Contractor Licensing in Indian River Shores, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons engaged in the "construction industry" as defined by statute. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, regulated construction work includes activities requiring specialized skill and knowledge in building, altering, repairing, or improving real property. The specific trades requiring licensure—such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general contracting—are defined in state statute and enforced statewide, including in Indian River Shores.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a license:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires documented experience in your trade (typically 4 years of active work) or relevant education combined with apprenticeship.

2. Pass the examination administered per Fla. Stat. § 489.111. You must apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, pay the examination fee, and pass the trade-specific exam.

3. Apply with the state board. Submit your application, proof of experience or education, identification, and examination results directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (not locally).

4. Obtain your state license once approved. This license is valid statewide, including in Indian River Shores.

Local Requirements

Indian River Shores is located in Indian River County. Once you hold a valid Florida state contractor's license, you must:

• Obtain a local permit from the Indian River Shores Building Department before starting work in town.
• Comply with the Indian River Shores Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/indian_river_shores. Review this code for any local amendments, permit procedures, bonding requirements, or additional restrictions specific to the town.

Contact the Indian River Shores Building Department for current local permit fees, application procedures, and any town-specific licensing amendments.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure, including:

• Work performed by property owners on their own property (with limitations)
• Certain maintenance and repair work not involving structural changes
• Work performed by employees under a licensed contractor's direct supervision

However, exemptions are narrowly construed. Verify your specific work falls within an exemption before proceeding without a license.

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
• Indian River Shores Municipal Code

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