What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Florence, Kentucky (Boone County)?

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 You Can Do Without a 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
• Basic tile work (non-structural, not affecting plumbing)
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Door and window hardware replacement (not structural window/door replacement)
• ⚠️ CRITICAL: You must still obtain a Florence city occupational license and Boone County occupational license to legally operate as a handyman, even for minor work. No dollar threshold exemption has been confirmed for Florence/Boone County.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Florence

Based on the KY threshold, handymen in Florence commonly take on:

• 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
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Door and window hardware replacement (not structural window/door replacement)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• 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)

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.

Setting Up Your Business in KY

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in KY: $40 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Florence

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.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date.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