What can a handyman do in Savannah, GA?
Georgia's small-job figure is $2,500. The exact wording below decides whether a job fits.
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License required where 'the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00' (O.C.G.A. 43-41-2(9)). So $2,500.00 exactly is NOT over the line; $2,500.01+ requires a license. Separate 'repair' exception (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(g); Board Rule 553-8-.01) with no dollar cap: written disclosure to owner of unlicensed status; no subcontracting/delegation of supervision (employees OK); no life-safety or structural work (no load-bearing walls/beams); must obtain local permits and inspections; does not cover Chapter 14 trade work.
What counts toward it: other: the higher of total value of the work/activity OR the contractor's compensation (effectively labor+materials value)
"where the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00."
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What Savannah adds
Apply to City of Savannah Revenue Department (305 Fahm St, 912-651-6450) at https://www.savannahga.gov/1587/Business-License after a Business Location Approval from Development Services. Chatham County Business Tax Certificate applies only to businesses located in unincorporated Chatham County (Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services, Licensing Division).
Source link: savannahga.gov · savannahga.gov · cccdn.blob.core.windows.net · checked November 6, 2026
Local business license
Required
- Name: Business Tax Certificate (business license), Revenue Ordinance Article Y
- Office: City of Savannah Revenue Department, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah GA 31401; 912-651-6450
"All businesses operating within the City of Savannah must have a current Business Tax Certificate (also known as a business license)... Prior to applying for your Business Tax Certificate, all businesses must submit a Business Location Approval Application to Development Services"
Source: savannahga.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Jobs a handyman usually takes
Examples of everyday jobs that stay inside a small-job rule when the whole job fits the wording above. This is an example list, not a legal one:
- Mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors and pictures
- Assembling furniture and flat-pack cabinets
- Patching drywall and interior painting
- Caulking, weatherstripping and sealing
- Repairing doors, locks, screens and windows
- Basic carpentry, trim and small repairs
- Pressure washing and gutter cleaning
Trade work in Georgia
Electrical, plumbing, conditioned air (HVAC), low-voltage and utility contracting are licensed under O.C.G.A. Title 43 Chapter 14 (Construction Industry Licensing Board). Residential/general contractors may contract for such work but it must be performed by a Chapter 14 licensee. The repair exception expressly does NOT diminish Chapter 14 licensing - no handyman carve-out for trade work.
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
When a permit changes the answer
No - needing a permit does not void the repair exception; Rule 553-8-.01(4) requires the repairer to obtain permits and inspections required by the local authority. The $2,500 threshold statute text fetched does not mention permits.
Source: rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice, so confirm with the office named before you take the job.
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