Bathroom remodeling business License Requirements in Florida
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quick Answer
Yes, Florida requires a state Contractor License (General Contractor, Building Contractor, or Specialty Contractor) issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You must also obtain local building permits and business tax receipts from your city and county. The exact license type depends on your project scope and whether you're doing structural work or plumbing/electrical as part of your remodeling services.
Key Facts
- •Yes, Florida requires a state Contractor License (General Contractor, Building Contractor, or Specialty Contractor) issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- •You must also obtain local building permits and business tax receipts from your city and county.
State Licence Requirements
Licence name
Florida Contractor License (Building Contractor, General Contractor, or Specialty Contractor license type depending on scope of work)
Issued by
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board
Cost
$365-$850
Processing time
6-12 weeks after exam passage and bond receipt
How to apply
Apply through the DBPR online licensing portal (myfloridalicense.com) or in person. You must first create a myfloridalicense account and verify your identity. Complete the Application for Contractor License (Form 61G15-10.006). Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance, a current Florida driver's license or ID, and documented work history (typically 4 years of experience in construction for the trade you're licensing, with specific hours required under Florida Administrative Code 61G15-13.005). If you have no Florida experience, you may need to provide work history from other states. Submit evidence of financial responsibility (general liability insurance minimum $10,000 to $25,000 depending on license type). Pass the Florida Contractor Exam specific to your license type—this covers Florida building codes, construction law, OSHA regulations, and safety practices (Florida Statute 489.115). The exam costs approximately $125-$150 and can be scheduled through Prometric testing centers. After approval, you'll need a surety bond of $5,000 to $25,000 depending on license type (Florida Statute 489.115). Document everything and keep records readily available; the DBPR verifies all claims during the application review process.
Federal Requirements
Bathroom remodeling businesses must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (26 U.S.C. § 6109) if you hire employees or operate as a partnership or corporation. If your projects involve lead paint disturbance in homes built before 1978, you must comply with EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requirements (40 C.F.R. Part 745), including worker certification and safe work practices documentation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (2010 ADA Standards) apply when bathroom remodeling includes public-facing facilities or when you're modifying existing structures—ensure grab bars, accessibility routes, and fixture heights meet federal standards. If you employ workers, you must verify employment eligibility through E-Verify (8 U.S.C. § 1324a), maintain workers' compensation insurance as required by Florida law, and comply with OSHA standards (29 U.S.C. § 654) regarding job site safety, including fall protection, electrical safety, and respiratory protection when working with hazardous materials. Federal tax withholding obligations apply to all W-2 employees (26 U.S.C. § 3401).
Local & County Requirements
Florida counties and municipalities require multiple local permits beyond the state contractor license. All bathroom remodeling projects require a local building permit from your city or county Building & Zoning Department (costs typically $150-$500 based on project scope, required under Florida Building Code). A Contractor Registration Certificate or Local Business Tax Receipt is mandatory in virtually all Florida cities—apply at your city's tax collector's office or building department; costs range $50-$400 annually depending on your city. Most jurisdictions require a Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection approval before occupancy (Florida Building Code § 110.1). Plumbing permits are required separately if your scope includes drain/vent/supply line work ($100-$300), issued by county or city plumbing inspectors. Electrical permits apply if you're installing lighting, outlets, or ventilation fans ($75-$200), issued by the local electrical inspector. Many jurisdictions require a Homeowner/Owner information sheet (lien notice) before work starts, posted at the job site, which protects homeowners under Florida Statute 713.135. In counties like Miami-Dade, Broward (Fort Lauderdale area), Hillsborough (Tampa), and Orange (Orlando), expect stricter inspections, higher permit fees ($250-$600 for building permits), and 5-7 day waiting periods between inspections. Coastal areas may have additional environmental permits. Some cities require lead certification (EPA RRP compliance) documentation at permit issuance. Always check your specific city and county websites for current fee schedules and inspection procedures.
