Contractor Licensing in Homestead, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for contractors engaged in construction work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" includes building, altering, repairing, improving, or moving any structure or performing work on real property. The specific trade determines the license class required—whether general contractor, building contractor, specialty contractor, or other classifications.

Contractors performing work valued at $2,500 or more (adjusted annually) must be licensed. Work below this threshold may be exempt, but licensing requirements vary by trade and scope.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Apply with the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), the state body responsible for contractor licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which typically require:

3. Proof of four years' experience in the trade (or equivalent education/apprenticeship substitution)
4. Passing the state licensing exam

5. Financial responsibility (surety bond requirements)

6. Pass the examination administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The exam covers trade knowledge and Florida construction law.

7. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees.

Local Requirements

Homestead Building Department issues permits for construction work in the city. Before beginning any licensed work, obtain a building permit from the city.

Consult the Homestead Municipal Code for local amendments, permit fees, and ordinances specific to Homestead. Local requirements may include:
- Additional licensing or registration with the city
- Local permit and inspection procedures
- Zoning compliance
- Homestead-specific contractor qualifications

Contact the Homestead Building Department to verify local requirements before starting work or submitting your state application.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, exemptions include:

• Homeowners performing work on their own residential property (not for resale)
• Employees of licensed contractors performing work under direct supervision
• Federal, state, and local government agencies performing their own construction
• One-time projects: Individuals performing occasional construction work not in the regular course of business
• Work performed by registered architects or professional engineers within their scope of practice

These exemptions do not apply to contractors holding themselves out as being in the construction business.

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
• Homestead Municipal Code

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