Contractor Licensing in Everglades City, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates work performed by contractors in construction, remodeling, repair, and alteration of buildings and structures. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" is defined as any person who undertakes to, offers to, or holds themselves out as able to undertake the construction, remodeling, repair, alteration, or improvement of any building or structure, or any portion thereof, for compensation.

If you perform this work in Everglades City for payment, you must be licensed unless you qualify for a statutory exemption (see Exemptions section below).

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Determine your contractor classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 (e.g., General Contractor, Building Contractor, specialty contractor).

2. Meet qualification requirements outlined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:

3. Proof of experience in the trade (typically 4 years)
4. Educational requirements

5. Citizenship or legal residency status

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

7. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board with your examination results, proof of qualifications, and required fees.

The Board issues your state license once all requirements are met.

Local Requirements

Permits and Building Department:

Work in Everglades City requires local building permits before construction begins. Contact the Everglades City Building Department to obtain permits for your project.

Municipal Code:

Everglades City's local ordinances are codified in the Everglades Municipal Code. Review this code for any local amendments, permit procedures, insurance requirements, or additional restrictions that may apply to contractor licensing and construction work in the city.

Collier County Coordination:

Everglades City is located in Collier County. Verify whether your specific work also requires county-level permits or approvals.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from contractor licensing:

• Homeowners performing work on their own property (not for sale within 1 year)
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
• Certain specialty workers in limited, defined roles
• Work performed on single-family residential property under specific owner-performed thresholds

Review Fla. Stat. § 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
• Everglades Municipal Code

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