Contractor Licensing in Palm Beach town, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons who engage in the construction industry, defined as contracting to build, repair, alter, or improve any building or structure.[^1] Work that constitutes "construction" under state law must be performed by a licensed contractor unless an exemption applies.[^2]

The specific trades and classifications requiring licensure are determined by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. If you perform work that falls within a regulated classification, you must hold an active license from the state before performing that work in Palm Beach town.

How to Get Licensed

1. Determine your classification. Identify which contractor classification applies to your trade under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

2. Meet qualification requirements. You must satisfy experience and education criteria set by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. These typically include documented work experience in your trade and demonstrated knowledge of Florida construction law and practices.[^3]

3. Pass the state examination. You must pass the licensing exam administered for your classification.[^4] The exam tests knowledge of the Florida Building Code, construction practices, and contractor law.

4. Apply through the state board. Submit your application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which issues all contractor licenses in Florida under authority of Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

The state board handles initial licensure; Palm Beach town does not issue state contractor licenses.

Local Requirements

Once you hold a valid state license, you must comply with Palm Beach town's local requirements before beginning work:

• Permit requirement. Contact the Palm Beach town Building Department to obtain any required construction permits before starting work.

• Municipal Code compliance. Palm Beach town's local ordinances are codified in the Palm Beach Municipal Code. Review the current code at https://library.municode.com/fl/royal_palm_beach to identify any local amendments, additional contractor requirements, or work restrictions specific to Palm Beach town.

The Building Department can advise on local permit procedures and any town-specific contractor obligations beyond state licensing.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from state licensing requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.103:

• An owner performing work on property the owner occupies or owns, provided the owner does not represent themselves as a contractor
• Employees working under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Construction work performed by certain government entities
• Other specific exemptions defined in the statute

Verify your situation against the statute, as exemptions have limitations and conditions.

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
- Palm Beach Municipal Code, https://library.municode.com/fl/royal_palm_beach

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