Contractor Licensing in Lantana, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires contractors performing construction work to hold a license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" includes building, altering, repairing, improving, moving, or demolishing structures. The specific trade classification determines which license category applies.

If you perform construction work in Lantana for compensation, you must be licensed unless a statutory exemption applies.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), the state agency that issues all Florida contractor licenses under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

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

3. Demonstrate competency through examination
4. Provide proof of experience in your trade
5. Meet character and financial responsibility standards

6. Maintain workers' compensation insurance (if required by statute)

7. Pass the CILB examination for your contractor classification (Fla. Stat. § 489.111). The exam tests knowledge of Florida's construction laws, building codes, and trade practices.

8. Submit your application directly to CILB with required documentation. Contact the state Construction Industry Licensing Board for current application procedures and exam schedules.

Local Permitting:

Once licensed at the state level, you must obtain a local permit from the Lantana Building Department before beginning any construction project in town. The town requires permits for regulated work regardless of state licensure.

Local Requirements

Lantana enforces contractor licensing and permitting under its municipal code. Review the Lantana Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, and fee schedules that may apply beyond state law.

Contact the Lantana Building Department to confirm:
- Required local permits and applications
- Inspection requirements
- Insurance and bonding requirements specific to town projects
- Local fees and timelines

Local requirements supplement—not replace—state licensure.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain workers from licensing:
- Employees working directly for a licensed contractor under that contractor's supervision
- Property owners performing work on their own residential property (with limitations)
- Certain trade specialists performing work within narrowly defined scopes
- Public employees acting within their official duties

Exemptions are narrow and specific. Consult the statute or the CILB to confirm your work qualifies.

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
• Lantana Municipal Code

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