Contractor Licensing in Arcadia city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a 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, or to do construction work as a contractor. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] The specific trade determines the license class required. Unlicensed contracting work is prohibited and subject to penalties under state law.

How to Get Licensed

Florida contractors must obtain licensure through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), which operates under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Steps to licensure:

1. Determine your license class based on the type of work (e.g., General Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Plumbing Contractor). [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

2. Meet qualification requirements, which include:

3. Proof of four years of experience in the trade within the past 10 years, or equivalent education/apprenticeship [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]

4. A passing score on the CILB examination specific to your license class [Fla. Stat. § 489.111]

5. Apply to the CILB with required documentation, including proof of experience, identification, and exam passage. Application is handled at the state level, not locally.

6. Obtain workers' compensation insurance as required by state law before the license is issued.

Local Requirements

Arcadia city, located in DeSoto County, requires contractors to obtain local permits and comply with the Arcadia Municipal Code. Permit applications and inspections are handled through the Arcadia Building Department. Contact the Building Department to confirm:

• Which permits are required for your specific project
• Local amendments to state contractor licensing requirements
• Current fee schedules

Consult the Arcadia Municipal Code for any town-specific contractor regulations, bonding requirements, or licensing conditions beyond state law.

Exemptions

The following work does not require a state contractor's license: [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]

• Work performed by a property owner on their own property
• Work by a single trade performed on a one-time, non-profit basis
• Certain maintenance and repair work of limited scope
• Work performed under direct supervision of a licensed contractor

Consult § 489.103 for the complete list of exemptions applicable to your situation.

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. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Arcadia Municipal Code

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