Contractor Licensing in Miami Gardens, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and businesses engaged in construction work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" means building, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing any structure, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) regulates three license categories:
- General Contractor – supervises and manages construction projects
- Building Contractor – builds structures from the foundation up
- Specialty Contractor – performs specific trade work (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.)

Whether your trade requires licensing depends on the work scope. Certain minor work and routine maintenance may qualify for exemptions (see Exemptions section below).

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Meet Qualifications – Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must:
2. Be at least 18 years old
3. Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance
4. Demonstrate financial responsibility

5. Meet experience and education requirements specific to your license category

6. Pass the CILB Exam – Fla. Stat. § 489.111 requires passing the Construction Industry Licensing Board examination. Exams test knowledge of Florida construction law, building codes, and trade-specific standards.

7. Apply for Your License – Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers the CILB per Fla. Stat. § 489.107. Your application must include proof of qualifications, exam passage, and insurance.

8. Renew Biennially – Licenses are valid for two years. Renewal requires continuing education credits.

Contact the DBPR or visit their website for current application fees, exam schedules, and detailed requirements for your specific trade classification.

Local Requirements

Miami Gardens Permitting:

All construction work in Miami Gardens requires a permit from the City of Miami Gardens Building Department. You must obtain the permit before work begins, regardless of state licensure status.

Refer to the Miami Gardens Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, and any additional requirements specific to the city. The municipal code may impose restrictions beyond state law on licensing, inspections, bonding, or project notifications.

Contact the Miami Gardens Building Department to confirm current local requirements and permit application procedures for your trade.

Exemptions

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

• Owners performing work on their own property (not for sale or lease)
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
• Certain routine maintenance and repair work of minor scope
• Work performed by utilities and governmental entities

Exemptions are narrowly construed. If your work involves multiple trades, commercial projects, or substantial structural alteration, licensing is typically required. Verify your specific work against the statute before assuming an exemption applies.

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 Gardens Municipal Code

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