Licensed General Contractor vs Handyman
Florida law distinguishes between work requiring a licensed contractor and work that can be performed without one. Most remodel scope (anything requiring a permit) requires a licensed GC; minor work without permits can be performed by a handyman.
Licensed General Contractor
FL CGC license, permitted work
Handyman
No license required for minor work
How they stack up.
| Dimension | Licensed General Contractor | Handyman |
|---|---|---|
| Permit-required work | Yes (CGC, CBC, or relevant trade license required) | Cannot legally pull permits |
| Florida Building Code knowledge | Required for licensure | Not required |
| Insurance + bonding | Required for licensure | Not required |
| Lien rights | Yes (with proper notice) | Limited |
| Cost (typical labor) | Higher; overhead supports licensing | Lower; no overhead |
| Best for | Kitchens, baths, additions, structural | Minor repairs, painting, fixture swaps under $2,500 |
Licensed GC is required for any work requiring a Florida building permit — structural, electrical (over minor), plumbing (over minor), and any addition. Hiring an unlicensed contractor for permit-required work creates liability for the homeowner and the contractor.
Handyman is appropriate for minor repairs and finish work that don't require a building permit — cosmetic fixes, fixture replacements within existing rough-in, painting, minor non-structural work under the unlicensed threshold (often $2,500 in materials and labor combined).
- Florida Statute 489 — contracting (DBPR)
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation licensing requirements
Tivey services for this work.
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