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Do You Need a Permit or License in Broward? (2026)
License ≠ permit (they get confused constantly)
A license is about who is legally allowed to do the work. A permit is about this specific job being inspected and on record with your city or county. A job can be license-exempt and still need a permit, or need neither. They're decided separately.
License-exempt in Florida (HB 735)
Under Florida HB 735, local governments cannot require a contractor license for: handyman repairs, painting, flooring, decorative tile & stone, stucco, pressure washing, cabinetry, driveways/pavers, awnings, fence & deck repair, and junk removal. A registered business and general liability insurance still apply — and you may never advertise a state license you don't hold (§489.127).
Needs a licensed contractor
These require the matching Florida license, every time: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, structural/load-bearing work, sheet metal, solar, underground utility, and pollutant-storage systems. The customer engages that licensed pro directly. Full bathroom and kitchen projects usually cross into licensed trades (plumbing/electrical) for those portions.
When you need a permit
Permits are driven by the job and your municipality, not by who does it. As a rule of thumb, cosmetic and like-for-like repairs usually don't; anything touching structure, the electrical/plumbing/mechanical systems, the roof, or significant scope usually does. Always confirm with your city's building department before a permitted job starts.
Check your exact job — free, cites the law
We built a free tool that takes the guesswork out: pick the job, and it tells you whether Florida law requires a licensed contractor, with the exact statute. No email, no upsell. Use the Do I Need a License? tool →
Frequently asked
Do I need a license to paint, floor, or stucco a house in Florida?
No — painting, flooring, tile & stone, and stucco are license-exempt under Florida HB 735. No state or local contractor license is required for that work.
Do I need a permit for a handyman job in Broward?
Usually not for cosmetic or like-for-like repairs, but permits are decided by the job and your city — anything structural or touching electrical/plumbing/roofing typically needs one. Confirm with your municipal building department.
What work requires a licensed contractor in Florida?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, structural, sheet metal, solar, and underground utility work all require the matching Florida license. The homeowner engages that licensed contractor directly.
How do I verify a Florida contractor's license?
Search the name or license number at myfloridalicense.com, confirm it's active and in the right category, and request insurance certificates from the carrier directly.
Talk to a real person
Questions on your specific job? We give free written estimates and straight answers — no upsell. Call 954-995-1028 or request a free estimate.