Contractor Licensing in Sunrise, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, contractors performing construction work must be licensed. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines "construction" broadly to include building, altering, repairing, improving, moving, and demolishing structures. The specific trades requiring licensure include general contractors, building contractors, specialty contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.), and pool contractors, among others.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees who must be licensed and determines the scope of regulated work in Florida.

How to Get Licensed

State-Level Process:

1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — the agency responsible for contractor licensing.

2. Meet experience requirements — Fla. Stat. § 489.113 sets qualifications for practice, which vary by contractor type. Generally, you must demonstrate relevant work experience, often 4 years for general contractors or specialty contractors.

3. Pass the licensing examination — Fla. Stat. § 489.111 requires passage of an examination administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Exams test knowledge of the Florida Building Code, construction law, and trade-specific standards.

4. Submit required documentation — proof of experience, identification, and any required education courses.

Contact the DBPR Division of Construction Industry Licensing for current application procedures, exam schedules, and specific experience requirements for your trade classification.

Local Requirements

In Sunrise, permit applications and inspections are handled by the Sunrise Building Department. All contractors must obtain local permits before commencing work within city limits, regardless of state licensure.

The Sunrise Municipal Code governs local construction standards, contractor conduct, and permitting procedures within the city. Review the Sunrise Municipal Code for specific local amendments to state law, additional licensing requirements, local permit fees, and any local contractor registration or insurance mandates that exceed state minimums.

Contact the Sunrise Building Department for specific permit requirements, local fees, inspection procedures, and confirmation of which local ordinances apply to your trade in Broward County.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by property owners on their own property
• Work by employees of licensed contractors operating under direct supervision
• Certain maintenance and repair work of minor scope
• Work by public employees in their official capacity

Review § 489.103 carefully to determine if your specific work qualifies for an exemption, as misclassification can result in penalties.

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
• Sunrise Municipal Code

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