What can a handyman do in McDuffie County, GA?
Georgia's small-job figure is $2,500. The exact wording below decides whether a job fits.
License required where 'the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00' (O.C.G.A. 43-41-2(9)). So $2,500.00 exactly is NOT over the line; $2,500.01+ requires a license. Separate 'repair' exception (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(g); Board Rule 553-8-.01) with no dollar cap: written disclosure to owner of unlicensed status; no subcontracting/delegation of supervision (employees OK); no life-safety or structural work (no load-bearing walls/beams); must obtain local permits and inspections; does not cover Chapter 14 trade work.
What counts toward it: other: the higher of total value of the work/activity OR the contractor's compensation (effectively labor+materials value)
"where the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00."
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What McDuffie County adds
Official site https://www.thomson-mcduffie.gov (consolidated Thomson-McDuffie government site). One OTC from the Planning Commission, issued for the jurisdiction where the business is located (Thomson city vs unincorporated county); Dearing is a separate city. Fee is based on employee count.
Source link: thomson-mcduffie.gov · thomson-mcduffie.gov · thomson-mcduffie.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Local business license
Required
- Name: Occupation Tax Certificate (business license) -- McDuffie County (unincorporated) or City of Thomson; Dearing has its own application
- Office: Thomson-McDuffie Planning Commission administers OTCs for both McDuffie County and the City of Thomson (706-597-7285)
- Fee: Based on greatest number of full- and part-time employees in prior calendar year (schedule on application)
"The Planning Commission administers occupation tax certificates for McDuffie County and the City of Thomson, although code enforcement and public safety signatures may differ depending on the jurisdiction that the business is applying within."
Source: thomson-mcduffie.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
None found on official sources
- Name: No county/city contractor registration found; state-certified trades must bring copy of state certificate with OTC application
"If State Certification is required you MUST bring in copy of certificate."
Source: thomson-mcduffie.gov · checked November 2, 2026
See the license and registration details for McDuffie County
Jobs a handyman usually takes
Examples of everyday jobs that stay inside a small-job rule when the whole job fits the wording above. This is an example list, not a legal one:
- Mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors and pictures
- Assembling furniture and flat-pack cabinets
- Patching drywall and interior painting
- Caulking, weatherstripping and sealing
- Repairing doors, locks, screens and windows
- Basic carpentry, trim and small repairs
- Pressure washing and gutter cleaning
Trade work in Georgia
Electrical, plumbing, conditioned air (HVAC), low-voltage and utility contracting are licensed under O.C.G.A. Title 43 Chapter 14 (Construction Industry Licensing Board). Residential/general contractors may contract for such work but it must be performed by a Chapter 14 licensee. The repair exception expressly does NOT diminish Chapter 14 licensing - no handyman carve-out for trade work.
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
When a permit changes the answer
No - needing a permit does not void the repair exception; Rule 553-8-.01(4) requires the repairer to obtain permits and inspections required by the local authority. The $2,500 threshold statute text fetched does not mention permits.
Source: rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice, so confirm with the office named before you take the job.