Contractor Licensing in Plantation, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, construction work requiring a license is defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105. Any person or entity performing construction work—including new construction, remodeling, repair, alteration, maintenance, or improvements to real property—must hold an active, valid license issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board unless exempt under state law.

The specific trade classification determines which license type applies. Examples include general contractor, building contractor, electrical contractor, plumbing contractor, and HVAC contractor, among others. Work that involves structural integrity, safety systems, or trades under the Board's jurisdiction requires licensure.

How to Get Licensed

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues all construction licenses in Florida.

Step-by-step process:

1. Verify eligibility under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which specifies qualifications including experience requirements, education, and restrictions (such as prohibition on practice if your license has been revoked or suspended).

2. Prepare for examination per Fla. Stat. § 489.111. You must pass the examination for your trade classification. Examination content covers trade knowledge, Florida construction law, and business practices.

3. Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board with proof of qualifying experience, education, and exam passage. The Board's application process and current fee schedule are available through the Board's official channels.

4. Obtain your license. Once approved, you receive an active license valid for the specified term.

Local Requirements

Plantation is located in Broward County, Florida. Before beginning any construction work in Plantation, you must:

1. Obtain a local permit from the City of Plantation Building Department. Local permit requirements and procedures are found in the Plantation Municipal Code. Review the municipal code for any local amendments, additional bonding requirements, or contractor restrictions specific to Plantation.

2. Verify current local ordinances by contacting the Plantation Building Department directly to confirm whether additional local requirements apply to your specific trade or project scope.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and workers are exempt from licensure, including:

• Owner-builders performing work on their own property (subject to limitations)
• Employees of licensed contractors performing work under direct supervision
• Certain limited repairs and maintenance activities as defined by statute

Review § 489.103 in full to determine if your specific work qualifies for 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

• 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
• Plantation Municipal Code

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