Handyman License Requirements in Florence, KY

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

In Florence, Kentucky (Boone County), handymen and small contractors are not subject to a statewide general contractor license, but must obtain a local occupational license from both the City of Florence and Boone County based on gross receipts/net profits. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require separate state licenses from the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction regardless of job size. Kentucky does not publish a specific dollar threshold for a handyman exemption; contact Florence City at (859) 371-5491 to confirm any de minimis work exceptions. Home-based contractor businesses face strict restrictions on vehicle storage, signage, and customer visits.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

The following work requires a state-issued contractor license in KY. Performing this work without a license exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability:

• Any electrical work (wiring, panel work, circuit installation) — requires state Journeyman Electrical Contractor or Master Electrician license
• Any plumbing work (pipe installation, water heater replacement, drain work) — requires state Master Plumber license
• Any HVAC system work (furnace, air conditioning, ductwork) — requires state Master HVAC Contractor license
• Fire protection / sprinkler system installation or repair — requires state Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor license
• Boiler installation or repair — requires state Boiler Contractor license
• Elevator installation or maintenance — requires state Elevator Contractor license
• Underground storage tank installation or removal — requires state UST Contractor license
• Structural modifications or framing — may require general contractor license (verify with Florence/Boone County)
• Any work in Florence city limits — requires Florence Occupational License (gross receipts-based)
• Any work in Boone County — requires Boone County Occupational License (net profits-based)

State Contractor Licensing Law (KY)

Contact the City of Florence at (859) 371-5491 to confirm whether any de minimis threshold applies locally. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) is never exempt and always requires a state license.

County Requirements — Boone County

Business license: Required (Boone County Occupational License / Tax) — Boone County requires building permits for any construction, remodeling, electrical/mechanical/gas/plumbing system work, or change of use. Contact Boone County Building Department for permit requirements. Boone County also collects Mental Health/Intellectual Disability/Aging Tax (#07-26) and School Board Tax. Home-based businesses require Home Occupation Permit approval from Boone County Planning Commission at (859) 334-2196. Restrictions: no exterior evidence of business use (noise, odors, light, vibration), no customer/client visits on premises, no outdoor storage of equipment, no commercial vehicles except in covered structure.

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

• Wright-Patterson Air Force Base — Federal property work is subject to federal procurement law, not state/local licensing. Verify all requirements with base contracting office before bidding federal work.

City Business License — Florence

Required. Occupational License / Payroll Tax — Florence requires a joint application and fee payment to BOTH the City of Florence AND Boone County (see County section below). Fire inspection of business premises required — contact Florence Fire Department at (859) 647-5660. Home-based businesses require a separate Home Occupation Permit from Boone County Planning Commission. Trade-specific state licenses required for: Electrician, HVAC, Plumber, Attorney, Cosmetologist, Nail Technician, Insurance Agent, Massage Therapist, Auto Sales, Pawn Broker, Physician/Dentist/Chiropractor.

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is permission to operate a business or perform a trade (e.g., electrician license, occupational license). A PERMIT is approval for a specific project or activity (e.g., building permit, electrical permit). You can have a license but still need a permit for individual jobs. In Florence/Boone County, you need BOTH: (1) an occupational license to legally operate as a contractor, AND (2) specific permits for projects that trigger permit requirements. Even handymen exempt from contractor licensing (if any exemption exists) may still need permits for certain work.

Business Entity Registration (KY)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in KY: $40 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Florence, Kentucky (Boone County)

• Insurance: General liability insurance is strongly recommended for all contractor work in Kentucky. Some customers will require proof of insurance before hiring. Verify coverage limits with your insurance agent.
• Home-Based Business Restrictions: If operating from a residence in Florence/Boone County, you must obtain a Home Occupation Permit from Boone County Planning Commission at (859) 334-2196. Strict restrictions apply: no exterior evidence of business use (noise, odors, signage), no customer visits on premises, no outdoor equipment storage, no commercial vehicles except in covered structure. These restrictions make home-based contractor operations difficult.
• Building Permits: Boone County requires building permits for any construction, remodeling, or system work. Contact Boone County Building Department before starting any project to determine permit requirements.
• Trade License Verification: Before hiring subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, verify their state license with DHBC at (502) 573-0373. Working with unlicensed tradespeople exposes you to liability.
• Occupational License Calculation: Both Florence and Boone County occupational licenses are based on gross receipts or net profits, not flat fees. You must file tax returns (federal Form 1040 Schedule C, 1065, or 1120) to calculate the amount owed. Keep detailed records of income earned within each jurisdiction.
• Annual Report Deadline: Kentucky LLC annual reports are due by June 30 each year. Missing this deadline can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC. File online at sos.ky.gov to avoid delays.
• County Clerk Recording: After forming an LLC with the Secretary of State, you must also record a copy with the Boone County Clerk. This is an extra step many people miss. Contact (859) 334-2108 for the recording fee.
• Fire Inspection: Florence requires a fire inspection of your business premises. Contact Florence Fire Department at (859) 647-5660 to schedule.
• No Statewide Handyman Exemption: Unlike some states (e.g., California's $1,000 threshold), Kentucky does not publish a statewide dollar threshold below which handyman work is exempt from licensing. Contact Florence City at (859) 371-5491 to confirm whether any local de minimis threshold applies.

Legal Registration Steps for Florence

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Florence, Kentucky (Boone County):

1. Step 1: Verify your business location — confirm whether you are within Florence city limits or unincorporated Boone County (contact Boone County Clerk at (859) 334-2108).
2. Step 2: Form an LLC with Kentucky Secretary of State ($40 filing fee). File online at sos.ky.gov or by mail. Then record the Articles of Organization with Boone County Clerk (fee varies — call (859) 334-2108).
3. Step 3: Obtain a Florence Occupational License and Boone County Occupational License. Submit a joint application to both jurisdictions with your federal tax return (Form 1040 Schedule C, 1065, or 1120) to calculate the gross receipts/net profits tax owed. Contact Florence at (859) 371-5491 or Boone County at (859) 334-2144.
4. Step 4: If operating from a home, apply for a Home Occupation Permit from Boone County Planning Commission at (859) 334-2196. Be aware of strict restrictions on vehicle storage, signage, and customer visits.
5. Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance. Verify coverage limits with your insurance agent; many customers will require proof of insurance.
6. Step 6: For any trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), verify that you or your subcontractors hold the required state license from DHBC at (502) 573-0373 or dhbc.ky.gov.
7. Step 7: Before starting any project, contact Boone County Building Department to determine whether a building permit is required.
8. Step 8: Schedule a fire inspection of your business premises with Florence Fire Department at (859) 647-5660.
9. Step 9: Set up accounting to track income earned within Florence city limits vs. unincorporated Boone County, as occupational license fees are calculated separately for each jurisdiction.
10. Step 10: Mark your calendar for June 30 each year to file your Kentucky LLC annual report ($15 fee) at sos.ky.gov to avoid administrative dissolution.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting and staining
• Basic carpentry (shelving, trim, non-structural framing)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, door handles — not plumbing/electrical system work)
• Caulking and weatherstripping

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all information with local authorities before making business decisions.