Contractor Licensing in Day CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a person who undertakes to supply labor, materials, or both for the construction, remodeling, alteration, repair, improvement, moving, wrecking, or demolition of any building or structure must obtain a license unless exempt [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]. The state defines "construction" broadly to include work on buildings and structures. Day CDP, with a population of 89 in Lafayette County, is subject to Florida's statewide licensing requirements for contractors, which cannot be reduced by local ordinance.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Register with the State. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Construction Industry Licensing. This is the sole issuing body for all contractor licenses in Florida [Fla. Stat. § 489.107].

  2. Meet Qualifications. You must demonstrate competency through examination [Fla. Stat. § 489.111]. Specific examination requirements and experience prerequisites vary by license classification (General Contractor, Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, or Certified Residential Contractor). You must meet the qualifications set forth in Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which address experience, financial responsibility, and compliance with law.

  3. Pass the Exam. The Construction Industry Licensing Board administers examinations covering knowledge of the Florida Building Code and construction practices.

  4. Apply Locally. Once licensed by the state, register or apply with the Day CDP Building Department or Lafayette County (whichever has permitting authority in your jurisdiction) before beginning work.

Local Requirements

Day CDP falls within Lafayette County. Permits and local compliance are handled by either the Day CDP Building Department or Lafayette County Building Department, depending on jurisdictional boundaries. Review the Day Municipal Code for any local ordinance amendments or additional permitting procedures. Contact the building department serving Day CDP to determine which entity issues permits, required documentation, and local permit fees.

State law preempts local licensing requirements [Fla. Stat. § 489.113], so Day CDP cannot impose separate local licensing beyond the state license.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]:
- An owner performing work on their own property (with limitations)
- A person acting under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor
- Certain maintenance and repair work not involving structural changes
- Work performed by utility companies on their own infrastructure

Verify your specific situation against the statute, as exemptions have conditions.

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

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