Florida contractor resources
Washington's complete 86-topic contractor startup library floor, plus any additional trades expressly identified by Florida official classifications. Published Contractor Lane guides link directly. Topics still being reviewed are labeled honestly.
Not sure which of these Florida steps apply to you?
Answer a few questions and get your own Florida startup sequence: entity, state registration, contractor credentials, insurance, tax setup, and local permits in the order you actually need them. Save it to a free account so your progress and your filing dates do not live in a browser tab.
Open the Florida contractor requirements guide →
Start Here
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Contractor Requirements at a Glance
Matched to 27 official sources below.
-
Guide available
How to Start a Contracting Business in Florida
Matched to 27 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Your First 30 Days as a New Florida Contractor
Matched to 29 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Cost to Start a Contracting Business in Florida
Matched to 4 official sources below.
Business Setup
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Check Contractor Business Name Availability in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Sole Proprietor vs. LLC for Florida Contractors
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Form an LLC for a Contracting Business in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Get a State Business or Tax ID in Florida
Matched to 4 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Business License and Permit Requirements for Contractors
Matched to 23 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Register a Contracting Company in Florida
Matched to 25 official sources below.
Licensing and Protection
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Get a Contractor License or Registration in Florida
Matched to 23 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Contractor License Lookup
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
General vs. Specialty Contractor Rules in Florida
Matched to 4 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Handyman License and Exemption Rules in Florida
Matched to 3 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Contractor Bond Requirements Explained
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
General Liability Insurance Requirements for Florida Contractors
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Can You Get a Contractor License With Bad Credit in Florida?
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Advertising Without a Contractor License in Florida
Matched to 13 official sources below.
Taxes and Compliance
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Business Tax and Bookkeeping Basics for New Contractors
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Annual Report Due Date for Contractor Businesses
Matched to 1 official source below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Employer Filing Deadlines for Contractors
Matched to 1 official source below.
-
Guide in editorial review
Florida Sales and Business Tax Due Dates for Contractors
Matched to 2 official sources below.
Getting Paid
-
Guide in editorial review
What to Do When a Florida Customer Does Not Pay
Matched to 3 official sources below.
Trade-by-trade startup guides
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Roofing Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Plumbing Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Electrical Company in Florida
Matched to 3 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Hvac Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Painting Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Landscaping Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Concrete Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Drywall Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Siding Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Fencing Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Carpentry Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Masonry Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Flooring Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Tile Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Insulation Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Tree Service Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Demolition Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Excavation Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Paving Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Fire Sprinkler Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Sewer Drain Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Steel Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Sign Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Cabinet Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Countertop Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Pool Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Waterproofing Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Well Drilling Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Pest Control Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Glass Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Garage Door Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Septic Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Foundation Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Solar Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Home Inspection Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Manufactured Home Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Low Voltage Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Fire Alarm Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Security Alarm Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Elevator Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Awning Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Chimney Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Stucco Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Deck Building Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Window Door Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Gutter Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Handyman Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Pressure Washing Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Junk Removal Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Source review in progress
How to Start a Construction Cleaning Company in Florida
Matched to 1 official source below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Kitchen Bath Remodeling Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Remodeling Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Hardscape Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Irrigation Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Artificial Turf Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Epoxy Flooring Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Cabinet Refacing Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Basement Finishing Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Pole Building Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Sunroom Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Metal Building Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Drain Cleaning Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Water Heater Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Boiler, Steamfitting, and Process Piping Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Sheet Metal Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Commercial Refrigeration Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Gas Line and Gas Fitting Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
-
Guide in editorial review
How to Start a Pipeline and Underground Utility Company in Florida
Matched to 2 official sources below.
Official Florida sources
These are the complete official URLs matched to this state’s resource library. Open the responsible agency before relying on a requirement, fee, deadline, or exemption.
- Florida Division of Corporations start a businesshttps://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/Source ID: fl-start-business · direct coverage
- Florida Department of Revenue taxes and feeshttps://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/default.aspxSource ID: fl-business-taxes · entry-point coverage
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulationhttps://www2.myfloridalicense.com/Source ID: fl-licenses · entry-point coverage
- Florida Reemployment Assistance employer resourceshttps://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/employersSource ID: fl-employers · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 489.105 - definitions and the complete list of state contractor categorieshttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.105.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-489-105-categories · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 489.103 - exemptions from state contractor licensinghttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.103.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-489-103-exemptions · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 489.115 - certification, insurance, financial responsibility and renewal for contractorshttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.115.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-489-115-insurance-financial · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 489.119 - business organisations, permits and advertising by contractorshttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.119.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-489-119-advertising · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 489.127 - prohibitions and penalties for unlicensed contractinghttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.127.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-489-127-unlicensed · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 489.117 - registration and specialty contractors, and the local competency layerhttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.117.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-489-117-registration-local · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 163.211 - licensing of occupations preempted to the statehttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0163/Sections/0163.211.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-163-211-local-preemption · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 713.06 - construction lien rights and notice to owner for those not in privityhttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/Sections/0713.06.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-713-06-notice-to-owner · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 713.08 - recording a claim of construction lien and the 90-day deadlinehttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/Sections/0713.08.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-713-08-claim-of-lien · direct coverage
- Florida DBPR Licensing Portal public licence searchhttps://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0Source ID: fl-dbpr-license-search · direct coverage
- Florida Division of Corporations - file an annual report on Sunbizhttps://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/manage-business/efile/annual-report/Source ID: fl-sunbiz-annual-report · direct coverage
- Florida Department of Revenue - sales and use tax registration, filing frequency and due dateshttps://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/sales_tax.aspxSource ID: fl-dor-sales-tax · direct coverage
- Florida Department of Revenue - reemployment tax for employershttps://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/reemployment.aspxSource ID: fl-dor-reemployment-tax · direct coverage
- Florida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board - licence categories and definitionshttps://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/Source ID: fl-eclb-electrical-contractors · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 489.505 - electrical, alarm system and specialty electrical contractor definitionshttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.505.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-489-505-electrical-definitions · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 633.318 - fire protection system contractor certificate application and examinationhttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0633/Sections/0633.318.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-633-318-fire-protection · direct coverage
- Florida DEP - water well contractor licensing and permittinghttps://floridadep.gov/water/source-drinking-water/content/water-well-contractor-licensing-and-permittingSource ID: fl-dep-water-well-contractor · direct coverage
- Florida DEP - septic tank contractor registrationhttps://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/septic-tank-contractor-registrationSource ID: fl-dep-septic-tank-contractor · direct coverage
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - pest control licensinghttps://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Pest-Control/LicensingSource ID: fl-fdacs-pest-control-licensing · direct coverage
- Florida DBPR - home inspector licensinghttps://www2.myfloridalicense.com/home-inspectors/Source ID: fl-dbpr-home-inspectors · direct coverage
- Florida Statutes 320.8249 - mobile home installer's licencehttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0320/Sections/0320.8249.htmlSource ID: fl-statute-320-8249-mobile-home-installer · direct coverage
- Florida DBPR Bureau of Elevator Safety - professional licensing and certificate of competencyhttps://www2.myfloridalicense.com/elevator-safety/professional-licenses/Source ID: fl-dbpr-elevator-professional-licensing · direct coverage
- Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board license typeshttps://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/Source ID: fl-cilb-license-types · direct coverage
General educational information. Rules, fees, and deadlines change, and local requirements may also apply. Contractor Lane is not a licensing agency, law firm, CPA, or insurance agency.