What Can a Handyman Do 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.

✅ 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).

⚠️ 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).

State Licensing Rules (FL)

This is NOT a blanket "handyman" license: you cannot act as a contractor for jobs $500+; you cannot perform or contract electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, structural work, or any work requiring a licensed trade; local building departments may still require permits for certain work even if the job is under $500.

Business License — Miami

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

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

A contractor license is your legal authorization to offer/contract and perform regulated construction services. A building permit is project-specific approval from the local building department to perform work that affects safety/code compliance (with inspections). You can be license-exempt for very small repairs and still trigger permit requirements; conversely, being licensed doesn’t remove the need for permits.

Important Notes for Miami, Florida Handymen

• Unlicensed contracting penalties in Florida can be severe (stop-work orders, fines, and potential criminal exposure depending on circumstances). Don’t advertise or contract for regulated work without proper licensure.
• Insurance: even when license-exempt, commercial general liability (e.g., $1M per occurrence typical) is commonly required by clients/HOAs; workers’ comp is required if you have employees and may be required by job sites even for sole proprietors.
• Permitting in Miami-Dade/City of Miami can be strict; many HOAs/condos require licensed/insured contractors regardless of the state exemption.
• If operating from home, verify City of Miami home occupation/zoning limits (signage, employees, storage, vehicle parking).
• If you work in older housing (pre-1978), EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules may apply for lead-safe practices on painted surfaces.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Miami

1. Step 1: Form your business entity (Florida LLC $125 filing via Sunbiz) and set up tax accounts as needed (FL DOR; IRS EIN).
2. Step 2: Obtain Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt and City of Miami Business Tax Receipt (if operating inside Miami city limits).
3. Step 3: Get general liability insurance and, if applicable, workers’ comp; be ready to provide COIs to customers/HOAs.
4. 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.