Do you need a license to work as a handyman in Kenner, LA?

In LA, handyman jobs under $7,500 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a state contractor license. Jobs at or above $7,500 require a licensed contractor. Always confirm the current rules with your local city and county before bidding work.

What is the handyman license threshold in Kenner, LA?

The contractor license threshold in LA is $7,500. Handyman work priced below this amount (labor plus materials) generally does not require a contractor license.

Does Kenner require a business license for handymen?

Yes. Kenner requires a local business license to operate as a handyman, in addition to any state contractor licensing rules.

Handyman License Requirements in Kenner, LA

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

Louisiana does not have a blanket handyman exemption like some states, but uses a tiered threshold system: work on existing residential structures under $7,500 does not require state licensing, while work between $7,500–$74,999 requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. All roofing work now requires licensing regardless of value (effective August 2025). Kenner requires a city occupational license starting at $50/year, and you must also register with Jefferson Parish. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) may require additional local licenses beyond the state LSLBC credential.

The contractor license threshold in LA is $7,500. Jobs at or above this amount (labor + materials) require a state contractor license. Operating above this threshold without a license is a legal violation.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

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

ANY roofing work on residential structures (all values, effective August 1, 2025 per Act 422)
Electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (outlet installation, panel work, rewiring, any work affecting the electrical system)
Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (pipe installation, water heater replacement, drain work, any work affecting the plumbing system)
HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement
Structural modifications or load-bearing wall work
Work on existing residential structures valued at $7,500 or more (requires HIC registration)
New residential construction valued at $50,000 or more (requires Residential Contractor license)
Commercial construction projects valued at $50,000 or more (requires Commercial Contractor license)
Mold remediation work valued at $7,500 or more
Gas line installation or repair
Any work that requires a building permit in Kenner

State Contractor Licensing Law (LA)

CRITICAL: This exemption does NOT apply to roofing work. As of August 1, 2025 (Act 422), ALL roofing work on residential structures requires an LSLBC Residential Roofing license, regardless of project value. The exemption also does not cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work that triggers local trade licensing requirements. Owner-occupants doing their own work are exempt, but handymen working for pay are not.

County Requirements — Jefferson Parish

Business license: Not required at the county level.

City Business License — Kenner

Required. Occupational License Tax (City of Kenner)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is a credential issued by the state (LSLBC) or city (Kenner occupational license) that certifies you are qualified to perform certain work. A PERMIT is a one-time authorization issued by the city or parish for a specific project, confirming that the planned work complies with building codes and zoning. You can hold a valid license but still need a permit for each job. Even if you are exempt from state licensing (work under $7,500), you may still need a building permit from Kenner for certain types of work. Permits are typically required when work affects structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, or when the project value exceeds a certain threshold. Always obtain permits before starting work; failure to do so can result in fines, stop-work orders, and liability issues.

Business Entity Registration (LA)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in LA: $100 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Insurance: General liability insurance (minimum $100,000) is required to obtain an LSLBC license. Workers' compensation insurance is also required if you have employees. Budget $500–$2,000/year for general liability depending on your coverage limits and claims history.
Roofing Work: As of August 1, 2025 (Act 422), ALL roofing work on residential structures requires an LSLBC Residential Roofing license, regardless of project value. This is a major change from prior exemptions. Do not assume roofing work is exempt.
Act 757 (Effective 8/1/2026): Insurance requirements for residential construction, home improvement, and mold remediation licenses are changing. Check lslbc.louisiana.gov for updated policy type, duration, and exclusion requirements before applying.
Financial Statement: All LSLBC applicants must submit a financial statement showing the required net worth ($50,000 for commercial/residential, $25,000 for HIC/mold). This is a separate requirement from the license fee.
Qualifying Party: You must designate a qualifying party (typically yourself or a licensed employee) for each classification on your license. The qualifying party must pass the Business and Law exam and any required trade exams.
Local Trade Licenses: Even if you hold an LSLBC license, the City of Kenner and Jefferson Parish may require separate local licenses for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Always confirm local requirements before starting work.
Permit Compliance: Obtain all required building permits from Kenner before starting work. Working without permits can result in fines up to $500–$5,000+, stop-work orders, and liability issues if someone is injured.
Home-Based Business: Kenner allows home-based handyman businesses under the occupational license framework, but verify your specific address is zoned for home-based contracting. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (504) 468-4062, Option 1.
Renewal Deadlines: LSLBC licenses expire on the anniversary of issue and must be renewed annually. Late renewal (after 15 days) incurs a penalty up to $50. Annual reports for LLCs are due on the registration anniversary date.
Out-of-State Contractors: If you are licensed in another state and want to work in Louisiana, you may owe an additional $400 surcharge on top of the standard LSLBC fees.

Legal Registration Steps for Kenner

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana:

Step 1: Determine your project scope. If your typical jobs are under $7,500 on existing residential structures and do not involve roofing, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, you may not need state licensing. If you plan to do roofing, work above $7,500, or handle trade-specific work, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Form your business entity. File Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State to create an LLC ($100 filing fee + $5 online convenience fee). Use the GeauxBiz portal at https://geauxbiz.com or mail paper forms to the SOS.
Step 3: Obtain the City of Kenner occupational license. Contact the Finance Department at (504) 468-4062, Option 1 or visit https://www.kenner.la.us/201/Occupational-Business-Licenses. Pay the initial $50 fee and provide your business information.
Step 4: Register with Jefferson Parish Bureau of Revenue and Taxation. Complete the general registration form (no fee) at https://www.jeffparish.net or call (504) 363-5500.
Step 5: If you need state contractor licensing (HIC, Commercial, or Residential), apply with the LSLBC at https://lslbc.louisiana.gov or https://arlspublic.lslbc.gov/LSLBCApplication. Prepare your financial statement, pass the Business and Law exam ($120), and any required trade exams ($120 per classification). Budget for the $10,000 surety bond.
Step 6: Confirm local trade licensing requirements. Contact Kenner Building Inspection at (504) 468-4062, Option 1 to determine if you need separate local licenses for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.
Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance (minimum $100,000) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. Budget $500–$2,000/year.
Step 8: For each project, obtain any required building permits from the City of Kenner Office of Building Inspection and Plan Review at (504) 468-4062, Option 1 before starting work.
Step 9: Renew your licenses and permits annually. LSLBC licenses renew on the anniversary date ($100 fee). City occupational licenses renew based on gross receipts (verify the rate schedule). LLC annual reports are due on the registration anniversary ($30 fee).

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
Interior painting and staining
Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-load-bearing repairs) under $7,500
Caulking and weatherstripping
Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, towel bars) that do not involve plumbing or electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps

See all 10 tasks →

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.