Contractor Licensing in Coral Gables, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a contractor must hold a license to perform construction work in Coral Gables. Florida Statute § 489.105 defines a "contractor" as a person who undertakes to, offers to, purports to have the capacity to, or does himself or herself perform or superintend construction work for another for a fixed price, percentage, hourly fee, or other type of compensation.

Work that requires licensure includes construction, remodeling, repair, alteration, and improvement of buildings and structures. The specific scope depends on your trade classification under state law.

How to Get Licensed

1. Determine your trade classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 (e.g., general contractor, electrical contractor, plumbing contractor, etc.).

2. Meet qualification requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which typically include:

3. Minimum experience in the trade
4. Proof of workers' compensation insurance
5. Proof of public liability insurance

6. Financial responsibility demonstration

7. Pass the examination administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Fla. Stat. § 489.111 governs the examination process and standards.

8. Submit your application to DBPR with required documentation, examination passage, and fees.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees contractor licensure in Florida and sets examination standards.

Local Requirements

Coral Gables enforces additional local requirements through the Coral Gables Municipal Code. Before beginning any construction work in the city, you must:

1. Obtain a local permit from the Coral Gables Building Department.
2. Comply with city-specific regulations outlined in the Coral Gables Municipal Code.

Check the Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional insurance requirements, licensing reciprocity rules, or permit procedures that apply within city limits. Local requirements may exceed state minimums.

Contact the Coral Gables Building Department for specific permit application procedures and local contractor registration requirements.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work and persons from state licensing requirements, including:

• Owner-builders performing work on their own property (with specific limitations)
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Certain specialized work performed by licensed professionals in other fields
• Work below specified contract values or scope thresholds

Review § 489.103 carefully, as exemptions have specific conditions and limitations that must be met.

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
• Coral Gables Municipal Code

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