Contractor Licensing in Key Largo CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for contractors performing construction work as defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105. A licensed contractor is required when the cost of construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement to real property exceeds $1,000 in labor and materials combined.

Work includes building, structural repairs, electrical installation, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and similar construction trades. The specific trade you perform determines which license classification you must hold under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

How to Get Licensed

State-level licensing is handled by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:
2. Documented work experience in your trade (typically 4 years for general contractors; requirements vary by classification)
3. Passing a background check

4. Proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance

5. Pass the state exam administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The exam covers Florida building codes and contractor law.

6. Apply to DBPR with proof of experience, exam passage, and insurance documentation.

Submit your application and exam records directly to DBPR. The Construction Industry Licensing Board reviews and approves licenses.

Local Requirements

Permitting: Contact the Key Largo Building Department (Monroe County) to pull construction permits before beginning any licensed work. Monroe County administers building permits for Key Largo CDP.

Municipal Code: Key Largo CDP operates under the Key Largo Municipal Code. Review this ordinance for any local amendments, additional licensing requirements, or local contractor registration requirements that may apply beyond state law.

Insurance and bonds: Maintain active workers' compensation and general liability insurance as required by state law and verify any additional bonding requirements with the county before pulling permits.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensing is not required for:

• Owners performing work on their own property
• Construction work by salaried employees of licensed contractors
• Certain agricultural or industrial work
• Minor repairs (work under $1,000)

Property owners performing unlicensed work remain liable for code compliance and safety standards.

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 Largo Municipal Code

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