Florida handyman license and insurance requirements

Florida is one of the best places to start a handyman business, with over 100,000 maintenance and repair workers across the state. Before you begin taking on clients, it’s important for business owners to understand when you might need a Florida handyman license and what state and local requirements apply.

Most small repair or maintenance jobs don’t require a license, but larger or structural projects may fall under the state’s general contractor licensing rules. This guide explains when a license is required, how to apply, and what local business licenses and insurance coverage can help protect your work.

Jump ahead to learn more:

• Do you need a license to be a handyman in Florida?
• How to get a handyman license in Florida
• Local Florida handyman business license requirements
• What kind of insurance does a handyman need in Florida?

Do you need a license to be a handyman in Florida?

You usually don’t need a license if your handyman work involves small repairs, painting, or basic maintenance.

However, projects that change or become part of a home’s structure — such as remodeling, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC installation — typically require a Florida general contractor license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Florida law doesn’t set a universal dollar cutoff for licensing, but projects worth more than $2,500 typically trigger additional contracting and disclosure requirements under Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes. It’s best to confirm with the DBPR before starting larger or structural work to avoid penalties for unlicensed activity.

What’s the difference between a handyman and a general contractor?

Before we get into the details of how to obtain a license in Florida, it’s important to clarify what it means to be a handyperson — because this is going to affect whether or not you need a license according to Florida law and what type of insurance you’re going to need. 

A handyman or handywoman is someone who does minor repairs, carpentry or minor maintenance jobs. Typically, these jobs only involve one person and work directly with homeowners.

If you work on larger projects, such as building a deck or installing a dishwasher, you could be considered a contractor, and you would need to get the appropriate license and insurance coverage. A handyperson is usually someone who can complete a job on their own. 

So what can a handyman do without a license? Here are some examples of handyman jobs and construction work to help figure out if the jobs you perform mean you’re a handyman or a general contractor.

Handyman vs. Contractor

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) also has some examples of construction activities that do/do not need a license. 

How to get a handyman license in Florida

Since no Florida handyman license application exists — as there isn’t a license for this type of work — you must apply for a certified contractor license or a residential contractor license issued by the DBPR. There are two types of contractor licenses available in Florida state:

• Certified license. This type of state license allows you to work anywhere in Florida.
• Registered license. This type of license only permits you to work in certain local jurisdictions in Florida.

In most states, you must submit an application before taking a licensing exam. But in Florida, you’ll need to pass an exam or obtain a certificate of competency first.

To get a certified license, sign up for the exam through Professional Testing, Inc. This test includes three parts:

1. Business and finance
2. Contract administration
3. Project management

If you are pursuing a registered license, you will need a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority.

Once you pass the test or get your certificate of competency, you may submit your application to the DBPR. With your application, you must include the following:

• Application fee (pricing varies depending on the type of license and whether you apply in an odd or even year)
• Electronic fingerprints for a background check
• Employment history
• FICO credit report (If your FICO credit score is below 660, you must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.)
• Proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments and discharge of bankruptcy (if applicable)
• Supporting legal documentation (if applicable)

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a passing score on all parts of the license examination and demonstrate financial responsibility. 

They must also meet the education/experience requirements. You need at least four years of work experience, a four-year construction-related degree or a combination of work experience and college-level credits.

How much does it cost to get a contractor license in Florida?

The application fee for a certified general contractor license is $145–$245, depending on when you apply, according to the DBPR. Other costs may include certification exam fees, fingerprinting and background checks.

Local Florida handyman business license requirements

Under House Bill 735, which took full effect in July 2023, Florida law no longer allows cities to create separate licensing requirements for work already regulated by the state.

That means there’s no city-issued handyman license in places like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, or Orlando. However, most cities still require a business tax receipt, permits for specific jobs, and compliance with zoning and home occupation rules. There are no known additional insurance mandates in these cities, but verify locally.

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville (Duval County), all businesses must obtain a City Business Tax Receipt before starting operations. If you run your business from a fixed location, you’ll also need a Certificate of Use from the Zoning Department.

Jacksonville follows Florida’s state-level rules for licensing, so there’s no separate handyman or contractor license at the city level. Be sure to check with the City of Jacksonville’s Building Inspection Division for any required permits tied to construction or renovation work.

Miami

Businesses operating within the City of Miami must secure a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and a Certificate of Use (CU). If your business address falls inside Miami-Dade County, you may need both a county and a city BTR.

There’s no local handyman license in Miami, but certain projects may require building or trade permits through the Miami Building Department. Mobile or home-based businesses should confirm local zoning compliance before advertising or working in residential areas.

Tampa

In Tampa, you’ll need a Business Tax Receipt to operate legally within city limits. Tampa does not issue a local handyman license, but some types of work — like electrical or plumbing — may require trade permits through the Tampa Construction Services Division.

Permitting rules may vary by project, so always verify whether your work qualifies as maintenance or construction that requires a city inspection.

Orlando

The City of Orlando requires all businesses to obtain a Business Tax Receipt and a Certificate of Use. There are no additional city-specific handyman licensing requirements.

If you operate from a physical location, you may also need zoning approval and an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Permits may still be required for certain remodeling or structural work through the Orlando Permitting Services Division.

What kind of insurance does a handyman need in Florida?

Regardless of whether your work requires a license, handyman insurance can help protect your business. This may include the following types of Florida business insurance coverage:

Workers’ Compensation insurance

Handyman services with employees must have workers’ compensation insurance in Florida, which can help cover medical expenses, lost wages and employer liability if there is an on-the-job injury, illness or death.

General Liability insurance

Your clients may ask for proof of Florida general liability insurance, which can help provide coverage if someone other than an employee gets hurt or you accidentally damage property that doesn’t belong to you. 

Tools and Equipment insurance

Tools and equipment insurance can help provide coverage for your gear in the event of damage or theft.

Commercial Auto insurance

If you drive for work, commercial auto insurance can help cover costs related to accidents, such as medical expenses and property damage. 

To drive in the state of Florida, you must have minimum coverage for your vehicle insurance:

• $10,000 in PIP insurance, or personal injury protection.
• $10,000 in liability insurance for property damage.

Commercial Property insurance

Commercial property insurance can help cover damage or vandalism to your equipment and inventory and commercial buildings you own or rent for your business.

What is the certificate of insurance requirement if you’re a licensed contractor?

The DBPR requires licensed general and building contractors to show proof of general liability insurance with at least $300,000 in public liability coverage and $50,000 in property damage coverage.

Other Florida contractor categories must carry a minimum of $100,000 in public liability and $25,000 in property damage coverage.

All licensed contractors must also carry workers’ compensation insurance — or file for an exemption if they have no W-2 employees.

How NEXT supports Florida handypeople

NEXT Insurance helps you get the right Florida handyman insurance so you can focus on growing your company and serving clients with confidence.

We offer tailored business insurance that’s affordable, fast and flexible. Check prices, choose your coverage and buy your policy in about 10 minutes — 100% online. You can share unlimited certificate of insurance at no extra cost, and you can access your policy 24/7 via web or mobile app.

Get an instant quote online today.

Do you plan to work as a handyman in another U.S. state? Find out what states require handyman licenses in our summary of handyman license requirements.

This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.