Bulletproof Handyman

Handyman License Requirements in Paradise, TX

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Texas has no statewide general contractor license or handyman exemption with a dollar threshold. Handymen can legally perform general repair and maintenance work of any value without a state license. However, specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require separate state licenses regardless of job size. Paradise, a small municipality in Wise County, may or may not require a local business license—you must contact City Hall directly. Building permits are required for regulated work. Most handymen in Paradise operate as LLCs or sole proprietorships with general liability insurance and comply with local permit requirements.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

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

State Contractor Licensing Law (TX)

The exemption covers general carpentry, painting, drywall repair, minor plumbing fixture replacement (not installation), minor electrical fixture changes (not panel work), general handyman services, and routine maintenance. It does NOT cover any work requiring a building permit, any specialty trade work, or work on systems regulated by the state (electrical panels, gas lines, water heaters, HVAC systems, structural modifications). If work requires a permit, it almost certainly requires a licensed contractor.

County Requirements — Wise County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

City Business License — Paradise

Required. City Business License or Contractor Registration (if required) — ACTION REQUIRED: Call or visit Paradise City Hall to ask: (1) Is a city business license required for handymen/contractors? (2) What are the annual fees? (3) Are building permits required for specific work types? (4) Is a home-occupation permit required if operating from a home address? Paradise is located on State Highway 114 approximately 40 miles northwest of Fort Worth. City Hall address: Paradise, TX 76073.

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is a credential issued by the state or city that proves you are qualified to perform a specific type of work. A PERMIT is a document issued by the city or county that authorizes you to perform specific work on a specific property and ensures the work complies with building codes. You can have a license but still need a permit to do the work. Even if you are exempt from licensing (as a handyman in Texas), you may still need a permit for certain work. If work requires a permit, it almost certainly requires a licensed contractor to perform it. Permits exist to protect life safety — the same reason licenses exist.

Business Entity Registration (TX)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in TX: $300 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Paradise, Texas (Wise County)

Legal Registration Steps for Paradise

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Paradise, Texas (Wise County):

  1. Step 1: Contact Paradise City Hall (cityofparadisetexas.org or call directly) to confirm: (a) Is a city business license required? (b) What are permit requirements for your planned work? (c) Is a home-occupation permit required if operating from home?
  2. Step 2: Contact Wise County Clerk ((940) 627-3351) to confirm: (a) Any county-level contractor registration requirements, (b) Assumed Name Certificate fee if operating under a DBA, (c) County permit requirements for unincorporated areas.
  3. Step 3: Register your business entity: Form an LLC with the Texas Secretary of State (https://direct.sos.state.tx.us) by filing a Certificate of Formation ($300 one-time fee). Alternatively, operate as a sole proprietor or partnership (simpler but less liability protection).
  4. Step 4: Obtain General Liability Insurance: Contact an insurance broker for a general liability policy ($300–$1,000 annually). This is essential for all handymen and often required by cities/counties before issuing permits.
  5. Step 5: Register for Sales Tax Permit (free): If you install tangible goods, register with the Texas Comptroller (comptroller.texas.gov or (800) 252-5555) for a free Sales Tax Permit.
  6. Step 6: If performing specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas): Apply for the appropriate state license from TDLR (https://www.tdlr.texas.gov) or TSBPE (https://www.tsbpe.texas.gov). Provide proof of liability insurance and meet experience/apprenticeship requirements.
  7. Step 7: Obtain local permits before starting work: Contact Paradise City Hall and Wise County for any required building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, or other work-specific permits. Never start work without confirming permit requirements.
  8. Step 8: File annual compliance: File the annual Public Information Report (PIR) with the Texas Secretary of State by May 15 each year (free, but $50 late penalty). File franchise tax report if gross receipts exceed $2,650,000 (most small handymen owe $0 but must file).

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

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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.