Contractor Licensing in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for contractors performing construction work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" means the construction, remodeling, alteration, repair, wrecking, or demolition of buildings, structures, or other improvements to real property.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates three main license classes:
- General Contractor — oversees overall construction projects
- Building Contractor — performs construction work on residential and commercial buildings
- Specialty Contractor — performs specialized construction work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, etc.)

If your work involves constructing, remodeling, altering, repairing, or demolishing structures in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, you must hold the appropriate state license.

How to Get Licensed

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.111, licensure occurs by examination through the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:
1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — which include documented work experience and education requirements varying by license class
2. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board with proof of experience and education
3. Pass the state licensing examination
4. Obtain your Florida Construction License

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board for current application procedures, exam schedules, and specific experience/education requirements for your license class.

Local Requirements

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea enforces state licensing requirements through local permitting. All construction work in the town requires:

• Building permits issued by the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Building Department
• Proof of valid Florida Construction License before permit issuance
• Compliance with Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Municipal Code

Contact the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Building Department for permit applications, fees, and any local amendments to state licensing requirements. Check the Municipal Code link above for ordinances specific to construction contracting in town.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work and workers from licensing, including:
- Property owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
- Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
- Certain specialized work performed by licensed professionals (engineers, architects)

Verify your specific situation against the statute, as exemptions have conditions and restrictions.

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
• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Municipal Code

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