Contractor Licensing in Windermere, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for contractors performing construction work as defined by state law. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" includes any alteration, improvement, or repair of real property. The specific trades requiring licensing—such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and general contracting—are regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

If your work involves building, repairing, or substantially modifying structures or systems in Windermere, you must hold an active Florida contractor license in your trade classification.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate:
- Four years of documented work experience in the trade within the 10-year period before application, or
- A combination of education and work experience meeting board-approved equivalencies

Step 2: Pass the Exam
Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board and pass the state licensing examination for your trade classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The exam tests technical knowledge, Florida building code compliance, and safety standards.

Step 3: Obtain Your License
Upon passing, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues your active contractor license. Maintain this license to legally perform work in Windermere.

Step 4: Register Locally
Before performing work in Windermere, contact the Windermere Building Department to understand any local registration or permit requirements specific to Orange County and the town.

Local Requirements

Windermere operates under its own municipal code. Review the Windermere Municipal Code for local amendments, permitting procedures, and trade-specific requirements that may exceed state minimums.

Permits for construction work in Windermere are issued through the town's Building Department. You will need:
- A valid Florida state contractor license
- Local permits for the specific work being performed
- Compliance with any additional Windermere ordinances

Contact the Windermere Building Department to confirm permit requirements and any local licensing fees or registration obligations before starting work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements, including:
- Owner-performed work on property the owner occupies or owns (with limitations)
- Casual, minor, or incidental repairs not constituting a trade
- Work performed by employees of licensed contractors under direct supervision

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
• Windermere Municipal Code

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