Contractor Licensing in Highland Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates contractors engaged in construction, repair, alteration, or improvement of buildings and structures. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" includes any person who undertakes to construct, repair, alter, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure for others.

Work requiring licensure includes:
- General contracting (building, remodeling, additions)
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- HVAC systems
- Pool/spa construction and repair
- Other skilled trades as defined by state law

Unlicensed contracting work is illegal in Florida and may result in fines, criminal penalties, and contract voidability.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Determine your license classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 (General Contractor, Roofing Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, Electrical Contractor, etc.).

2. Meet qualification requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. Minimum four years of active work experience in your trade (requirements vary by classification)
4. Pass a state licensing examination
5. Demonstrate financial responsibility

6. Provide proof of liability insurance

7. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. Applications are processed at the state level, not locally.

8. Pass the licensing exam required under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The exam covers Florida construction law, business practices, and trade-specific knowledge. You must pass both the general law portion and the trade exam.

9. Obtain your license upon approval. Florida issues a statewide license valid throughout the state.

Local Requirements

Highland Beach Permitting:

Contractors working in Highland Beach must obtain local building permits through the Town of Highland Beach Building Department before beginning work. The town enforces the Highland Beach Municipal Code, which incorporates state law and may impose additional local requirements.

Refer to the Highland Beach Municipal Code for specific local amendments, setback requirements, zoning restrictions, and local permitting procedures that apply to your project. Contact the Highland Beach Building Department to confirm local permit requirements and fees before starting any work.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from contractor licensing:

• Owners performing work on their own property (not for compensation)
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
• Certain specialized professionals (engineers, architects) within their licensed scope
• Casual or occasional work not constituting a business
• Homeowners performing their own repairs

However, even exempt work may require building permits from Highland Beach. Check with the town Building Department before proceeding.

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
• Highland Beach Municipal Code

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