Contractor Licensing in Hialeah city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for contractors performing construction, repair, remodeling, or alteration work that exceeds $1,000 in labor and materials combined. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines "construction" broadly to include building, installing, repairing, or improving structures and systems.

The specific license category depends on the type of work. General contractors, specialty contractors (such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing), and building contractors all require state licensing before performing regulated work in Hialeah. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113] establishes qualifications and restrictions for licensees.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Determine Your License Category
Identify whether you need a General Contractor, Building Contractor, or Specialty Contractor license based on the work you perform.

Step 2: Meet Experience Requirements
[Fla. Stat. § 489.113] requires documented work experience in your trade. General and Building Contractor applicants typically must demonstrate four years of experience in construction work; Specialty Contractors have category-specific requirements.

Step 3: Pass the State Examination
Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You must pass the state licensing examination administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. [Fla. Stat. § 489.111] governs the examination process.

Step 4: Submit Application
File your application with the DBPR, including proof of experience, exam passage, and any required fees.

Local Requirements

Hialeah requires all contractors to obtain local permits before beginning work. Contact the Hialeah Building Department to pull permits for your specific project.

Review the Hialeah Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law. The municipal code may impose local bonding requirements, insurance minimums, or project-specific conditions.

All work in Hialeah must comply with both Florida Statutes Chapter 489 (contractor licensing) and applicable Hialeah municipal ordinances.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.103] exempts certain work and workers from licensing requirements:

• Property owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
• Work performed by a single employee under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Certain maintenance, repair, or service work not exceeding defined thresholds
• Work by public employees acting in their official capacity

Check the statute directly for the complete list of exemptions applicable to your specific circumstances.

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. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Hialeah Municipal Code

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