Electrical Licensing in Tallahassee city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, constructs, alters, or repairs electrical systems in Tallahassee must hold a valid Florida electrical license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, this includes work on wiring, equipment, fixtures, and apparatus for generation, transformation, transmission, or utilization of electrical energy in buildings and structures.

The work is regulated whether performed for compensation or as part of a business operation. Unlicensed electrical work is prohibited and subject to enforcement action.

How to Get Licensed

Electrical licensing in Florida is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To become licensed, follow these steps:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. Proof of four years of experience working under a licensed electrician (one year may be waived with an associate degree in electrical construction)
3. Passage of the Florida electrical contractor exam

4. Proof of workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance

5. Apply through the CILB at the state level (not through the city). The board issues the actual license.

6. Pass the exam, which tests knowledge of the Florida Electrical Code and National Electrical Code (NEC).

7. Veterans and military personnel may receive credit for relevant training and education under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 toward experience requirements.

The state CILB processes all applications and issues all licenses; Tallahassee does not issue electrical licenses locally.

Local Requirements

Electrical contractors must comply with Tallahassee Municipal Code requirements when performing work in the city.

Permits: Before beginning electrical work in Tallahassee, obtain an electrical permit from the Tallahassee Building Department. The city requires permitted work to be inspected.

Municipal Code: Review the Tallahassee Municipal Code for local amendments, permit fees, inspection procedures, and any city-specific electrical standards that exceed state minimums.

Contact the Tallahassee Building Department to confirm current permit requirements, fees, and inspection schedules specific to electrical work.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• Homeowners performing work on their own residential property (not for compensation)
• Work performed by utility companies on their own systems
• Maintenance and repair work of existing equipment by the equipment's owner
• Installation of appliances and equipment by authorized factory representatives

However, exemptions do not waive the requirement to obtain city permits or comply with local building codes.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 — Credit for relevant military training and education
• Tallahassee Municipal Code

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