Contractor Licensing in Winter Garden, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for contractors performing construction work as defined by state law. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" includes any person who undertakes to, offers to, or holds themselves out as able to construct, repair, or improve buildings or structures for others in exchange for compensation.

Work requiring a license includes new construction, alterations, repairs, additions, and renovations to residential, commercial, or industrial properties. The specific scope depends on your contractor classification (general contractor, specialty contractor, or building contractor).

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing:

1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — the agency that administers construction licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.107 through the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. Be at least 18 years old
4. Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance
5. Demonstrate financial responsibility (surety bond requirements)

6. For general contractors: four years of experience in the trade, or equivalent education/experience combination

7. Pass the state licensing examination per Fla. Stat. § 489.111. You must pass the exam for your contractor classification.

8. Submit proof of competency — experience documentation, apprenticeship records, or educational credentials satisfying state requirements.

Contact DBPR or visit their website for current exam schedules, application forms, and fees.

Local Requirements

Winter Garden Building Department:

Once state-licensed, you must register locally in Winter Garden and comply with the Winter Garden Municipal Code. Contact the Winter Garden Building Department to obtain local permits and learn city-specific requirements.

Review the Winter Garden Municipal Code for local amendments, permitting procedures, inspections, and any additional bonding or insurance requirements that exceed state minimums. Orange County may also impose concurrent requirements; verify with both the city and county.

Exemptions

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

• Owners performing work on their own property
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Certain residential work by owner-occupants on single-family homes (limited scope)
• Maintenance and repair work falling below statutory thresholds

Verify whether your intended work falls within an exemption before proceeding without a license.

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
• Winter Garden Municipal Code

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