Handyman Licensing Guide for Southern States
A simple guide to help you understand what licenses and permits you need to work as a handyman in your state.
Why Licensing Matters
Getting the right licenses protects you and your customers. It helps you:
- Work legally in your state
- Avoid fines and penalties
- Build trust with customers
- Get better insurance rates
- Qualify for bigger jobs
Important: Rules change based on how much money a job costs. Many states let you do smaller jobs without a contractor’s license.
Quick Reference Chart
| State | Do You Need a License? | Dollar Limit Without License | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes, for jobs over $50,000 | Under $50,000 (residential) | Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors |
| Arkansas | Yes, for jobs over $2,000 | Under $2,000 | Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board |
| Florida | Yes, county or state license | Varies by county | Florida DBPR |
| Georgia | Depends on county | Varies by county | Local county offices |
| Kentucky | No state license needed | No limit for handyman work | N/A |
| Louisiana | Yes, for jobs over $7,500 | Under $7,500 | Louisiana State Licensing Board |
| Mississippi | Yes, for jobs over $10,000 | Under $10,000 | Mississippi State Board of Contractors |
| North Carolina | Yes, for jobs over $30,000 | Under $30,000 | NC Board of General Contractors |
| South Carolina | Yes, for jobs over $5,000 | Under $5,000 | SC LLR Contractors Division |
| Tennessee | Yes, for jobs over $25,000 | Under $25,000 | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors |
| Texas | No state license for handyman | No limit | N/A |
| Virginia | Yes, for jobs over $1,000 | Under $1,000 | Virginia DPOR |
Note: These limits change. Always check your state’s current rules.
State-by-State Breakdown
Alabama
Do you need a license?
- YES if your total job (labor + materials) costs more than $50,000
- NO if you stay under $50,000 for residential work
What can you do without a license?
- Small repairs and maintenance
- Jobs under the dollar limit
- Minor installations
How to get licensed:
- Visit genconbd.alabama.gov
- Take the required exam
- Show proof of insurance
- Pay the application fee ($225-$250)
Local rules: Some cities may require a business license regardless of job size.
Arkansas
Do you need a license?
- YES if any job costs more than $2,000
- NO for jobs under $2,000
What can you do without a license?
- Very small repair jobs
- Jobs totaling less than $2,000
How to get licensed:
- Visit accessarkansas.org/aclb
- Complete the application
- Pass the contractor exam
- Provide proof of insurance
- Pay fees (around $150)
Good to know: Arkansas has one of the lower dollar limits, so you’ll likely need a license faster than in other states.
Florida
Do you need a license?
- YES – Florida requires licensing for most handyman work
- You can get either a county license OR state license
Two types of licenses:
- Registered Contractor (county level) – Limited to one county
- Certified Contractor (state level) – Work anywhere in Florida
What can you do without a license?
- Very limited handyman work
- Some counties allow minor repairs under $1,000
How to get licensed:
- Visit myfloridalicense.com
- Choose county or state license
- Take required courses
- Pass the exam (business & law, plus trade exam)
- Provide proof of insurance
- Pay fees ($300-$500 depending on type)
Good to know: Florida has strict licensing rules. Start with a county license if you’re just beginning.
Georgia
Do you need a license?
- It DEPENDS on your county
- No statewide handyman license
- Some counties require local permits
What you need to check:
- Contact your county’s building department
- Ask about business license requirements
- Find out the dollar limits for your area
How to get started:
- Register your business with Georgia Secretary of State
- Get a business license from your county
- Check if specific work requires permits (electrical, plumbing)
Counties with stricter rules:
- Metro Atlanta counties often require more permits
- Rural counties may be less strict
Kentucky
Do you need a license?
- NO state license required for handyman work
- One of the easiest states to start in
What can you do without a license?
- Most general handyman services
- Minor repairs and maintenance
- Small remodeling projects
What you still need:
- Business license from your city or county
- Liability insurance (highly recommended)
- Workers’ compensation if you have employees
Exceptions:
- Electrical work may require an electrician’s license
- Plumbing work may require a plumber’s license
- HVAC work requires special licensing
Good to know: Even though Kentucky doesn’t require a state license, you should still get proper insurance and follow local building codes.
Louisiana
Do you need a license?
- YES if jobs cost more than $7,500
- NO for jobs under $7,500
What can you do without a license?
- Repairs and maintenance under $7,500
- Minor installations
- Small projects
How to get licensed:
- Visit lslbc.louisiana.gov
- Complete the application
- Pass the exam
- Show proof of insurance ($300,000 minimum)
- Pay fees (approximately $150-$200)
Good to know: Louisiana requires a bond and insurance before licensing. Budget for these costs.
Mississippi
Do you need a license?
