Contractor Licensing in Fort Lauderdale city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a contractor performing construction, repair, alteration, or improvement work must hold a valid state license unless specifically exempted. Work that requires licensing includes residential, commercial, and industrial projects where the total cost exceeds threshold amounts set by statute.

Florida defines "contractor" broadly under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 to include any person who, for compensation, undertakes to, offers to, or agrees to build, construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure, or to do any construction work.

The specific trade category you pursue determines which license class applies and which examination you must pass.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Determine your license classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which establishes categories such as general contractor, building contractor, or specialty contractor.

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

3. Proof of relevant work experience (typically 4 years for general contractors, with variations by license class)
4. A high school diploma or equivalent

5. A Florida address

6. Pass the state examination administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees licensing.

7. Submit your application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which processes state licenses.

Local Fort Lauderdale Requirements:

Once licensed at the state level, contractors working in Fort Lauderdale must comply with local codes. Permits are issued through the City of Fort Lauderdale Building Department. Review the Fort Lauderdale Municipal Code for any additional local licensing, registration, or permitting requirements specific to your trade.

Contact the Fort Lauderdale Building Department to confirm permit application procedures and local amendments before beginning work.

Local Requirements

Fort Lauderdale enforces the Fort Lauderdale Municipal Code, which may impose local licensing, registration, or permitting conditions beyond state requirements. Building permits must be obtained from the City Building Department prior to work commencement. Check the municipal code for trade-specific local rules, fees, and inspection requirements.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing, including:
- Owner-builders performing work on their own property
- Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
- Work performed by municipalities and other government entities
- Certain minor repairs and maintenance work below statutory thresholds

Verify exemption applicability to your specific circumstances before proceeding without a license.

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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fort Lauderdale Municipal Code

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