Contractor Licensing in Palm Beach Shores, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a license for any person who contracts to construct, reconstruct, remodel, alter, improve, repair, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure, or to perform construction services in the State of Florida.[^1] The specific trade category depends on the scope of work and contractor classification under state law.

Work that qualifies as "construction" under Florida Statute § 489.105 includes specialized trades in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and general contracting. Any person who offers or performs this work for compensation must hold an active, valid license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Construction Industry Licensing Board.[^2]

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Determine Your Classification
Identify which license type applies to your trade under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 (definitions of contractor categories).

Step 2: Meet Qualifications
You must satisfy experience and education requirements set out in Fla. Stat. § 489.113. Qualifications vary by license type but typically require documented work experience in the trade and may include formal education or apprenticeship hours.

Step 3: Pass the Examination
Apply to sit for the state licensing exam administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The exam tests knowledge of Florida construction law, industry practices, and trade-specific standards.

Step 4: Apply for State License
Submit your application, exam results, and qualifications documentation to the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board per Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Step 5: Register Locally
Once licensed by the state, register with the Palm Beach Shores Building Department before performing work in town.

Local Requirements

Permits must be obtained from the Palm Beach Shores Building Department before starting any licensed construction work within town limits. Consult the Palm Beach Shores Municipal Code for local permit procedures, fee schedules, and any town-specific amendments to state licensing requirements. Local code may impose additional restrictions on work hours, lot coverage, or contractor conduct within Palm Beach Shores.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements, including:
- Work performed on your own property (not for compensation)
- Certain repairs and maintenance of limited scope
- Work by employees under a licensed contractor's direct supervision

Review § 489.103 carefully to confirm whether your specific 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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
[^6]: Palm Beach Shores Municipal Code

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