Contractor Licensing in Hilliard, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and entities performing construction work as defined under state statute. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" encompasses work for which a license is required by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, including general contracting, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and other designated trades.

If you perform construction work in Hilliard for compensation—whether as a general contractor, specialty contractor, or building contractor—you must hold an active Florida license. The specific trade classification determines your licensing category and exam requirements.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Determine Your License Type
Identify which construction trade classification applies to your work under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

Step 2: Meet Qualifications
Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate qualifying experience and education. Requirements vary by license type but typically include documented years of hands-on experience in the trade plus classroom or apprenticeship hours.

Step 3: Pass the Examination
Fla. Stat. § 489.111 governs licensure by examination. You must pass both a Florida-specific law and business exam and a trade-specific technical exam. Exams are administered by approved testing providers.

Step 4: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board
Submit your application, proof of experience, exam scores, and fees to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The Board issues all state contractor licenses.

Step 5: Register Locally
Once licensed by the state, contact the Hilliard Building Department to register your license and obtain required local permits before beginning work in town.

Local Requirements

Hilliard operates under Nassau County jurisdiction for building and permitting. Consult the Hilliard Municipal Code for any local licensing amendments, permit procedures, or additional town-specific requirements beyond state law.

Contact the Hilliard Building Department for information on:
- Local permit application procedures
- Permit fees specific to Hilliard
- Any municipal code provisions affecting contractor licensing

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and individuals are exempt from licensing, including:

• Homeowners performing work on their own primary residence
• Licensed engineers or architects performing design work
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
• Certain governmental entities

Check the full statute to determine if your specific activity 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
• Hilliard Municipal Code

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