Contractor Licensing in Miami, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensing for individuals and businesses performing construction work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" includes building, altering, repairing, improving, moving, or demolishing any structure or improvement to real property. If your work falls within these categories and exceeds exempt thresholds, you must be licensed.

The specific license category depends on your trade. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 establishes qualifications and practice restrictions that vary by license type (general contractor, electrical contractor, plumbing contractor, HVAC contractor, etc.).

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Determine your license classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

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

3. Relevant work experience (typically 4 years for most trades)
4. High school diploma or equivalent

5. Proof of workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance

6. Pass the state examination administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under Fla. Stat. § 489.107 oversees this process.

7. Submit your application to the CILB with proof of experience, education, and examination passage.

8. Pay the required fees and receive your state license.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board for current exam dates, fees, and detailed application instructions.

Local Requirements

Miami is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Local permitting and licensing is governed by the Miami Municipal Code. Review the Miami Municipal Code for local amendments to state law and any additional local requirements.

After obtaining your state license, you must pull permits through the Miami Building Department before beginning any regulated construction work. Local amendments may impose additional bonding, registration, or documentation requirements beyond state law. Contact the Miami Building Department to confirm current local licensing fees, permit procedures, and any local contractor registration requirements specific to Miami.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work and workers from state licensing, including:

• Work performed on your own property (with limitations)
• Certain agricultural work
• Work performed by property owners on their own single-family residential dwelling (with specific restrictions)
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 in full to determine if your specific work qualifies for an 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 Municipal Code

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