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Can I do repair work in Florida without a license if it's under $2,500?

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The $2,500 handyman exemption

Florida law lets you skip a contractor's license for small jobs. Fla. Stat. 489.103(9) says a license is not required for work that is casual, minor or inconsequential, where the total price for labor, materials and everything else is under $2,500.

• The work must be minor and non-structural.
• It must stand alone — not part of a bigger project. Splitting one larger job into smaller pieces to stay under $2,500 does not work.
• You cannot advertise or hold yourself out as a contractor.
• The exemption never applies if the work itself needs a license regardless of price (see below).

This page can't do that math for you. Use a tool that reads your actual price and job description before you decide.

Some trades need a license no matter the price

Fla. Stat. 489.105 lists work that always needs a licensed contractor — even for a small job. That includes roofing, structural work, additions, demolition, pools and spas, and mechanical/HVAC work. Electrical and alarm work under ch. 489 Part II, and plumbing and gas work, also require a licensed contractor.

• "I'm just replacing a few shingles" is still roofing.
• Painting, drywall patching, tile, cabinets, trim, pressure washing, fences and screen enclosures are generally not licensed trades by themselves — but they still have to stay under $2,500 and stand alone, not be part of a bigger project.
• Many counties require a local license or registration for these trades too.

What unlicensed contracting can cost you

Fla. Stat. 489.127 and 489.13 set out the penalties:

• A first offense is normally a first-degree misdemeanor.
• A repeat offense is a third-degree felony.
• During a declared state of emergency, unlicensed contracting is a third-degree felony on the first offense.
• DBPR can fine unlicensed contractors and issue cease-and-desist orders.
• Fla. Stat. 489.128 says an unlicensed contractor generally cannot enforce the contract or a lien in court.

This page does not name dollar fine amounts — confirm current penalties with DBPR or a lawyer.

If you're the one hiring

Homeowners can look up any Florida license at myfloridalicense.com. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can leave you without recourse, insurance coverage or permit sign-off. Verify the license number before work starts.

Getting licensed

Florida has two paths:

• Certified contractor — a statewide license through DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board. It involves an exam, experience (typically around four years, or a mix of education and experience), financial responsibility and insurance.
• Registered contractor — a local competency card, registered with DBPR, valid only in that jurisdiction.

Electrical contractors are licensed separately by the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board. Start at the DBPR application page and your county contractor licensing office. This page doesn't quote fees, exam pass rates or timelines — confirm those directly with DBPR.

Even exempt handyman work should carry general liability insurance. Hiring helpers can trigger workers' compensation rules for construction under Fla. Stat. 440.

Storm work

After a declared emergency, the felony penalty applies to unlicensed contracting from the first offense. Tarping and debris removal without repair generally does not require a contractor's license, but re-roofing, re-nailing shingles and structural repairs do. Out-of-county contractors must still be licensed in Florida.

What to do next

Describe your job and your price in the free tool. It reads your own numbers and job description — nothing is guessed and nothing is stored — and tells you whether you're handyman-exempt, over the line, or in a licensed trade at any price, along with the relevant statute and penalty. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with DBPR at myfloridalicense.com, your county contractor licensing office, or a lawyer before you take a job you're unsure about. For free legal aid, see floridalawhelp.org.

Contractor License Check FL explains Florida's contractor licensing rules in plain language; it can be wrong, and it is not legal advice. Statute references are to Fla. Stat. ch. 489 as published; counties add local licensing for many trades. Nothing you enter is stored.