Contractor Licensing in Golden Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for construction contractors performing work that meets the statutory definition of construction. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, construction means building, altering, repairing, improving, or moving any building or structure, or improving any real property. This includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and general contracting work.

The specific trade category—whether you need a General Contractor, Specialty Contractor, or Building Contractor license—depends on the scope and cost of work you perform. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 sets qualifications for practice and restrictions on unlicensed work.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps to obtain a license:

  1. Determine your contractor classification (General, Specialty, or Building Contractor).
  2. Meet experience and education requirements specified in Fla. Stat. § 489.113.
  3. Pass the state licensing examination administered by the Board.
  4. Submit your application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
  5. Pay applicable fees.

Fla. Stat. § 489.111 details the licensure-by-examination process. The Board's website provides exam schedules, study materials, and application procedures. You do not apply through the Town of Golden Beach; the license is issued by the state.

Local Requirements

Once licensed by the state, you must comply with Golden Beach municipal requirements before performing work in town.

Permit and inspection requirements:

Contact the Golden Beach Building Department to pull permits for any construction work within town limits. Golden Beach is located in Miami-Dade County; depending on the project scope, you may also need Miami-Dade County permits.

Local code compliance:

Review the Golden Beach Municipal Code for local amendments, zoning restrictions, and permit procedures that may apply to your trade. The municipal code may impose additional requirements beyond state law.

Call the Building Department to confirm permit requirements specific to your project before beginning work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions from licensure. Exemptions include owner-builders performing work on their own property (with limitations), certain minor repairs under a statutory threshold, and work by employees of licensed contractors under direct supervision.

However, exemptions are narrow. Most commercial work and work for others requires a valid state license regardless of project size.

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)