Contractor Licensing in Sarasota city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for persons who contract to build, construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure in the state. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines "contractor" broadly to capture most construction work.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board ([Fla. Stat. § 489.107]) oversees licensing in Florida. Work that falls under the Board's jurisdiction requires a license unless you qualify for an exemption.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Determine your contractor classification (General Contractor, Specialty Contractor, or Building Contractor) based on the work you perform.
2. Meet qualifications under [Fla. Stat. § 489.113], which requires:
3. Evidence of financial responsibility
4. Proof of workers' compensation insurance (or exemption certificate)
5. A valid Florida driver's license or ID
6. Competency demonstrated by examination
7. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board for licensure by examination per [Fla. Stat. § 489.111].
8. Pass the required state examination for your classification.
9. Pay applicable fees and receive your state license.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (administered through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation) for specific application procedures, exam dates, and fee schedules.

Local Requirements

Sarasota city operates under Sarasota County's building permitting and licensing system. Before beginning any licensed construction work in Sarasota city:

• Obtain permits through the Sarasota County Building Department (the authority for Sarasota city).
• Review Sarasota Municipal Code for local amendments, local licensing requirements, or additional standards that may apply to contractors working within city limits.
• Verify that your state license complies with any local endorsements or registrations required by the city.

Contact the Sarasota County Building Department for current local permit requirements and any city-specific contractor registration.

Exemptions

Under [Fla. Stat. § 489.103], the following are exempt from licensure:

• Owner-builders constructing their own single-family dwelling (with specified limitations)
• Employees of licensed contractors acting under direct supervision
• Persons performing work on their own property (in limited circumstances)
• Certain specialty trades and maintenance workers as defined by statute

Review [Fla. Stat. § 489.103] in full to determine if your specific situation qualifies for 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
• Sarasota Municipal Code

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