Do you need a Handyman License in Florida, but you don't know where to start? Well, you've come to the right place! We are the number one source for Florida Handyman Licensing, and we are going to teach you everything that you need to know when getting a Handyman License in Florida.
What is a Handyman?
A handyman is a person with versatile skills whose job is to help homeowners repair and maintain their homes when there is a need to do so. Think of it as your all-around guy with the skills and techniques to repair and maintain your house and every suitable location. With that said, a handyman business is a very profitable choice.
Does Florida require a handyman license? Here's the answer.
If you reside in the state of Florida, a handyman license is not required. If you are not doing specific types of work that involve plumbing, electricity, etc., you are categorized as a general handyman.
But I plan to offer plumbing, electrical, and construction services in Florida?
Great to hear that! You're not already categorized as a general handyman if you're doing specific types of work. Works that have to do with plumbing, construction, and wiring mean one thing - you need to acquire a contractor's license or business license in Florida.
To give you more examples, here are the job activities that need acquiring a Florida contractor's license:
- Wiring
- Construction (any work that has to do with erecting a structure building)
- Plumbing (like installing electrical water-heater, dishwasher, shower having hot water line and cold water line, and water closet)
Are there things needed by the Florida Internal Revenue Service?
Absolutely! Most regions in Florida require owners of the business to obtain these from the IRS:
- A federal tax identification number (EIN)
- Open a bank account with the business name
- Register as a doing business as ( DBA)
- A limited liability corporation (LLC), or S or C corporation with their region.
General Florida Law
Every state in the US has its own set of laws, and the Florida state law defines a general handyman to be a person that performs simple repairs and maintenance jobs. Jobs like installing a swimming pool above ground level, installing flooring or cabinets, painting, and rendering other home repairs do not need a license. Nevertheless, the services a handyman can render without having a license are restricted to those basic ones.
If a hired handyman wires an apartment, make amends to a wrongly wired apartment and add new wiring to install a new electrical machine. Furthermore, building a structure, making any lasting replacements to a structure, and making changes that may alter load-carrying walls require a contractor's license. When a handyman with no license does work that a licensed contractor can do, they are likely to be affected by fines and prosecution.
Florida Business License
Although a Florida handyman does not require a license to do work, they probably need a business license if they are getting compensation for work. When most Florida regions demand that handyman businesses are registered, not all do. You can apply here if you're yet to be registered.
Depending on your region, you will probably need to pay a fee to obtain your business license. The most suitable structure for you depends on the purpose of your business, and it is advisable to seek the counsel of an attorney or accountant to determine the option to choose. Also, you can contact the tax collector's office in your region for special information on how you can obtain a business license.
Insurance and Permitting
If you plan to go into a Florida handyman business, it is crucial to seek coverage of liability and worker's compensation insurance. Why? Because many homeowners will not hire a handyman who does not have liability and worker's compensation insurance. That makes sense, right?
And here's a good thing...
Joining an association like Handyman Association proves that you're well known and trusted amongst your colleagues. You will need to understand the laws concerning permits for home maintenance and repairs. So before starting any task, and even if the job involved covers a general handyman's job only, always check if you need a permit. Remember, executing unpermitted work can pause your work and pay off fines
Okay, I am pursuing a Handyman License in Florida. How can I obtain it?
It's great to see you here! It only takes six steps to obtain a Florida handyman license. But before you proceed to these steps, there are a few important things that I want you to always remember.
First of all, always remember that a handyman that performs unlicensed work can get fined. Some states, like California, have laws so strict that they need you to provide a contracting license for a job above 500 dollars! If you are caught contracting without a license, it can cause you to pay a state fine of some thousands of dollars. Not cool, right?
So the best way to protect yourself from these cases is to know if you need a license. States that need licensing for handyman work frequently don't require clients to pay for unlicensed contract work.
Also, the processing of a handyman license differs from state to state, so you need to check your state's contractor board to find the specific steps.
Now here are the six steps to becoming a Florida licensed handyman:
Step 1. Refine Your Resume
You will need to indicate that you have the required skills (such as plumbing, landscaping, flooring, installation of roofs, tiles, windows, etc.) and that they have been in use for some years. Also, proof of technical and apprenticeship training might give you credit when acquiring a handyman license.
Step 2. Apply for a License Exam
You need to finish a licensed application, proofread it, pay the processing fee, then send your application to your state's licensing board. You will also receive a notification to come for the examination if you are qualified to take the contractor's exam. You can also check online for more exam information.
Step 3. Study
The exam you are to write may be multiple-choice, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of working as a handyman, requiring you to demonstrate proficiency in your field. Obtain a study guide from your state licensing board to aid you in getting used to the exam material. Check out Florida Home Prep to help you with your preparations.
Step 4. Take Exam
Taking the exam is the final moment! You will receive instructions from the licensing board on the time and place for your exam. It would be best to appear with an ID card and any other material you were asked to come. After your exam, the board will tell if you pass or fail.
Step 5. Provide Fingerprints and a Background Check
For states that require licensing for contractors, it will need you to provide your thumbprints and may pay a fingerprint processing fee and provide info concerning your criminal background check. Having a past criminal record does not disqualify you, but you may need a written explanation.
Step 6. Receiving Your License
After passing your exam and submitting all the required documentation and fees, you will be issued your contractor's license and can start work as a handyman safely and legally. Check-in with the state contractor board in your region to be sure you know how to keep your license valid and active.
Obtaining a Florida Handyman License can be overwhelming, but organizing everything you need to know will surely help you out. Educating yourself about your state's rules and the different steps you need to do to get a handyman license is crucial. So again, before performing a handyman job, make sure to check if you'll need a license or not.
Need more tips?
Are you an amateur handyman seeking to bag your business license or an experienced veteran looking to expand your business entity? Learn how ServGrow's all-in-one handyman software can help your endeavor the fastest and easiest way. Remember, a successful handyman business is more than a catchy handyman slogan.
