Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Long Beach, California (Los Angeles County)?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Handymen and small contractors in Long Beach, California can perform work up to $1,000 (including labor and materials) without a state contractor's license under AB 2622, effective January 1, 2025. However, any work requiring a building permit, employing others, or exceeding $1,000 requires a California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license. Long Beach requires a city business license for all businesses, and specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require separate CSLB classifications regardless of project value. Trade work and permitted projects are strictly regulated and fall outside the handyman exemption.

The magic number in CA: $1,000. Jobs under $1,000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $1,000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Long Beach

Based on the CA threshold, handymen in Long Beach commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In CA, you can take jobs under $1,000 (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 — Long Beach

Required. City of Long Beach Business License Tax — Long Beach requires ALL businesses, including home-based businesses and independent contractors, to obtain a city business license before beginning operations. Application can be completed online or in person at City Hall, 411 West Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802. Email: lbbiz@longbeach.gov. For licensed contractors pulling building permits, you will need your state CSLB license, certificate of workers' compensation insurance (if required), and the City of Long Beach business license. Home-based businesses do not require a separate 'home occupation permit' as a standalone document, but zoning review is triggered during the business license application. Confirm with Development Services / Planning Bureau if your residential address is zoned for business use.

Setting Up Your Business in CA

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in CA: $70 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Long Beach

  1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. For contractors, an LLC is recommended for liability protection, but understand that LLCs require an additional $100,000 employee/worker bond and $800 annual franchise tax. Sole proprietorship is simpler but offers no liability protection.
  2. Step 2: If forming an LLC, file Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State ($70 filing fee, $75 online). File Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days ($20 fee). Register with the California Franchise Tax Board for annual $800 tax.
  3. Step 3: Obtain a City of Long Beach business license before beginning operations. Contact Long Beach Finance Department — Business License Division at (562) 570-6211 or https://www.longbeach.gov/finance/business-license/. Provide your business type and projected gross receipts to determine the exact annual tax amount.
  4. Step 4: Determine whether you need a state contractor's license. If your work will exceed $1,000, require building permits, or involve hired workers, you must obtain a California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license. Apply at https://www.cslb.ca.gov. Application fee is $450; initial license fee is $200 (sole owner) or $350 (non-sole owner). You must pass the appropriate contractor exam and maintain a $25,000 contractor bond.
  5. Step 5: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, obtain the appropriate CSLB specialty classification (C-10 Electrical, C-36 Plumbing, C-20 HVAC). Each classification requires passing a trade exam and costs $230 to add to an existing license.
  6. Step 6: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended for all contractors) and workers' compensation insurance if required by your classification or if you have employees. Workers' compensation is mandatory by January 1, 2028 for all contractors, or immediately for high-risk classifications (C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, C-61/D-49).
  7. Step 7: Before starting any project, verify whether a building permit is required with the Long Beach Development Services / Building and Safety Department. Permitted work without a permit is illegal and can result in fines and stop-work orders.
  8. Step 8: If performing work on military bases or federal property, register in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) at https://sam.gov. Contact the specific base or facility contracting office for additional requirements.
  9. Step 9: Maintain compliance: Renew your city business license annually, renew your CSLB license every two years, file your LLC Statement of Information every two years, and pay your annual $800 LLC franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board.

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.