Florida Remodeling License Requirements Explained
Florida contractors must be licensed for remodeling work involving structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or any significant alteration. Projects like full kitchen or bathroom remodels, wall removals, and major system updates legally require state-certified professionals.
Florida Remodeling Laws: What You Must Know First
Florida law requires licensed contractors for most remodels, including jobs that involve plumbing, electrical, wall removal, or structural changes, even if the work seems cosmetic.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Kitchen or bath remodels need licensed pros
- Structural changes like wall removals, even non-load-bearing, often require permits
- Plumbing, HVAC, electrical work must be done by licensed specialists
- Handyman tasks may be exempt, but many counties still enforce local license rules
- Homeowners can do their own work under strict owner-builder exemptions, but face serious liabilities if rules aren’t followed
Choosing the right license is about protecting your investment, your property, and your peace of mind.
Keep reading to learn what license covers your remodel, how to get one, what it costs, and how to avoid the legal pitfalls that trip up even experienced builders.
Why Remodeling in Florida Is a Legal Minefield (And How to Avoid Trouble)
Remodeling in Florida comes with more legal strings than most homeowners expect.
Even small projects like kitchen updates or bathroom makeovers can require state-licensed contractors, especially when electrical, plumbing, or structural changes are involved.
Projects That Seem Simple But Require a License
- Bathroom upgrades (new tubs, plumbing relocation)
- Kitchen remodels involving electrical or structural work
- Wall removals, even “non-load-bearing” ones, can still trigger permitting requirements
Cosmetic ≠ License-Free
A common misconception is that if it “looks simple,” it doesn’t need a license. But in Florida, that’s not the case.
Many counties enforce strict rules, and exemptions are rare.
Hiring Without Verifying Can Backfire
Hiring an unlicensed contractor, even unknowingly, can lead to fines, failed inspections, and denied insurance.
Always verify licensing before any work begins.
That’s why knowing when a license is required isn’t enough, you also need to know which license applies.
Not all contractors are authorized to do the same type of work, and hiring the wrong one can be just as risky as hiring none at all.
Let’s break down the main license types used for remodeling in Florida.
The 3 Core License Types That Cover Most Remodel Work
In Florida, not all contractor licenses are created equal, and choosing the wrong one (or working without one) can bring your project to a standstill.
1. Certified General Contractor (CGC)
This license offers the broadest authority. It allows contractors to work on virtually any structure, residential, commercial, high-rise, you name it.
CGCs can handle structural work, manage multi-trade projects, and work anywhere in Florida.
2. Certified Building Contractor (CBC)
This license is a step down in scope but still versatile. CBCs can work on residential and commercial buildings up to three stories.
They can perform most remodeling jobs but are limited when it comes to taller or more complex structures.
3. Certified Residential Contractor (CRC)
This license is strictly for residential structures no more than two stories tall.
It’s ideal for smaller home remodels and additions but doesn’t cover commercial work or taller residential buildings.
Certified vs. Registered
Certified licenses are valid statewide. Registered licenses, on the other hand, are limited to specific cities or counties and require local approval through a certificate of competency.
That means a registered contractor in one county can’t legally work across the state.
Specialty Licenses
Beyond these core licenses, Florida also requires trade-specific licenses for electrical, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and more.
Even a general contractor must subcontract these trades to licensed professionals, no exceptions.
Choosing the right license (or verifying that your contractor has it) is what keeps your project compliant, insurable, and legal.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Florida Contractor License
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Getting licensed as a contractor in Florida is a thorough process, and for good reason. The state wants to ensure contractors are experienced, financially responsible, and capable of managing complex projects.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how to get licensed:
Step 1: Choose the Right License Type
Determine whether you need a Certified General (CGC), Building (CBC), Residential (CRC), or a specialty trade license (like HVAC, plumbing, or roofing).
Your project scope and intended service area (statewide vs. local) will guide this choice.
Step 2: Meet Experience Requirements
You’ll need at least four years of construction experience, with one year in a supervisory role. Some college credits or military experience can count toward this requirement.
Step 3: Prepare Financial Documentation
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability.
A credit score of 660 or higher is typically preferred. You’ll also need liability and property damage insurance to meet state minimums.
Step 4: Pass the State Exams
All applicants must pass three core exams:
- Business & Finance
- Contract Administration
- Project Management
Step 5: Apply Through DBPR
Submit your application, documents, and exam results to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Step 6: Get Registered and Approved
Once approved, your name will appear in the state’s contractor database, and you’re officially licensed to work in Florida.
It’s a detailed process, but one that protects homeowners and ensures only qualified professionals take on remodeling and construction work.
Once you’re licensed, the next challenge is knowing how and when that license applies.
Florida doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to remodeling work, and making the wrong call could cost you time, money, or worse.
Here’s how to match the right license to the job.
Helpful Resource → Florida Home Renovation Costs 2025 | Full Breakdown
Which License Matches Your Remodeling Project?
Not all remodeling projects require the same level of licensure, but guessing wrong can cost you. Use this quick guide to determine what kind of work requires a licensed contractor in Florida.
