Contractor Licensing in Miami Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for construction trades that involve work on buildings and structures. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" is defined as any person who undertakes or offers to undertake the construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or other improvement of any building or structure for another, whether as an employee or independent party.

The specific trades regulated depend on classification. If you perform work that meets this definition in Miami Beach, you must hold the appropriate state license before performing that work or advertising your services.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing (Florida)

1. Determine your license classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 (general contractor, specialty contractor, etc.).

2. Verify your qualifications. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must meet experience requirements specific to your trade classification. Requirements typically include a combination of work experience and education.

3. Pass the state exam. Fla. Stat. § 489.111 governs licensure by examination. You must pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board exam for your classification.

4. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.107, the Board issues and administers contractor licenses in Florida.

5. Obtain your state license number before performing any licensed work.

Local Requirements

Miami Beach Municipal Code

Miami Beach enforces construction licensing through local municipal code. Review the Miami Beach Municipal Code for city-specific amendments, permit requirements, and local enforcement rules that may apply beyond state licensure.

Contact the Miami Beach Building Department for:
- Local building permits
- Code compliance requirements
- Local contractor registration or endorsement (if required)
- Inspection scheduling

Because Miami Beach is in Miami-Dade County, you may also need to comply with county requirements in addition to city requirements.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and workers are exempt from Florida's contractor licensing requirements, including:

• Owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
• Employees working directly for a licensed contractor under that contractor's license
• Certain specialty trades with specific exemptions defined in statute

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 in full to determine if your work or status qualifies for exemption.

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
• Miami Beach Municipal Code

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