Handyman License Requirements in Dade County, GA
Anyone doing business in unincorporated Dade County gets an occupational tax certificate (business license) every year from the county: a $20 administrative fee plus a tax based on number of employees, due January 1 to 30. If you hold a state license you must show it before the certificate is issued.
Dade County requirements
Anyone doing business in unincorporated Dade County gets an occupational tax certificate (business license) every year from the county: a $20 administrative fee plus a tax based on number of employees, due January 1 to 30. If you hold a state license you must show it before the certificate is issued.
Source: dadecounty-ga.gov · checked November 12, 2026
County business license
Required
- Name: Occupational tax certificate (business license)
- Applies when: State-licensed businesses must show current state licensure before the certificate is issued; county also requires an E-Verify affidavit
- Trigger: Engaging in any business, trade, profession or occupation in the unincorporated areas of Dade County
- Office: Dade County Commission Office, 71 Case Avenue, Trenton
- Fee: $20 non-refundable administrative fee plus an occupation tax based on number of employees; half the year's tax if starting on or after July 1; 10% late fee after 90 days
"Every person engaged in any business, trade, profession or occupation in the unincorporated areas of Dade County must apply each year for an occupational tax certificate, commonly referred to as a business license."
Source: dadecounty-ga.gov · checked November 12, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
Our check could not confirm this from an official page, so we don't state it. Ask the city or county office.
The Georgia rule
Regulator: State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Residential Contractor Division and General Contractor Division), Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division. Trades: State Construction Industry Licensing Board (O.C.G.A.
License required where 'the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00' (O.C.G.A. 43-41-2(9)). So $2,500.00 exactly is NOT over the line; $2,500.01+ requires a license. Separate 'repair' exception (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(g); Board Rule 553-8-.01) with no dollar cap: written disclosure to owner of unlicensed status; no subcontracting/delegation of supervision (employees OK); no life-safety or structural work (no load-bearing walls/beams); must obtain local permits and inspections; does not cover Chapter 14 trade work.
What counts toward it: other: the higher of total value of the work/activity OR the contractor's compensation (effectively labor+materials value)
"where the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00."
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
State registration
No state handyman registration.
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Forming an LLC in Georgia
State filing fee: $100.
Source: sos.ga.gov · sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What to do, in order
- Read the Georgia rule and confirm with State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Residential Contractor Division and General Contractor Division), Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division. Trades: State Construction Industry Licensing Board (O.C.G.A..
- Line up the Dade County items listed on this page.
- Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.
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