What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Miami, Florida?

In Miami (Miami-Dade County), Florida does not issue a general "handyman license". Instead, Florida requires a state contractor license (or a local competency card in some counties) for most construction trades, and Florida’s unlicensed-contractor exemption is narrow: generally, you may only do very small repair work (under $500 including labor and materials) and you still cannot do regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/roofing, etc.) without proper licensure and permits.

The magic number in FL: $500. Jobs under $500 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $500 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Small repair/maintenance jobs under $500 total (labor + materials) that do not require a licensed trade (researched; verify threshold applicability with DBPR/CILB).
Interior/exterior painting (not involving lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 housing).
Minor drywall patching and texture repair (non-structural).
Replacing interior doors/trim/hardware (non-structural; not fire-rated assemblies where special rules apply).
Basic carpentry such as installing shelves, closet systems, and non-structural cabinetry.
Tile repair/regrouting (non-structural; not shower pan rebuilds that trigger waterproofing inspections).
Replacing faucets or toilets as maintenance IF local permitting rules do not require a licensed plumber for that task (commonly restricted; verify with Miami-Dade/City permitting).
Assembling furniture, mounting TVs, hanging pictures/blinds/curtains using typical anchors (not impacting structural members in a way requiring engineering).

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Miami

Based on the FL threshold, handymen in Miami commonly take on:

Small repair/maintenance jobs under $500 total (labor + materials) that do not require a licensed trade (researched; verify threshold applicability with DBPR/CILB).
Interior/exterior painting (not involving lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 housing).
Minor drywall patching and texture repair (non-structural).
Replacing interior doors/trim/hardware (non-structural; not fire-rated assemblies where special rules apply).
Basic carpentry such as installing shelves, closet systems, and non-structural cabinetry.
Tile repair/regrouting (non-structural; not shower pan rebuilds that trigger waterproofing inspections).
Assembling furniture, mounting TVs, hanging pictures/blinds/curtains using typical anchors (not impacting structural members in a way requiring engineering).

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any job where you act as a contractor and the total project value is $500 or more (labor + materials) (researched; verify with DBPR/CILB).
Electrical contracting: new circuits, outlets, switches, lighting circuits, service/panel work, rewiring, most troubleshooting/repairs beyond very minor like-for-like swaps (licensed electrical contractor + permits commonly required).
Plumbing contracting: moving/adding supply or drain lines, replacing/setting water heaters (often permit), sewer work, gas piping, and many plumbing repairs beyond simple fixture replacement (licensed plumbing contractor commonly required).
HVAC: installing, servicing, or replacing AC equipment, refrigerant handling, duct modifications (licensed HVAC contractor; EPA 608 for refrigerants).
Roofing: any roofing repair/replacement (licensed roofing contractor in Florida).
Structural work: load-bearing wall changes, framing that alters structure, foundation work, major window/door changes affecting egress/structure—permits and licensed contractors required.
Permitted work: even if the task seems small, if the building department requires a permit, it often requires a licensed contractor to pull it (unless owner-builder rules apply).

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In FL, you can take jobs under $500 (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 — Miami

Required. City of Miami Business Tax Receipt (BTR) (formerly occupational license)

Setting Up Your Business in FL

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in FL: $125 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Miami

Step 1: Form your business entity (Florida LLC $125 filing via Sunbiz) and set up tax accounts as needed (FL DOR; IRS EIN).
Step 2: Obtain Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt and City of Miami Business Tax Receipt (if operating inside Miami city limits).
Step 3: Get general liability insurance and, if applicable, workers’ comp; be ready to provide COIs to customers/HOAs.
Step 4: If you plan to exceed the under-$500 repair scope or do any regulated trade work, start the DBPR/CILB licensing path (choose category, exams, financial responsibility, insurance) and confirm permitting rules with the City/County building department.

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