Projects That Do Require a License:
- Full kitchen or bathroom remodels. Especially if you’re relocating plumbing or electrical fixtures.
- Wall removals. Even if the wall isn’t load-bearing, it may impact structure or require rerouting utilities.
- Any work involving plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. These trades must be handled by licensed professionals or supervised by a general contractor.
Projects That Might Not Require a License:
- Flooring, tile, or cabinet installation. Often exempt if no structural, electrical, or plumbing changes are involved.
However, local rules vary. Some counties, like Lee, require licenses for work considered cosmetic in other areas.
Can You Remodel Your Own Home Without a License?
Possibly, under Florida’s owner-builder exemption.
This allows homeowners to perform work on their primary residence without a contractor license, but it comes with strict limitations:
- You must occupy the home (not for resale or rental).
- You cannot hire unlicensed workers to assist.
- You take on all liability and code compliance responsibilities.
When in doubt, confirm with your local building department. One phone call can save you thousands in fines or denied permits.
What Will It Cost to Get Licensed in Florida? (Fees, Exams, Insurance & More)
Getting licensed as a contractor in Florida is a financial commitment that includes fees, insurance, and documentation.
Knowing these costs ahead of time helps you plan and avoid common delays.
- Application fees: You’ll pay between $249 and $409 to apply, depending on your license type and when you submit your paperwork during the state’s cycle.
- Exam preparation: Prep courses are optional but highly recommended. They usually cost between $600 and $1,200 and offer practice exams, live instruction, and study guides to help you pass on the first try.
- Insurance requirements: General Contractors must carry at least $300,000 in liability and $50,000 in property damage insurance. Other license holders need at least $100,000 liability and $25,000 property coverage. Local jurisdictions may require more.
- Other expenses: Budget for fingerprinting, background checks, and bonding (if required in your county).
- Financial qualifications: Florida expects a credit score of 660 or higher. Failing to meet financial requirements is one of the top reasons applications are denied.
Getting licensed is an investment, but it’s one that pays off in legal protection and long-term credibility.
Before you consider cutting corners to save money, remember that the true cost of getting licensed is far less than the price of working without one.
The Risks of Working Without a License in Florida (And Why Borrowing One Isn’t the Answer)
Florida’s contractor licensing system isn’t optional, and trying to work around it can land you in serious legal and financial trouble.
1. Using Someone Else’s License Is a Felony
Renting or “borrowing” a license from another contractor is illegal.
Florida considers it a third-degree felony, which can result in fines, jail time, and a permanent bar from future licensure, even if the arrangement seems informal or well-intentioned.
2. Hiring Subcontractors Doesn’t Exempt You
Thinking you don’t need a license because you’re hiring licensed subcontractors? That’s a common mistake.
Unless you’re a legal subcontractor under a licensed general contractor who pulls all the necessary permits, you still need your own license to operate.
3. Legal and Financial Consequences of Unlicensed Work
- First offense: Misdemeanor charges and fines
- Repeat violations or post-disaster work: Felony charges
- No right to enforce contracts or file liens
- Insurance claims may be denied
- Homeowners can also face penalties for knowingly hiring unlicensed workers
Real Case: Remodel Gone Wrong
A homeowner paid $30,000 for a kitchen remodel done without permits.
When they tried to sell the house, it failed inspection due to code violations, forcing them to redo the work and pay for retroactive approvals.
Other Legal Pitfalls Remodelers Should Know
Even with the right license, remodeling in Florida comes with layers of red tape that can derail your project if you’re not careful.
Here are key pitfalls to watch for:
- Local codes can override state rules. What’s legal in one county might be restricted in another, especially in coastal or high-risk zones.
- Pulling a permit doesn’t mean someone’s licensed. A permit doesn’t validate who’s doing the work. It’s illegal to use someone else’s license to pull permits, a shortcut that creates legal exposure for both parties.
- HOAs have their own approval process. Even with city permits, HOA requirements can trigger fines or force rework if ignored.
- Unpermitted work will catch up with you. Skipping permits might save time short-term, but it often surfaces during insurance claims, appraisals, or home sales, resulting in expensive retroactive fixes.
In Florida, having a license is just the beginning. True compliance means navigating state laws, local codes, and HOA rules, skip any step, and it could cost you later.
Remodeling in Florida? Make Sure You’re on the Right Side of the Law
From certified general contractors who can build statewide to trade-specific licenses for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, the right license depends entirely on the scope of your project.
Cutting corners may seem easier upfront, but unlicensed work can lead to failed inspections, denied insurance claims, and legal penalties that cost far more in the long run.
At Tri-Town Construction, we’re licensed home builders and remodelers with deep experience navigating Florida’s complex permitting and compliance landscape.
We handle every detail, from permits to project management, so your remodel is built right the first time, with no surprises.
Thinking about remodeling your Florida home?
Let’s do it the right way. We’ll guide you through every permit, every inspection, and every code requirement, so you don’t get blindsided halfway through.
Call Tri-Town Construction at 239-895-2058 or reach out for consultation to remodel with confidence.
