Contractor Licensing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for individuals and businesses engaged in construction contracting. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" is defined as any person who undertakes to, offers to, purports to have the capacity to, or does construct, repair, alter, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building, highway, road, railroad, excavation, or other structure for and in consideration of an agreed price.

If your trade falls within these definitions, you must hold an active Florida Construction Industry License before performing regulated work in Palm Beach Gardens.

How to Get Licensed

State-Level Licensure:

1. Determine your license classification. Florida Statute § 489.105 defines multiple contractor categories (General, Building, Roofing, Plumbing, Electrical, etc.). Identify which applies to your trade.

2. Meet qualification requirements. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must meet experience, education, and competency standards established by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Specific requirements vary by license type.

3. Pass the state examination. Fla. Stat. § 489.111 requires licensure by examination. You must pass the applicable trade exam administered by the CILB.

4. Apply with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. Submit your application, proof of qualifications, exam passage, and applicable fees to the CILB. The board is established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Once approved, you receive your state construction license.

Local Requirements

Palm Beach Gardens Permits:

Contractors performing work in Palm Beach Gardens must obtain local building permits and comply with the Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Code. Permit applications are processed through the City of Palm Beach Gardens Building Department.

Consult the Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Code for any local licensing amendments, permit procedures, impact fees, and trade-specific ordinances that may apply in addition to state law.

Contact the Palm Beach Gardens Building Department for current permit requirements, fees, and procedures specific to your trade.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by owners on their own property (subject to limitations)
• Certain minor repairs and maintenance
• Work by utility companies performing utility services
• Other specific activities defined in the statute

Review § 489.103 in full to determine if your work qualifies for an exemption.

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
• Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Code

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