Contractor Licensing in Lake City, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a contractor license is required for any person who undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the capacity to undertake, or submits a bid to construct, repair, or improve any building or structure for another person. This applies to work valued at any amount. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

The type of license required depends on the trade. Florida recognizes General Contractors, Specialty Contractors (including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and other trades), and Building Contractors. Work-for-hire relationships and work performed by employees under direct supervision of a licensed contractor may have different rules. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Meet Qualifications: You must meet experience and education requirements specific to your trade classification. General and specialty contractors must demonstrate either four years of experience in the trade or equivalent classroom hours plus experience. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]

2. Apply for Examination: Submit your application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which administers licensing under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). [Fla. Stat. § 489.107]

3. Pass the Exam: You must pass the Florida Contractor Certification Exam for your specific trade. [Fla. Stat. § 489.111]

4. Obtain Your License: Upon passing, the state issues your contractor license, valid for two years.

Contact the Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board for current examination dates, application forms, and specific experience requirements for your trade classification.

Local Requirements

Lake City is located in Columbia County, Florida. Building permits for construction projects in Lake City are issued through the Lake City Building Department.

Contractors performing work in Lake City must comply with both Florida state statutes and the Lake City Municipal Code. Review the Lake City Municipal Code for local building permit requirements, fees, inspection procedures, and any local amendments to state contractor regulations.

Contact the Lake City Building Department for specific local permit procedures, fees, and which trades require local permits before commencing work.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida contractor licensing requirements:

• An owner performing work on property the owner owns, occupies, or intends to occupy [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]
• Employees working directly under the supervision of a licensed contractor
• Work performed by licensed professionals (such as engineers or architects) within their scope of practice
• Certain casual, minor repairs and maintenance work [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]

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
• Lake City Municipal Code

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