Contractor Licensing in Mulberry, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a contractor performing construction work must be licensed under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, unless a specific exemption applies. "Construction" includes building, altering, repairing, improving, moving, wrecking, or demolishing any structure (Fla. Stat. § 489.105). The state recognizes three license classifications: General Contractor, Building Contractor, and Specialty Contractor. The specific type required depends on the scope and nature of work performed.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues contractor licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). To qualify for licensure by examination under Fla. Stat. § 489.111, you must:

1. Meet experience requirements — typically four years of experience in the trade for which you seek licensure (Fla. Stat. § 489.113)
2. Pass the state licensing exam — administered by DBPR
3. Apply with DBPR — submit your application, exam results, and proof of experience
4. Pay applicable fees — set by the state

Once licensed by the state, your Florida license is valid statewide and in Mulberry city. You do not need a separate municipal contractor license from Mulberry itself, but you must comply with all local permit and inspection requirements before beginning work.

Local Requirements

All construction work in Mulberry city requires a building permit issued by the Mulberry Building Department before work begins. Contact the Mulberry Building Department to obtain permits, submit plans, and schedule inspections.

Review the Mulberry Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/fl/mulberry for any local amendments, additional bonding requirements, or town-specific building standards that may apply beyond state law.

Exemptions

Certain work is exempt from state contractor licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.103. Exemptions include:

• Owner-built residential structures on the owner's property (with limitations)
• Work by a licensed professional engineer or architect for design-related tasks
• Maintenance and repair work by property managers and maintenance employees on property they maintain
• Certain utility work by utility companies

However, exemptions from state licensing do not exempt you from obtaining local permits in Mulberry. Always verify with the Building Department whether your specific project requires a permit and state licensure.

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. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Mulberry Municipal Code

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