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Handyman vs. Licensed Contractor: How to Choose (2026)
The legal line (it's clearer than you think)
Florida's HB 735 settled most of this. Handyman and property-maintenance work — repairs, painting, flooring, tile & stone, stucco, cabinetry, pressure washing, driveways, awnings, fence & deck repair, junk removal — is license-exempt; no state or local contractor license is required. The licensed trades — electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, structural, sheet metal, solar, underground utility — always require the matching license. A reputable handyman tells you which side your job is on and refers the licensed part out.
The cost difference
For license-exempt work, a handyman is typically meaningfully cheaper than a licensed contractor — less overhead, no license premium, and they'll bundle small jobs. For licensed-trade work, you're paying for the license, the permit, and the liability — and it's worth every dollar because doing that work unlicensed is illegal and uninsurable.
How to vet a handyman
Three things, every time: general liability insurance (ask for the certificate), real reviews (Google/Birdeye, not just a website), and a free written estimate before work starts. Bonus: they should be upfront about what they won't do — a handyman who claims they can do everything, including licensed trades, is the red flag.
When to insist on a licensed contractor — and verify it
Anything electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, or structural: insist on the license, then verify it yourself at myfloridalicense.com — confirm it's active, in the right category, and ask for the insurance certificate from the carrier directly. The homeowner engages that contractor directly; their license and permit apply.
Not sure which one your job needs?
Use our free Do I Need a License? tool — pick the job, get the answer with the exact statute. And if your project is a mix (most are), a handyman handles the exempt parts and you hire a licensed pro for the rest.
Frequently asked
Is a handyman cheaper than a licensed contractor?
For license-exempt work (repairs, paint, flooring, tile, stucco), yes — usually meaningfully cheaper. For licensed trades like electrical or plumbing, you need the licensed contractor regardless, and the cost reflects the license, permit, and liability.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing in Florida?
No — electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and structural work require a licensed contractor in Florida. A handyman can do the license-exempt work and should refer the rest to a licensed pro.
How do I know if I need a licensed contractor?
If the job touches a building system (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) or the structure/roof, it needs a licensed contractor. If it's repair, finish, or maintenance, a handyman can do it. Check your exact job free on our license tool.
How do I vet a handyman in Broward?
Confirm general liability insurance (ask for the certificate), check real Google/Birdeye reviews, and get a free written estimate before work starts. Honesty about what they won't do is a good sign.
Talk to a real person
Questions on your specific job? Free written estimates, straight answers, no upsell. Call 954-995-1028 or request a free estimate.