Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Florida — No State Handyman License Required (for non-structural work)

   Florida does not require a state handyman license for minor, non-structural repair and maintenance work (minor carpentry, door repairs, painting, tile, etc.). For structural work, roofing, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, a state license from the Florida DBPR is required. Miami-Dade County's local licensing framework is used for most contractor work in the county.

   Official government source for Florida — No State Handyman License Required (for non-structural work) (opens in a new tab)

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Florida Workers' Compensation — coverage or construction-industry exemption

   Florida classifies handyman and home-repair work (painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, flooring, door and window installation) as construction industry (Rule 69L-6.021, F.A.C.), where workers' compensation coverage is required with one or more employees (s. 440.02(20)(b), F.S.) — and a corporate officer or an LLC member owning at least 10% who performs the work counts as an employee (s. 440.02(11), (18)(b)). An owner-only LLC or corporation must therefore either carry a workers' compensation policy or file a construction-industry Certificate of Election to be Exempt with the Division of Workers' Compensation before starting paid work ($50, valid 2 years, max 3 officers/members per business, at least 10% ownership; s. 440.05). A sole proprietor or partner engaged in the construction industry is also counted as an employee (s. 440.02(18)(c)) and the s. 440.05 exemption is limited to corporate officers and LLC members — verify the coverage route with the Division, (850) 413-1609, if the business is not incorporated. Operating without required coverage risks a stop-work order and a penalty of 2x the evaded premium, $1,000 minimum (s. 440.107). Employees hired later need actual coverage from day one; an exemption covers only the named officer/member.

   Official government source for Florida Workers' Compensation — coverage or construction-industry exemption (opens in a new tab)

   $50 per construction-industry exemption certificate (2 years) or policy premium (varies by payroll)·File the exemption or bind coverage before starting paid work; verify current processing time with the Division of Workers' Compensation

   $50 per construction-industry exemption certificate (2 years) or policy premium (varies by payroll)

   File the exemption or bind coverage before starting paid work; verify current processing time with the Division of Workers' Compensation

1. Miami-Dade Construction Trades Qualifying Board — when a license is required

   There is no handyman license or registration in Miami-Dade County. A handyman may perform only minor, non-structural work that falls outside Florida's regulated construction trades. Any work within a regulated scope (structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, etc.) requires either a Florida state contractor license (DBPR/CILB) or a Miami-Dade Construction Trades Qualifying Board Certificate of Competency under Chapter 10 of the county code — Contractor Licensing Section, (786) 315-2100. A handyman business still needs city and county business tax receipts.

   Official government source for Miami-Dade Construction Trades Qualifying Board — when a license is required (opens in a new tab)

   No handyman license exists; CTQB certificate fees vary by category (posted examples: $240 journeyman; $315 personal + $315 business for contractor licenses)·4–8 weeks

   No handyman license exists; CTQB certificate fees vary by category (posted examples: $240 journeyman; $315 personal + $315 business for contractor licenses)

   4–8 weeks

2. City of Miami Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

   All businesses operating within the City of Miami require a Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License), renewed annually — this is in addition to any state or county contractor credential. A Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt is also required.

   Official government source for City of Miami Business Tax Receipt (BTR) (opens in a new tab)

   Varies by business classification under the City of Miami fee schedule; no citywide fee range is published on the official BTR page — confirm with the City of Miami at (305) 416-2087·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business classification under the City of Miami fee schedule; no citywide fee range is published on the official BTR page — confirm with the City of Miami at (305) 416-2087

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• Miami-Dade County — Contractor Licensing
• City of Miami — Business Tax Receipt
• Florida DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing

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