What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in St. Tammany in St. Tammany County, Louisiana?

In Louisiana, most handyman-type work can be performed without a state contractor license as long as each job stays under the state’s contractor licensing threshold and you are not performing regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC/gas). In St. Tammany Parish, you generally still need a local occupational/business license (especially if operating in an incorporated municipality like Slidell, Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, etc.), and permits may be required even when a state contractor license is not.

The magic number in LA: $7500. Jobs under $7500 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $7500 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Punch-list repairs and minor carpentry (trim replacement, interior door hardware, adjusting doors) on jobs under $7,500 (labor + materials) where no specialty trade license is triggered
Interior and exterior painting (non-lead abatement) and caulking/weatherstripping
Minor drywall patching/repair and cosmetic wall repairs
Tile repair or small flooring repairs (e.g., replace a few damaged planks/tiles) not involving structural subfloor changes
Fence repair (non-structural) and gate hardware replacement (subject to HOA/local rules)
Cabinet hardware replacement, shelving installation, curtain/blind installation
Pressure washing and basic exterior maintenance (not involving environmental discharge violations)
Like-for-like replacement of plumbing/electrical fixtures ONLY where the local inspector allows homeowner/handyman replacements without a trade license/permit (verify locally first)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in St. Tammany

Based on the LA threshold, handymen in St. Tammany commonly take on:

Punch-list repairs and minor carpentry (trim replacement, interior door hardware, adjusting doors) on jobs under $7,500 (labor + materials) where no specialty trade license is triggered
Interior and exterior painting (non-lead abatement) and caulking/weatherstripping
Minor drywall patching/repair and cosmetic wall repairs
Tile repair or small flooring repairs (e.g., replace a few damaged planks/tiles) not involving structural subfloor changes
Fence repair (non-structural) and gate hardware replacement (subject to HOA/local rules)
Cabinet hardware replacement, shelving installation, curtain/blind installation
Like-for-like replacement of plumbing/electrical fixtures ONLY where the local inspector allows homeowner/handyman replacements without a trade license/permit (verify locally first)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Commercial contracting projects at or above $7,500 (labor + materials) generally require a Louisiana contractor license through LSLBC
Residential building contracting and home improvement contracting may fall under separate Louisiana residential licensing rules—do not assume the $7,500 commercial threshold applies to residential remodeling
Electrical work involving new circuits, panel/service work, generators, added loads, or work requiring an electrical permit/inspection (licensed electrical contractor + permit)
Plumbing work beyond simple fixture swap: drain/vent changes, water heater replacement where permit required, sewer line work, gas piping, or any rough-in (licensed plumber + permit)
HVAC installation, change-outs, refrigerant work, and most service/repair of central systems (licensed HVAC/mechanical + EPA requirements + permits/inspection where required)
Structural work (load-bearing changes, beams, roof framing, additions) which triggers permits and often requires licensed contractor involvement
Work in historic districts involving exterior alterations (requires municipal historic review + building permits)
Any work requiring a building permit under local code (even if you are otherwise exempt from state licensing)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In LA, you can take jobs under $7500 (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 — St. Tammany

Required. Municipal Occupational License (Business License) OR Parish Occupational License depending on where you operate

Setting Up Your Business in LA

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in LA: $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 St. Tammany

Step 1: Form your business (LLC) with the Louisiana Secretary of State ($100 filing; annual report typically $30).
Step 2: Identify where you will work (unincorporated St. Tammany Parish vs. Covington/Slidell/Mandeville/etc.) and obtain the correct occupational (business) license (typically a minimum $50–$200+ then gross-receipts-based).
Step 3: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees); keep COIs ready for permit offices and clients.
Step 4: Verify your typical job sizes and scope with LSLBC—if you approach $7,500+ commercial or do residential contracting, apply for the proper Louisiana contractor/residential license classifications before bidding.

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.