Total Cost Breakdown
First-year startup costs for a Florida bathroom remodeling business range from $2,500 to $4,200. Breakdown: Florida Contractor License application and exam ($365-$375 for license + $125-$150 for exam fees). Surety Bond ($200-$600 annually, depending on bond amount required—typically $5,000-$25,000 bond posted at approximately 2-8% premium). General Liability Insurance minimum ($500-$1,500 annually for basic coverage; $1,200-$2,500 for comprehensive coverage including completed operations). Workers' Compensation Insurance ($800-$2,500 annually, required if you have employees, calculated as percentage of payroll—approximately 30-40% of employee wages). Local Building Permit fees for your first project ($150-$500). Contractor Registration/Business Tax Receipt ($50-$400, one-time or annual depending on city). Local Plumbing Permit (if applicable) ($100-$300). Local Electrical Permit (if applicable) ($75-$200). EPA RRP Lead Certification course, if needed ($300-$600 one-time). Business liability insurance ($400-$800 annually). Professional licensing/contracting association membership (optional but recommended) ($100-$300). Total realistic first-year investment: $2,500-$4,200 before any tools, equipment, marketing, or vehicle costs. Renewal costs in subsequent years drop to approximately $1,000-$2,000 annually (license renewal $315-$400 + insurance renewals $1,200-$1,800 + permit fees for projects).
Licence Renewal
Florida Contractor Licenses expire every 2 years on the license expiration date listed on your credential (Florida Statute 489.115). Renewal applications must be submitted 60 days before expiration through myfloridalicense.com. The renewal cost is approximately $315-$400 depending on license type. You must maintain current workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance throughout the renewal period (proof required at renewal). Florida does not currently mandate continuing education hours for contractor license renewal, though the DBPR may require evidence of staying current with Florida Building Code updates if your renewal is delayed. You may renew online, by mail, or in person at a DBPR office. If you miss the renewal deadline, your license lapses, and you cannot legally perform work—you'll need to reapply as a new applicant, including re-examination and surety bond posting, which is significantly more expensive and time-consuming than renewal. Late renewals incur penalties and may result in disciplinary action. If your license lapses for more than 5 years, you may lose credit for prior experience and be required to retest. Set a renewal calendar reminder at least 90 days before expiration.
Penalties for Operating Without a Licence
Operating as a contractor in Florida without a valid license is a second-degree felony under Florida Statute 489.133, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and fines up to $15,000. Civil penalties under Florida Statute 489.129 range from $500 to $5,000 per violation, with each day of unlicensed operation counted as a separate violation. The DBPR investigates complaints through its Complaints and Enforcement section and can issue Cease and Desist Orders requiring immediate work stoppage; continuing work after a Cease and Desist escalates penalties. Customers may sue for damages and recover three times the contract amount plus attorney fees under Florida Statute 713.25 if you performed construction work without a license. Homeowner complaints, property inspector reports, and consumer tips to the DBPR typically trigger investigations; violations are often discovered during local building permit applications or final inspections when inspectors verify your license status in the DBPR database. Banks and insurance companies will deny claims for property damage if work was done by unlicensed contractors, leaving you personally liable. Surety bonds may be denied or forfeited if you operate without proper licensing, and your personal assets become vulnerable to judgment liens. If you're unlicensed, you cannot legally file a lien against a property for unpaid work (Florida Statute 713.06), eliminating your primary collection tool. General liability insurance policies may deny coverage for unlicensed operation, and workers' compensation claims by your employees may be denied, exposing you to massive liability. The DBPR publishes a public list of unlicensed contractors, damaging your business reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a bathroom remodeling business in Florida without a license?
No. Florida law is very clear that performing construction work without a valid state contractor license is illegal. Florida Statute 489.133 makes unlicensed contracting a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Additionally, you face civil penalties of $500-$5,000 per violation from the DBPR, and homeowners can sue you for three times the contract amount plus attorney fees. You cannot legally bid jobs, sign contracts, pull permits, or file liens for payment without a license. If you're caught working without a license, you'll be shut down immediately via Cease and Desist Order, your customers may have their work undone at your expense, and you'll face criminal prosecution. The DBPR actively investigates unlicensed contractors through homeowner complaints and building permit applications. There is no grace period or exemption for small jobs—every remodeling project requires a license, even partial bathroom updates.
How long does it take to get a Florida contractor license for bathroom remodeling?
