Contractor Licensing in Key Biscayne village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, contractors performing construction work in Key Biscayne must be licensed unless they qualify for an exemption. Florida Statute § 489.105 defines "construction" to include alterations, repairs, additions, and improvements to buildings and structures.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. If you are performing work that meets the statutory definition of construction and do not fall within an exemption, you must obtain a state license before beginning work in Key Biscayne.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. Proof of experience in the trade (typically 4 years for most contractor classifications)
3. Proof of workers' compensation insurance
4. Proof of general liability insurance

5. A valid Social Security Number or Federal Employer Identification Number

6. Pass the licensing exam administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The exam covers knowledge of the Florida Building Code, contract law, and trade-specific practices.

7. Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which manages the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Submit your application, proof of qualifications, exam results, and required fees.

The DBPR website provides the current application process, exam dates, and fee schedules.

Local Requirements

Permits and Local Compliance:

Work in Key Biscayne requires both a state contractor license and a local permit. Contact the Key Biscayne Building Department to obtain any required building permits before commencing work.

Review the Key Biscayne Municipal Code for local amendments, zoning restrictions, and additional requirements specific to the village. The municipal code may impose stricter standards than state law, and compliance with both is mandatory.

County Considerations:

Key Biscayne is located in Miami-Dade County. Verify whether Miami-Dade County regulations apply to your specific project type.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• Owners performing work on their own property (with specific limitations)
• Contractors performing work exclusively for a single property owner under certain conditions
• Certain specialty contractors performing limited work within defined scopes

Review § 489.103 carefully, as exemptions are narrowly construed and specific conditions apply.

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
• Key Biscayne Municipal Code

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