Contractor Licensing in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida regulates construction work through the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" means any person who contracts to build, construct, alter, repair, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure, or to supervise, manage, or coordinate construction projects.

If your work falls within these definitions, you must hold a Florida construction license. The specific trade category determines which license class you need. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 restricts unlicensed persons from performing licensed construction work.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues all contractor licenses. Follow these steps:

1. Determine your license class — CILB offers General Contractor, Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, and other categories under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

2. Meet experience requirements — Fla. Stat. § 489.113 requires documented work experience relevant to your trade. Specific hours vary by license class.

3. Pass the state examination — Fla. Stat. § 489.111 requires successful completion of the CILB examination for your license class. Exams cover Florida construction law, building codes, and trade-specific knowledge.

4. Apply with CILB — Submit your application, examination results, and proof of experience to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers the CILB.

5. Pay licensing fees — Current fees are set by DBPR and vary by license class.

Contact the Florida DBPR or visit the CILB website for current examination schedules, fees, and application procedures.

Local Requirements

Fort Myers Beach is located in Lee County, Florida. You must obtain a local building permit before starting construction work. Contact the Fort Myers Beach Building Department to pull permits and learn current local requirements.

Review the Fort Myers Beach Municipal Code for any local amendments to state contractor licensing requirements, local contractor registration ordinances, or additional fees specific to the town.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure:

• Work performed by homeowners on their own residential property
• Work by employees under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Certain maintenance and repair work as defined by statute
• Work by government employees on government projects
• Other specific exemptions defined in the statute

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 to determine if your work qualifies for exemption.

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
• Fort Myers Beach Municipal Code

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