work experience, a four-year construction-related degree, or a combination of the two (your handyperson experience will help here!)
You must pass a background check and submit your fingerprints
Lastly, you need to pass a state certification examination

If you really want to increase your potential for work opportunities, why not take one certification exam that is recognized in multiple states?

NASCLA and Exam Prep

The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) is a nonprofit organization that aims to simplify the licensing process across multiple states. It created the Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors to reduce redundant licensing requirements and help contractors who need to be licensed in multiple jurisdictions.

Passing the NASCLA exam eliminates the trade exam requirement in participating state agencies, including Florida. Meaning if you pass the NASCLA exam and become a licensed contractor in Florida, you can get licensed in other nearby states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama without taking their state exams.

If you want to take advantage of this simplified licensing opportunity, we’re here to help. Our NASCLA exam prep program includes online video courses designed around the exam provider’s outline, known as the PSI Candidate Bulletin.

The course also provides hundreds of practice questions to help give you the confidence to pass. Along with the standalone version of the course, we also offer a comprehensive version that includes all 23 books listed on the PSI reference list.

Choosing to take the NASCLA exam means you will need to complete a different application. The DBPR’s certified general contractor endorsement application is for NASCLA exam takers and allows you to skip the state exam.

However, you still need to pass the Business and Finance examination and affirm that you have taken an exam covering the state Building Code. The state wants to ensure that applicants understand the basics of running a business and, more importantly, know the regulations that govern business practices in their state.

That’s why we also offer an eight-hour narrated course for the business and finance portion. It’s formatted to follow the Examination Content Information Bulletin provided by the DBPR and covers:

Establishing the Contracting Business
Managing Administrative Duties
Business Math
Complying with Government Regulations
And More

Start Your Construction Career

Becoming a handyperson is a great way to start a career in the construction industry. You don’t need to get licensed, and you can gain the experience needed to become a general contractor. If you do decide to pursue licensure, we’re here to help! Our exam prep courses will ensure you know what to expect on the certification tests.

If you run into trouble along your contractor licensing journey or ever have any questions, we’re here to help. Our knowledgeable customer service team is only a phone call, email, or online chat away!