Contractor Licensing in Alachua city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a contractor license is required for any person who undertakes, offers to undertake, or submits a bid for construction work valued at $1,000 or more (including labor, materials, and other costs).[^1] Construction includes building, altering, repairing, improving, moving, wrecking, or demolishing any structure or improvement to real property.[^2]

The Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates contractors under five classifications: General Contractor, Building Contractor, Residential Contractor, Roofing Contractor, and Pool Contractor.[^1] You must hold the appropriate license for the type of work you perform.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's licensing process is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Steps to obtain a license:

1. Meet qualifications. You must satisfy education and experience requirements specific to your contractor classification, as set forth in Fla. Stat. § 489.113.[^3] Requirements vary by contractor type.

2. Pass the examination. All applicants must pass a state examination administered by the CILB.[^4] The exam covers Florida Statutes Chapter 489, construction industry practices, and trade-specific knowledge.

3. Apply to the CILB. Submit your application directly to the state Construction Industry Licensing Board (not the local city or county). The CILB processes all applications and issues licenses statewide.

4. Obtain local permits. Once licensed at the state level, you must pull permits for specific projects with the Alachua city Building Department or relevant county permitting authority before beginning work.

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.111 for detailed examination and licensure procedures.

Local Requirements

In Alachua city, building permits and trade licenses are handled through Alachua County jurisdiction. Contact the Alachua County Building Department to determine whether your project falls under city or county permitting.

Verify local amendments and requirements in the Alachua Municipal Code. This code may impose additional local standards beyond state law. Review it before submitting applications or beginning work.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from contractor licensing requirements:[^5]

• Owners performing construction work on their own property (not for profit or sale)
• Public employees performing construction work in their official capacity
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Certain specialty work performed by licensed professionals (e.g., licensed electricians, plumbers)

Exemptions are narrowly defined. Verify your specific situation against Fla. Stat. § 489.103.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/

References

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)