Contractor Licensing in Fish Hawk CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a contractor license is required for any person who contracts to build, construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure, or to do other construction work. This applies in Fish Hawk CDP unless a specific exemption applies.

The work must involve construction of residential, commercial, or industrial property. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines "construction" broadly to include all work performed on buildings and structures. If you are performing work that meets this definition and do not qualify for an exemption, you must hold a valid Florida contractor license before beginning work in Fish Hawk CDP.

How to Get Licensed

Florida contractor licensing is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Steps to obtain a license:

1. Determine your license classification. Florida offers several contractor license types: General Contractor, Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, and others), and Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

2. Meet qualification requirements. You must demonstrate 4 years of active experience in the construction trade in the 5-year period preceding application, pass a Florida-specific business and law exam, and pass a trade exam for your classification. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]

3. Apply with DBPR. Submit your application, proof of experience, exam scores, and required fees directly to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. [Fla. Stat. § 489.111]

4. Obtain your license. Once approved, your Florida contractor license is valid statewide, including in Fish Hawk CDP.

Local Requirements

Fish Hawk CDP is located in Hillsborough County. Building permits for construction work in Fish Hawk CDP must be obtained through the Hillsborough County Building Department (or the applicable local building authority serving Fish Hawk CDP).

Before beginning any construction work in Fish Hawk CDP, you must:

• Obtain a building permit from Hillsborough County
• Provide your valid Florida contractor license number on all permit applications
• Comply with all requirements in the Fish Hawk Municipal Code

Review the Fish Hawk Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional requirements, or restrictions that may apply to your specific trade or project.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida contractor licensing requirements:

• Owners performing work on their own property (with limitations) [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]
• Employees of a licensed contractor performing work under the contractor's direct supervision [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]
• Certain agricultural and industrial workers [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]
• Work performed by utilities and government entities [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. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fish Hawk Municipal Code

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