Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Paradise, Texas (Wise County)?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Texas has no statewide general contractor license or handyman exemption with a dollar threshold. Handymen can legally perform general repair and maintenance work of any value without a state license. However, specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require separate state licenses regardless of job size. Paradise, a small municipality in Wise County, may or may not require a local business license—you must contact City Hall directly. Building permits are required for regulated work. Most handymen in Paradise operate as LLCs or sole proprietorships with general liability insurance and comply with local permit requirements.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Paradise

Based on the TX threshold, handymen in Paradise commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

Business License — Paradise

Required. City Business License or Contractor Registration (if required) — ACTION REQUIRED: Call or visit Paradise City Hall to ask: (1) Is a city business license required for handymen/contractors? (2) What are the annual fees? (3) Are building permits required for specific work types? (4) Is a home-occupation permit required if operating from a home address? Paradise is located on State Highway 114 approximately 40 miles northwest of Fort Worth. City Hall address: Paradise, TX 76073.

Setting Up Your Business in TX

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TX: $300 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Paradise

  1. Step 1: Contact Paradise City Hall (cityofparadisetexas.org or call directly) to confirm: (a) Is a city business license required? (b) What are permit requirements for your planned work? (c) Is a home-occupation permit required if operating from home?
  2. Step 2: Contact Wise County Clerk ((940) 627-3351) to confirm: (a) Any county-level contractor registration requirements, (b) Assumed Name Certificate fee if operating under a DBA, (c) County permit requirements for unincorporated areas.
  3. Step 3: Register your business entity: Form an LLC with the Texas Secretary of State (https://direct.sos.state.tx.us) by filing a Certificate of Formation ($300 one-time fee). Alternatively, operate as a sole proprietor or partnership (simpler but less liability protection).
  4. Step 4: Obtain General Liability Insurance: Contact an insurance broker for a general liability policy ($300–$1,000 annually). This is essential for all handymen and often required by cities/counties before issuing permits.
  5. Step 5: Register for Sales Tax Permit (free): If you install tangible goods, register with the Texas Comptroller (comptroller.texas.gov or (800) 252-5555) for a free Sales Tax Permit.
  6. Step 6: If performing specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas): Apply for the appropriate state license from TDLR (https://www.tdlr.texas.gov) or TSBPE (https://www.tsbpe.texas.gov). Provide proof of liability insurance and meet experience/apprenticeship requirements.
  7. Step 7: Obtain local permits before starting work: Contact Paradise City Hall and Wise County for any required building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, or other work-specific permits. Never start work without confirming permit requirements.
  8. Step 8: File annual compliance: File the annual Public Information Report (PIR) with the Texas Secretary of State by May 15 each year (free, but $50 late penalty). File franchise tax report if gross receipts exceed $2,650,000 (most small handymen owe $0 but must file).

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.