What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Greenville, Washington County, Mississippi?
Handymen and small contractors in Greenville, Mississippi can operate without a state license for residential remodeling work under $10,000 or commercial work under $50,000, provided they do not perform licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). However, all contractors must obtain a local Business Privilege License from the City of Greenville, and work above these thresholds or involving licensed trades requires state licensure through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). Local permits are frequently required regardless of licensing status.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Residential remodeling work under $10,000 (including labor and materials) — such as minor drywall repairs, painting, basic carpentry, trim work, and fixture replacements
- Commercial work under $50,000 — such as small commercial repairs, painting, and non-structural modifications
- Owner-builder work on your own primary residence — you can perform any work on a property you own and occupy
- Minor repairs and maintenance — fixing doors, windows, locks, and other non-structural items
- Painting and staining (interior and exterior)
- Basic carpentry and trim work not affecting structural integrity
- Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, door hardware) — but NOT the underlying electrical or plumbing work
- Deck and fence building under $10,000 (if not requiring structural engineering)
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Greenville
Based on the MS threshold, handymen in Greenville commonly take on:
- Residential remodeling work under $10,000 (including labor and materials) — such as minor drywall repairs, painting, basic carpentry, trim work, and fixture replacements
- Commercial work under $50,000 — such as small commercial repairs, painting, and non-structural modifications
- Owner-builder work on your own primary residence — you can perform any work on a property you own and occupy
- Minor repairs and maintenance — fixing doors, windows, locks, and other non-structural items
- Painting and staining (interior and exterior)
- Basic carpentry and trim work not affecting structural integrity
- Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, door hardware) — but NOT the underlying electrical or plumbing work
- Deck and fence building under $10,000 (if not requiring structural engineering)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes — requires MSBOC license for commercial work over $50,000 or residential work over $10,000; local permits required regardless
- Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement — requires MSBOC license for commercial work over $50,000 or residential work over $10,000; local permits required regardless
- HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement — requires MRBC license for residential work over $10,000 or MSBOC license for commercial work over $50,000
- Roofing work over $10,000 — requires MRBC residential roofing license or MSBOC commercial license
- Structural modifications or additions — requires appropriate MSBOC or MRBC license depending on project cost and type
- Work on commercial projects over $50,000 — requires MSBOC commercial contractor license
- Work on residential projects over $10,000 (remodeling/roofing) — requires MRBC license
- Any work on federal property or wildlife refuge land — requires federal contractor registration in SAM.gov
- Work in historic districts involving exterior alterations — requires Certificate of Appropriateness plus appropriate licenses
What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work
In MS, you can take jobs under $10,000 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.
Business License — Greenville
Required. Business Privilege License
Setting Up Your Business in MS
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MS: $50 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Greenville
- Step 1: Determine your business structure. An LLC is recommended for liability protection. File your Certificate of Formation with the Mississippi Secretary of State at business.sos.ms.gov ($50 filing fee + $3 online processing fee).
- Step 2: Register for a sales tax license with the Mississippi Department of Revenue through the Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) portal at dor.ms.gov (free).
- Step 3: Obtain a Business Privilege License from the City of Greenville. Contact the City Clerk's office at (662) 335-2525 to confirm the exact fee and application process. If you operate in unincorporated Washington County, also contact the Washington County Tax Assessor/Collector at (662) 334-2651.
- Step 4: Determine whether you need a state contractor license. If your work will exceed $10,000 (residential) or $50,000 (commercial), or if you will perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or roofing work, apply for the appropriate MSBOC or MRBC license. Contact MSBOC at (800) 880-6161 or visit msboc.us.
- Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance ($300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate minimum) from an insurance broker.
- Step 6: If you operate from a home address, verify whether a Home-Occupation Permit is required by contacting the City Planning/Zoning Department.
- Step 7: Before starting any job, contact the City of Greenville Building/Inspection Department to verify whether a permit is required for the specific work you will perform.
- Step 8: If your work involves pre-1978 homes and disturbs lead-based paint, obtain EPA RRP certification through an approved training provider.
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.