- YES if jobs cost more than $10,000
- NO for jobs under $10,000
What can you do without a license?
- Small repairs
- Maintenance work
- Projects under the dollar limit
How to get licensed:
- Visit msboc.us
- Submit application with work experience proof
- Take the contractor exam
- Provide insurance documentation
- Pay fees (around $200)
Good to know: Mississippi requires you to show past work experience before they approve your license.
North Carolina
Do you need a license?
- YES if jobs cost more than $30,000
- NO for jobs under $30,000
What can you do without a license?
- Most handyman services
- Small to medium projects
- Repairs and maintenance
How to get licensed:
- Visit nclbgc.org
- Meet experience requirements (varies by license type)
- Pass the exam
- Submit financial statements
- Get bonded and insured
- Pay fees ($120-$150)
Types of licenses:
- Unlimited License – No dollar limit
- Intermediate License – Up to $525,000
- Limited License – Up to $100,000
Good to know: North Carolina’s $30,000 limit is generous. You can build a solid handyman business without licensing.
South Carolina
Do you need a license?
- YES if jobs cost more than $5,000
- NO for jobs under $5,000
What can you do without a license?
- Minor repairs
- Small maintenance jobs
- Projects totaling less than $5,000
How to get licensed:
- Visit llr.sc.gov/contractors
- Complete application
- Pass the exam
- Provide insurance proof
- Pay fees (approximately $110)
Good to know: South Carolina has a relatively low dollar limit, so plan to get licensed if you want to grow your business.
Tennessee
Do you need a license?
- YES if jobs cost more than $25,000
- NO for jobs under $25,000
What can you do without a license?
- General handyman services
- Repairs and maintenance
- Medium-sized projects under the limit
How to get licensed:
- Visit tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors
- Submit application
- Pass the exam
- Show proof of insurance
- Pay fees ($300-$400)
Types of licenses available:
- General Contractor
- Specialty Contractor (specific trades)
Good to know: Tennessee’s limit allows you to do substantial work without licensing. Get licensed when you’re ready to take on bigger projects.
Texas
Do you need a license?
- NO state license required for handyman work
- Great state for starting your business
What can you do without a license?
- Almost all handyman services
- Repairs and installations
- Remodeling projects
What you still need:
- Business license from your city
- Sales tax permit if you sell materials
- Liability insurance (strongly recommended)
Exceptions that need licensing:
- Electrical work over $500
- Plumbing work over $500
- HVAC work requires special license
- Asbestos work
How to register your business:
- Visit tdlr.texas.gov
- Register with Texas Secretary of State
- Get city/county business permits
- Apply for tax permits
Good to know: Even without state licensing, follow all building codes and get proper permits for your work.
Virginia
Do you need a license?
- YES if jobs cost more than $1,000
- NO for jobs under $1,000 (very limited)
What can you do without a license?
- Very small repairs only
- Jobs totaling less than $1,000
How to get licensed:
- Visit dpor.virginia.gov
- Complete application
- Pass the exam
- Show proof of experience
- Get bonded and insured ($150,000 minimum)
- Pay fees (around $200)
Types of licenses:
- Class A – Unlimited dollar amount
- Class B – Up to $150,000
- Class C – Up to $10,000
Good to know: Virginia has the lowest threshold at $1,000. Plan to get licensed immediately if working in Virginia.
Other Important Licenses & Permits
Business License
Every state requires this
- Register with your city or county
- Costs typically $50-$200 per year
- Renew annually
Where to get it:
- City Hall or County Clerk’s office
- Many states offer online registration
Sales Tax Permit
Required if you sell materials
- Lets you buy materials wholesale
- You collect sales tax from customers
- File sales tax returns monthly or quarterly
Where to get it:
- Your state’s Department of Revenue
- Usually free or low cost
Federal Tax ID (EIN)
Needed if you have employees
- Also called Employer Identification Number
- Free from the IRS
- Takes 5 minutes online
Get it at: irs.gov/ein
Special Trade Licenses
Some work requires extra licenses in EVERY state:
Electrical Work
- Most states require an electrician’s license
- Usually need apprenticeship hours
- Must pass a specific exam
Plumbing Work
- Separate plumber’s license required
- Apprenticeship hours needed
- Specific testing required
HVAC Work
- Heating and cooling license
- EPA certification for refrigerants
- Specialized training required
Gas Work
- Extra certification for gas lines
- Safety training required
- Strict regulations
Asbestos Removal
- Federal and state certification
- Special safety training
- Proper disposal requirements
Building Permits
What is a building permit? A building permit is permission from your local government to do certain types of work. The contractor or homeowner gets the permit before starting work.
