Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Roswell, Georgia (Fulton County)?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

In Georgia, handymen can operate under a $2,500 exemption (total project cost including labor and materials) without a state contractor license. However, this exemption does NOT cover licensed trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural work—those require separate trade licenses regardless of project size. For work exceeding $2,500 or involving general contracting, you must obtain a state contractor license from the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Additionally, you must register your business with the City of Roswell and pay an occupation tax based on gross receipts. No state-level general business license is required in Georgia.

The magic number in GA: $2,500. Jobs under $2,500 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $2,500 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Roswell

Based on the GA threshold, handymen in Roswell commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In GA, you can take jobs under $2,500 (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 — Roswell

Required. Occupation Tax Certificate

Setting Up Your Business in GA

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in GA: $100 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Roswell

  1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. Form an LLC with the Georgia Secretary of State ($100 filing fee + $60 annual registration fee). Alternatively, operate as a sole proprietorship (no filing required, but less liability protection).
  2. Step 2: Register your business with the City of Roswell. Contact the Business Registration Office at (770) 641-3727 or rbs@roswellgov.com to obtain an Occupation Tax Certificate. Provide your gross receipts estimate to determine the exact tax amount (due by March 15 annually).
  3. Step 3: Determine if you need a state contractor license. If your typical projects exceed $2,500 (total labor + materials), apply for a state contractor license through the GOALS portal at https://sos.ga.gov/state-licensing-board-residential-and-commercial-general-contractors. Choose the appropriate license classification (Residential Basic, Residential Light Commercial, General Contractor Limited, or General Contractor Unlimited).
  4. Step 4: If you perform any licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting), obtain the appropriate trade license from the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at https://sos.ga.gov/construction-industry-licensing-board.
  5. Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance. Contact an insurance broker to get quotes for $500,000–$1,000,000 coverage. Cost is typically $300–$800/year.
  6. Step 6: Before each job, verify permit requirements with the City of Roswell Building Department at (770) 641-3727. Obtain any required permits before starting work.
  7. Step 7: Keep detailed records of all licenses, permits, insurance, and continuing education. Set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines (state contractor license: June 30 of even years; trade licenses: biennial; city occupation tax: March 15 annually).

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.