Contractor Licensing in The Villages CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Contractors performing construction work in The Villages CDP must be licensed unless they fall within a statutory exemption. Under Florida law, a "contractor" is defined as any person who undertakes to, offers to, or does construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure, or portion thereof, including residential, commercial, or industrial property. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

The Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates three classes of contractors: General, Specialty, and Building. Most work requires one of these licenses. [Fla. Stat. § 489.107]

How to Get Licensed

State Application Process:

1. Determine your contractor class (General, Specialty, or Building) based on the type of work you perform.
2. Meet qualification requirements, including experience and financial responsibility. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]
3. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
4. Pass the required examination. [Fla. Stat. § 489.111] The exam covers Florida construction law, building codes, and trade-specific knowledge.
5. Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance as required by statute.

Local Permitting in Marion County:

After obtaining your state contractor license, you must pull permits for specific work projects. Contact the Marion County Building Department for permit requirements and procedures applicable to The Villages CDP. The Villages is an unincorporated census-designated place within Marion County, so county permitting authority applies.

Review The Villages Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or additional requirements that may apply to contractors working within the CDP. [The Villages Municipal Code]

Local Requirements

The Villages CDP operates under Marion County jurisdiction and The Villages Municipal Code. Before beginning any construction work, verify:

• Local permit requirements through Marion County Building Department
• Covenant and design restrictions that may apply to residential or commercial properties within The Villages
• Any local amendments to state contractor licensing requirements

Contact the Marion County Building Department to confirm current local requirements and permitting procedures.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from contractor licensing requirements:

• Owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
• Employees acting under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Certain specialty trades operating under limited scopes [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]

Review the statute for a complete list of exemptions, as they vary by classification.

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
• The Villages Municipal Code

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