Contractor Licensing in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for contractors performing construction work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" includes construction, reconstruction, alteration, improvement, repair, moving, wreckage, or demolition of any building or structure.

If you perform this work for compensation in Loxahatchee Groves (Palm Beach County), you must hold a valid Florida construction license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The license type depends on your trade classification—general contractor, building contractor, specialty contractor, or trade contractor categories are established under state law.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate:
- Four years of experience in your trade during the five years preceding application, or
- An equivalent combination of education and apprenticeship, or
- Relevant educational credentials (varies by license type)

Step 2: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board
Submit your application through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees all licensing matters.

Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
Fla. Stat. § 489.111 requires passage of a written examination. The exam covers your trade, Florida construction law, and construction practices. Contact DBPR or visit their website for exam schedules, locations, and study materials specific to your license classification.

Step 4: Obtain Local Authorization
Once licensed by the state, contact the Loxahatchee Groves Building Department to obtain local authorization to operate in the town. Requirements vary; verify current procedures with the Building Department before beginning work.

Local Requirements

Loxahatchee Groves operates under the Loxahatchee Groves Municipal Code (available at https://library.municode.com/fl/loxahatchee_groves).

You must review the municipal code for:
- Local permitting procedures
- Building permit requirements
- Any town-specific contractor registration or licensing amendments beyond state law
- Local fee schedules and compliance deadlines

Contact the Loxahatchee Groves Building Department to confirm current local requirements before commencing work. Requirements may differ from state baseline standards.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts the following from licensing:
- Owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
- Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
- Certain specialty work performed by licensed professionals (e.g., licensed engineers, architects)
- Work performed by municipalities and state agencies

Review the statute for complete exemption details and specific limitations.

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

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