Electrical Licensing in Lake Wales, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, constructs, alters, repairs, or maintains electrical wiring, equipment, and appliances in buildings or structures must hold an electrical contractor license in Florida. This includes work on power generation, transformation, transmission, distribution, or utilization of electrical energy. The work is regulated because it directly affects public safety and property protection.

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "electrical contractor" is defined as any person who undertakes for another the construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance of electrical systems and installations.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), which operates under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The CILB issues all electrical contractor licenses for Florida.

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

3. Demonstrate four years of documented experience as an electrical contractor or apprentice within the five years preceding application

4. Pass the CILB electrical contractor examination covering code knowledge, business practices, and technical competency

5. Credit for military training: If you have relevant military training or education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward experience requirements. Submit military documentation with your application to CILB.

6. Submit your application directly to the CILB (DBPR handles processing). Include proof of experience, examination scores, and applicable fees.

Local Requirements

Electrical work in Lake Wales requires a local permit from the City of Lake Wales Building Department. Contact the Building Department to pull permits before beginning any regulated electrical work.

Review the Lake Wales Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, and any additional local standards that may apply beyond state licensing requirements.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensing is not required for:

• Homeowners performing electrical work solely on their own residential property
• Farmers performing electrical work solely on their own agricultural property
• Employees of a licensed electrical contractor performing work under direct supervision
• Certain maintenance and repair work by property managers or maintenance personnel on the property they manage (limited scope)

Check the full statute for complete exemption details, as limitations apply.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 — Credit for relevant military training and education
• Lake Wales Municipal Code

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