What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in San Juan, Puerto Rico?

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed August 2026

In Puerto Rico, handymen and small contractors must register with the Puerto Rico Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) under Law 220 of 2012 before performing any construction or repair work commercially. Puerto Rico does not publish a specific dollar-threshold handyman exemption like some U.S. states; registration is broadly required for anyone offering construction services to the public. Additionally, contractors must obtain a Merchant's Registration Certificate from the Treasury Department, a Single Business Permit (Permiso Único) through the Office of Management and Budget, and a Municipal Business Tax License (Patente Municipal) from San Juan. Trade-specific licenses are required separately for electrical, plumbing, and other specialty work.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting (non-lead-based, residential)
• Basic carpentry repairs (door frames, trim, non-structural)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, towel bars) - simple swap-outs only
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)
• Note: Puerto Rico does NOT publish a specific dollar-threshold handyman exemption. DACO registration is broadly required for anyone publicly offering construction services. Verify with DACO before performing any work commercially without registration.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in San Juan

Based on the PU threshold, handymen in San Juan commonly take on:

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting (non-lead-based, residential)
• Basic carpentry repairs (door frames, trim, non-structural)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, towel bars) - simple swap-outs only
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Electrical Contractor License from Board of Examiners of Electricians)
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Plumber's License from Board of Examiners of Plumbers)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance involving refrigerants (requires EPA Section 608 Technician Certification plus applicable electrical/structural licenses)
• Structural modifications or load-bearing wall work (requires General Contractor License and DACO registration)
• Roofing installation or major repairs (requires DACO Contractor Registration)
• Foundation or concrete work (requires DACO Contractor Registration)
• Any construction, repair, or improvement work offered commercially (requires DACO Contractor/Subcontractor Registration under Law 220 of 2012)
• Work in historic districts like Old San Juan (requires SHPO and NPS approval in addition to contractor license)
• Work on federal property like Fort Buchanan or El Yunque (requires SAM.gov registration and federal permits in addition to state/local licenses)

Business License — San Juan

Required. Patente Municipal (Municipal Business Tax License)

Setting Up Your Business in PU

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in PU: $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 San Juan

1. Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with the Puerto Rico Department of State. Cost: $100 filing fee + $150 annual renewal. Website: https://estado.pr.gov; Phone: (787) 722-2121
2. Step 2: Register for a Merchant's Registration Certificate with the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury (Hacienda). Cost: Free. Website: https://hacienda.pr.gov; Phone: (787) 721-2020
3. Step 3: Obtain a Single Business Permit (Permiso Único) through the Puerto Rico Office of Management and Budget (OGP). Apply at https://www.ogpe.pr.gov. This consolidates environmental, fire, health, and special licenses.
4. Step 4: Register with DACO for Contractor/Subcontractor License. Cost: ~$175 (application + background check) + $10,000 surety bond. Website: https://www.daco.pr.gov; Phone: (787) 722-7555
5. Step 5: Obtain a Patente Municipal (Municipal Business Tax License) from San Juan. Cost: Gross receipts tax (0.2%-0.5% annually, billed after first year). Website: https://tramite.sanjuan.pr; Phone: (787) 480-2500
6. Step 6: If performing electrical work, apply for Electrical Contractor License from the Board of Examiners of Electricians. If performing plumbing work, apply for Plumber's License from the Board of Examiners of Plumbers. Website: https://www.estado.pr.gov; Phone: (787) 722-2121
7. Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended/often required). Verify requirements with DACO.
8. Step 8: If working in Old San Juan or other historic districts, contact the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for approval before starting any exterior work. Phone: (787) 721-3737
9. Step 9: If working on federal property (Fort Buchanan, El Yunque, etc.), register in SAM.gov (free) and contact the relevant federal agency for permits and clearance requirements.
10. Step 10: Verify all current requirements directly with DACO, the Department of State, and San Juan Municipal Office before starting operations. Requirements and fees change periodically.

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.