Contractor Licensing in Miami Lakes, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for contractors who engage in construction work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" includes building, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing any building or structure. Any person who performs such work for compensation must hold a valid state license unless specifically exempted. The work must be performed in a professional manner and meet applicable building codes and standards.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under authority of Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The board administers the licensing system statewide.

Step-by-step process:

1. Determine your contractor classification — Contractors are licensed by category (e.g., general contractor, building contractor, specialty contractor). Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines each classification based on scope of work.

2. Meet qualifications — Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must meet experience, financial, and character requirements specific to their classification. You must demonstrate relevant work experience and pass a background check.

3. Pass the examination — Fla. Stat. § 489.111 requires licensure by examination. You must pass the state licensing exam covering Florida construction law, business practices, and trade-specific knowledge.

4. Apply to the state board — Submit your application, examination scores, proof of experience, and fees to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The board processes applications and issues licenses.

Local Requirements

Miami Lakes contractors must comply with both state law and local municipal requirements. Check the Miami Lakes Municipal Code for any local licensing amendments, permit requirements, or additional restrictions beyond state law.

Permits and inspections are typically handled through the Miami-Dade County building and permitting system or the Town of Miami Lakes Building Department, depending on the scope of work and local jurisdiction. Contact the Miami Lakes Building Department to determine permit requirements for your specific project.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions. Certain work is excluded from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by property owners on their own property
• Work by employees of licensed contractors (when supervised by the licensed contractor)
• Certain maintenance and repair work of limited scope
• Work by utilities and government entities

Check Fla. Stat. § 489.103 for the complete list of exemptions applicable to your work.

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 Lakes Municipal Code

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