What Can a Handyman Do 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.

✅ 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)

⚠️ 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)

State Licensing Rules (LA)

Key limits: (1) Home Improvement / Residential building work has different rules than commercial; (2) Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and gas work is regulated separately; (3) Local building departments may still require permits/inspections; (4) Advertising as "licensed" when not licensed can trigger enforcement.

Business License — St. Tammany

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

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license is your legal authorization to offer/perform contracting or a regulated trade; a permit is job-specific approval from the local building department to perform work at a particular address with inspections. Even if you are under Louisiana’s contractor-license threshold, the parish/city can still require permits and inspections—and certain trades require state/local trade licenses regardless of project price.

Important Notes for St. Tammany in St. Tammany County, Louisiana Handymen

• Insurance: General liability insurance is strongly expected by customers and often required for permits, municipal licensing, and commercial clients; workers’ comp is typically required if you have employees.
• Advertising compliance: Do not advertise yourself as a "licensed contractor" unless you hold the correct Louisiana license; using the term improperly can trigger enforcement.
• Project splitting: Splitting a larger project into multiple invoices to stay under the licensing threshold is a common enforcement trigger—boards look at the total scope/value.
• Local permits: St. Tammany Parish and its municipalities can require permits even for small jobs; always check before starting.
• Sales tax: Contractors may have local sales/use tax obligations depending on how materials are purchased/resold and where the job is located—verify with LDR and local tax collectors.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in St. Tammany

1. Step 1: Form your business (LLC) with the Louisiana Secretary of State ($100 filing; annual report typically $30).
2. 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).
3. Step 3: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees); keep COIs ready for permit offices and clients.
4. 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.