FL
Florida permits & licenses
Last verified October 15, 2026
General information, not legal advice.
License thresholds and permit rules change, and your city or county enforces the permit. Local rules vary. Anything this research could not confirm is shown as “Check with your local building department,” not as a rule you can rely on.
Contractor license
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR); electrical: Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board
Handyman exemption: casual, minor work with an aggregate contract price under $2,500 (raised from $1,000 in 2020), only where no permit is required and the person doesn't advertise as a contractor; splitting jobs isn't allowed (F.S. 489.103(9)).
Licensing board
https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/License lookup
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.aspHomeowner exemption
Summary
Owner-builder exemption (F.S. 489.103(7)): owner of a one- or two-family residence (or farm outbuilding) for own use, with direct onsite supervision, signed disclosure statement, no sale or lease within 1 year.
Electrical
Owner may personally do electrical work (F.S. 489.503(6)) with permit.
Plumbing
Owner may do it only if personally performing it; hired workers must be licensed.
HVAC
Same as plumbing.
Permit notes for common projects
Permit triggers are set and enforced locally (county/city building department), under the state code listed. Always confirm with the local building department.
Governing code
Florida Building Code (8th ed. 2023, Residential volume); statewide
Water heater
Generally requires a plumbing permit (search summary; verify locally).
Toilet
Check with your local building department
Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI
Check with your local building department
Fence
Exempt from contractor licensing; local permit/zoning often applies.
Deck
Check with your local building department
Shed
Prefab portable sheds under 250 sq ft are exempt from licensing (not necessarily from permit); wind-load tie-down rules may apply.
What this page does not confirm
- Most permit items need local confirmation; Florida counties vary a lot.
Sources
Projects that hit these rules
Published by Fixit Express. Last verified October 15, 2026. Full disclaimer