Contractor Licensing in Hawthorne, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a license for persons engaged in the construction industry as defined by statute. Work that constitutes "construction" — including building, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing structures — requires proper licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

The specific trade categories and scope of regulated work are defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105. You must determine whether your trade falls under General Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, HVAC Contractor, or another regulated category. If you perform work in any of these categories in Hawthorne, state licensure is mandatory.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

  1. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which issues all contractor licenses in Florida under authority granted by Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

  2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:

  3. Relevant work experience (typically 4 years in the trade, with specific breakdowns by category)

  4. Passing the state licensing examination

  5. Take the examination administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. You must pass both the general contractor exam and any trade-specific exams for your license category.

  6. Submit proof of experience, workers' compensation insurance, and other documentation as required by the Board.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fee information.

Local Requirements

Permits and Building Department:

Work in Hawthorne requires permits from the Alachua County building authority or the City of Hawthorne Building Department, depending on jurisdiction. Contact the Hawthorne Building Department to determine permit requirements for your specific project before beginning work.

Local Code:

Review the Hawthorne Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional licensing requirements, or restrictions beyond state law. The municipal code may impose local contractor registration, bonding, or insurance requirements specific to Hawthorne.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions from licensure for:
- Owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
- Certain specialty contractors working under specific conditions
- Work performed by employees of licensed contractors under direct supervision

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 in full to confirm whether your work or employment status qualifies for an exemption.

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

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