What Can a Handyman Do in Melbourne, Florida?

In Melbourne (Brevard County), most “handyman” work is legal in Florida without a state contractor license as long as it stays in the category of minor, non-structural repairs/maintenance and does not include regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) or work that requires a contractor to pull permits. Florida does not issue a standalone “handyman license”; licensing is based on the type of contracting you perform (e.g., general, building, residential, specialty). Even if you’re exempt from state licensure for small repairs, Melbourne/Brevard typically still require a local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to operate.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Punch-list / minor repairs under $500 total (labor + materials) that do not require a permit (researched Florida threshold used for minor work)
• Interior/exterior painting (no structural changes; comply with lead-safe rules for pre-1978 homes)
• Minor drywall patching and texture repair
• Basic carpentry: trim, baseboards, non-structural door repairs, cabinet hardware installation
• Replace faucets/fixtures ONLY where local rules allow like-for-like swaps without pipe alterations (verify with permitting office first)
• Replace light fixtures/switches/receptacles ONLY if local code enforcement allows like-for-like swaps without permit (often restricted—verify first)
• Caulking, grouting, tile repair (non-structural)
• Assemble/install shelves, blinds, curtain rods, and furniture anchoring (no structural framing changes)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any job where you act as a contractor for construction requiring a permit (common in structural alterations, additions, major remodels)
• Electrical: new circuits, panel/service work, rewiring, most troubleshooting/alterations beyond simple like-for-like replacements
• Plumbing: water heater replacement, moving/adding plumbing lines, drain/vent work, repipes, sewer/septic connections
• HVAC: equipment change-outs, refrigerant work, ductwork changes, most HVAC service/repair beyond very minor maintenance
• Roofing repair/replacement (Florida heavily regulates roofing; generally requires licensed roofing contractor and permits)
• Structural framing changes, load-bearing wall modifications, engineered openings (windows/doors), stair changes
• Work requiring specialized Florida licenses (e.g., termite/pest treatment, fire sprinkler, elevator)

State Licensing Rules (FL)

This does NOT allow: structural work; roofing; load-bearing framing; window/door changes affecting egress/structure; most fence permits; any work requiring a building permit; or regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Local building departments can still require permits and may require a licensed contractor to pull them. If you advertise or contract for work that falls under licensed contracting, you can be cited for unlicensed contracting even if the job is small.

Business License — Melbourne

Required. City of Melbourne Business Tax Receipt (BTR) / Local Business Tax

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license is your legal authorization to perform/contract for regulated construction or trades; a permit is the job-specific approval from the building department to do work at a particular address. In Florida, you can be “unlicensed” yet still be required to obtain permits for certain work; however, many permits can only be pulled by a properly licensed contractor (or the owner-builder under strict rules).

Important Notes for Melbourne, Florida Handymen

• Unlicensed contracting enforcement in Florida can be aggressive; avoid advertising or contracting for work that falls under Ch. 489 licensure categories unless you are licensed or properly subcontracting to licensed trades.
• Carry general liability insurance (commonly $1,000,000 per occurrence) and consider workers’ comp requirements if hiring. Some customers/HOAs require proof of insurance even for small jobs.
• Permits: Always ask the City of Melbourne/Brevard building department whether your specific scope requires a permit and who is allowed to pull it (contractor vs owner).
• If you form an LLC, keep your Florida annual report current to avoid administrative dissolution and expensive late fees.
• If working in condos/HOAs, you may need additional approvals, COIs naming the association, and restrictions on work hours/noise.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Melbourne

1. Step 1: Choose your business structure and file your Florida LLC ($125) if desired via Sunbiz
2. Step 2: Register for required tax accounts (Florida DOR) if applicable (sales tax, reemployment tax if hiring)
3. Step 3: Apply for your City of Melbourne Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and confirm zoning/home occupation compliance
4. Step 4: Apply for Brevard County Business Tax Receipt through the Brevard County Tax Collector
5. Step 5: Get general liability insurance and set up written estimates/contracts that clearly exclude licensed trades unless subcontracted
6. Step 6: If you intend to do permitted work or exceed minor repair scope, map your target license (CBC/CRC/CGC or specialty) and confirm DBPR fees/exams

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.