When do you need a permit? Usually for:
- Structural changes (walls, roofs, foundations)
- Electrical work
- Plumbing work
- HVAC installation
- Deck construction
- Additions to homes
- Major renovations
When DON’T you need a permit? Usually for:
- Painting
- Flooring replacement
- Cabinet installation
- Minor repairs
- Cosmetic updates
How to get a permit:
- Go to your local building department
- Submit plans or description of work
- Pay permit fee ($50-$500+ depending on project)
- Schedule inspections
- Get final approval when done
Important: Always check with your local building department. Rules vary by city and county.
Insurance You Need
General Liability Insurance
What it covers:
- Property damage you cause
- Injuries that happen on the job
- Legal fees if you’re sued
How much: $1-2 million coverage recommended
Cost: $500-$1,500 per year
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required if: You have employees
What it covers:
- Employee injuries on the job
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
Cost: Varies by state and number of employees
Commercial Auto Insurance
Required if: You use your vehicle for work
What it covers:
- Vehicle damage during work
- Accidents while driving to jobs
- Tools and equipment in your vehicle
Cost: Usually more than personal auto insurance
Tool & Equipment Insurance
Optional but recommended
What it covers:
- Stolen tools
- Damaged equipment
- Tools lost on job sites
Cost: $200-$500 per year
How to Get Started (Step by Step)
Step 1: Research Your State’s Rules
- Look up your state in this guide
- Visit your state’s licensing board website
- Call with questions if you’re unsure
Step 2: Get Your Business License
- Register with your city or county
- Choose a business name
- Pay the registration fee
Step 3: Get Insurance
- Shop for general liability insurance
- Compare quotes from 3-5 companies
- Get at least $1 million coverage
Step 4: Get Your Tax IDs
- Apply for federal EIN if needed
- Get state sales tax permit
- Set up a business bank account
Step 5: Check if You Need a Contractor License
- Look at your state’s dollar limits
- Decide if you’ll stay under the limit
- Apply for license if needed
Step 6: Start Small and Legal
- Begin with jobs you can do legally
- Always pull required permits
- Follow building codes
- Save money for licensing when ready
Common Questions
Q: What happens if I work without a license?
- You can be fined
- Customers can sue you
- You might not be able to collect payment
- Your insurance might not cover you
- You could face criminal charges in some states
Q: Can I work in multiple states?
- You need a license in EACH state where you work
- Some states have agreements (reciprocity)
- Check each state’s rules
Q: How long does it take to get licensed?
- Application: 1-2 weeks
- Studying for exam: 2-8 weeks
- Getting results: 1-2 weeks
- Total: 1-3 months typically
Q: How much does licensing cost?
- Application fees: $100-$500
- Exam fees: $50-$200
- Insurance: $500-$2,000 per year
- Bond: $100-$500
- Total first year: $1,000-$3,500
Q: Do I need a license for side work?
- YES – the same rules apply
- Part-time or full-time doesn’t matter
- Working for yourself or others doesn’t matter
Q: Can I advertise as a handyman without a license?
- Check your state’s rules
- Some states allow “handyman” title without license
- Others require you to be licensed to advertise
- Always advertise truthfully about your qualifications
Resources & Links
State Licensing Boards
Alabama: genconbd.alabama.gov | (334) 272-5030
Arkansas: accessarkansas.org/aclb | (501) 372-4661
Florida: myfloridalicense.com | (850) 487-1395
Georgia: sos.ga.gov/PLB | (844) 753-7825
Kentucky: No state licensing board for handyman services
Louisiana: lslbc.louisiana.gov | (225) 765-2301
Mississippi: msboc.us | (601) 354-6161
North Carolina: nclbgc.org | (919) 571-4183
South Carolina: llr.sc.gov/contractors | (803) 896-4686
Tennessee: tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors | (615) 741-8307
Texas: tdlr.texas.gov | (512) 463-6599
Virginia: dpor.virginia.gov | (804) 367-8511
Other Helpful Resources
IRS (for tax ID): irs.gov/ein
Small Business Administration: sba.gov – Free business advice
OSHA (workplace safety): osha.gov
SCORE (free business mentoring): score.org
Final Tips
✓ Start legal from day one – It’s easier than fixing problems later
✓ Keep good records – Track all your jobs, expenses, and income
✓ Get insurance before your first job – Don’t risk everything you own
✓ Pull permits when required – Protects you and your customers
✓ Keep learning – Take classes, watch videos, improve your skills
✓ Network with other contractors – Learn from experienced pros
✓ Save money for licensing – Plan ahead for when you’re ready to grow
✓ Always give honest estimates – Build a reputation for fairness
✓ Treat every customer well – Word of mouth is your best advertising
Remember: This guide gives you general information. Always check with your state’s licensing board for the most current rules. Laws change, and each situation is different.
Good luck with your handyman business!
Last updated: November 2025