The total timeline is typically 8-16 weeks from application to active license. The first step is gathering required documents (work history verification, insurance proof, ID) and creating your myfloridalicense account, which takes 1-2 weeks. You then schedule your Florida Contractor Exam through Prometric, which may have openings 1-3 weeks out depending on your location. The exam itself takes 2-4 hours and you receive results immediately (passing score is typically 75%). After passing, you submit your application with the exam results to DBPR (this is when the 6-12 week processing clock starts). DBPR staff verify your work history, insurance, and bond information—this verification process takes 4-8 weeks. Once approved, you post your surety bond (1-2 weeks to obtain) and your license becomes active. If you have all documents ready and pass the exam on your first attempt, you could potentially be licensed in 8-10 weeks. However, delays in obtaining work history verification, insurance documentation, or scheduling exam appointments commonly extend this to 12-16 weeks. Plan for 4 months from today to active license as a realistic timeline.
Which Florida contractor license type do I need for bathroom remodeling—Building Contractor, General Contractor, or Specialty Contractor?
This depends on your scope of work. A Building Contractor license (sometimes called Residential Contractor) is appropriate if you handle complete bathroom remodels including structural work, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, tile, and fixture installation. A General Contractor license is required if you're managing large-scale projects and coordinating multiple trades, and it allows you to perform a wider range of construction work. A Specialty Contractor license applies if you're focusing only on specific trades like plumbing (Specialty Plumbing Contractor) or electrical (Specialty Electrical Contractor). If your bathroom remodeling primarily involves plumbing fixture replacement and pipe installation, a Plumbing Specialty Contractor license is appropriate. If you're doing tile work and ceramic installation as your main service, a Tile Contractor (Specialty) license fits. Most bathroom remodeling companies pursuing general remodeling work should apply for a Building Contractor or General Contractor license to have the broadest scope. Check the scope of practice for each license type on the DBPR website before applying, as each has specific allowable work and insurance/bonding requirements. If your scope changes later (e.g., you add plumbing services), you may need to add endorsements or separate licenses.
Does my Florida contractor license work in other states, or do I need separate licenses in Georgia, Alabama, or other neighboring states?
No, your Florida contractor license does not transfer to other states. Each state has its own independent licensing system, exam requirements, and standards. If you want to perform bathroom remodeling work in Georgia, you'll need a separate Georgia Construction License issued by the Georgia Contractor's State Licensing Board. Alabama requires a separate license through the Alabama Board of General Contractors. South Carolina has its own Residential Contractor License system. However, most states do recognize work experience from other states toward their license requirements. For example, if you have 4 years of Florida experience, you may be able to apply that toward Georgia's 4-year experience requirement. But you'll still need to pass that state's exam, obtain that state's bond, and pay their application fees. Multi-state bathroom remodeling businesses typically hold licenses in each state where they operate. Some states (like Florida) have reciprocity agreements with certain other states that may waive experience requirements, but this is rare. Before expanding to neighboring states, contact that state's licensing board to understand their specific reciprocity rules and whether your Florida license provides any credit.
What happens if I operate as a bathroom remodeler without a license and get caught—will I face criminal charges or just fines?
Unlicensed contracting in Florida can result in both serious criminal charges and substantial civil penalties. Under Florida Statute 489.133, performing construction work without a valid license is a second-degree felony, which can result in up to 15 years of prison time and fines up to $15,000. This is a criminal charge that could appear on a background check and potentially disqualify you from employment in other fields. Beyond criminal penalties, the DBPR can assess civil penalties of $500-$5,000 per violation (Florida Statute 489.129), and each day you operate unlicensed counts as a separate violation—so a six-month project could result in $90,000 in cumulative fines. Homeowners have additional legal recourse: under Florida Statute 713.25, they can sue you for three times the contract amount plus attorney fees if they discover the work was done unlicensed. The state will issue a Cease and Desist Order, requiring you to stop all work immediately, and continuing to work after receiving this order escalates charges. Insurance companies will deny claims related to unlicensed work, and you'll be personally liable for all property damage. The DBPR publishes a public list of unlicensed contractors, damaging your reputation permanently. Most violations are discovered when homeowners file complaints or when building inspectors verify your license status during permit reviews.
Other Business Types in Florida
bathroom remodeler Licensing in Other States
See bathroom remodeler licensing in every state →Sources & References
- U.S.C. § 6109)
- U.S.C. § 1324a)
- U.S.C. § 654)
- U.S.C. § 3401).
- Florida Building Code § 110.1).
Licence requirements change. Verify current requirements with the issuing agency before applying.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 5 statutes. Last reviewed June 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by June 2027.
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