Charlotte County Contractor Licenses
Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes. If your license is not listed as Charlotte County License, please select a Florida License.
Due to House Bill 735, certificates of competency for local specialty licenses in Charlotte County will expire on July 1st, 2023. To view the licenses that will no longer be required, visit Charlotte House Bill 735 response. For updated information on each county response, visit our Blog on the Preemption local occupational licensing in Florida.
Charlotte County Contractor Licenses
General Class A
Construction is unlimited as to the type or size.
Acoustical & Insulation
Installation of any insulation primarily installed to prevent loss or gain of heat from rooms or buildings, prevent loss or gain of heat from internal or external sources in pipes, vessels, ducts, or built-up refrigerated boxes or rooms. Also qualified to install acoustical materials and non-structural domed ceilings.
Air Conditioning: Class A (unlimited size)
Installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the contractor as is necessary to make complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith; to erect piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, and pneumatic control piping; to disconnect to or to reconnect power wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. Shall not include any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines or connections thereto, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring on the line side of the disconnect switch.
Air Conditioning: Class B (size limits)
Limited to twenty-five (25) tons of cooling and five hundred thousand (500,000) Btu of heating in any one (1) system in the execution. Installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the contractor as is necessary to make complete an air-distribution system being installed under this classification; to maintain piping and insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts; to disconnect or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the disconnect switch and low-voltage heating, ventilating air conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. Shall not include any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines or connections thereto, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring on the line side of the disconnect switch.
Aluminum/Concrete
Installation of aluminum carports, screened areas, sliding glass doors, retractable screens, storm shutters, porches on existing foundations, roofovers of mobile homes, soffit and fascia, and gutters and downspouts, vinyl and aluminum siding on residential and commercial projects; and the replacement of glass or vinyl windows in existing openings.
Asphalt Paving and Coating
Construction of driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and patios with asphalt materials, and may also coat, seal or paint the striping of the above-mentioned areas.
Building Class B
Construction of commercial and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, which commercial or residential buildings do not exceed three stories in height, and also limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building if the services do not affect the structural members of the building.
Building Demolition (Non-explosive)
Demolish buildings and structures. Non-explosive is limited to demolishing buildings two (2) habitable stories in height or less.
Building Movers
Qualified to move buildings or structures from one site to another in accordance with all applicable building, zoning and traffic laws.
Cabinet & Trim Carpentry
Installation of nonstructural finished wood products including paneling, flooring, trim, cabinetry, countertops, non-structural dome ceilings, interior doors and all hardware incidental thereto, soffit and fascia, and weatherproofing; may perform minor "punch-out" type work on new construction such as minor drywall repair or painting touch up and may install manufactured partitions in restrooms. May not perform any work which affects the structural integrity of the building.
Carpentry
Construction of wooden structures and install wood products, including but not limited to, rough framing, including metal studs, structural and non-structural walls, trusses, sheathing, paneling, trim carpentry, roof dry-ins, soffit and fascia, gutters and downspouts, all types of siding materials applied to existing framework, dome ceilings, weatherproofing and storm, security shutters, and doors and pre-glazed windows, but not garage doors.
Ceramic Tile, Terrazzo & Marble
Preparation of terrazzo, prepare the base and set tile, including pool tile, set marble or granite counter tops.
Concrete/Masonry
Construction to cut and lay brick and concrete block or any other unit masonry products, lay brick and other clay products, rough cut and dress stone, artificial stone and precast blocks, glass brick or block, or any person who is qualified to batch and mix aggregates, cement and water to agreed specifications, to construct forms and framework for the casting and shaping of concrete, to erect reinforcing steel and miscellaneous embedded steel, to place mesh reinforcement, plastic vapor barriers and edge forms, and to pour, place and finish concrete including flatwork; also can apply decorative materials to driveways, lanais and patios. Shall also install tie beams and alternative wall systems, erect pre-cast or pre-stressed concrete products, and those who are qualified to install poured concrete roof deck systems.
Concrete Place & Finish
Placing and finishing of concrete, mixing or batching of concrete, including forms and framework for the casting and shaping of concrete including placement of mesh reinforcement bars, and steel reinforcement bars (rods) incidental thereto; can apply concrete sidewalks and driveways and install brick pavers and apply decorative materials to driveways, lanais and patios.
Door/window/garage door
Installation of any door, window and garage door, including storm and security shutters, including any work necessary and incidental to; may also perform the installation of vinyl and aluminum siding on residential and commercial projects.
Drywall
Installation of gypsum drywall products to wood and metal studs, to wood and steel joists and to metal runners in buildings of unlimited area and height. Shall include the preparation of the surface over which the drywall product is to be applied, including the placing of non-structural metal studs, runners and all necessary trim, and to spray coat drywall with a plaster aggregate mixture.
Electrical: Journeyman
Installation of any electrical systems, fire or burglar alarm systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus, and equipment used in connection therewith.
Electrical: Master
Construction of electrical systems, fire alarm systems, and all appurtenances, equipment, and apparatus used in connection therewith.
Fence
Installation of fencing on grade, including pre-cast concrete and pre-fabricated fences, and swimming pool mesh safety barriers which meet all applicable safety, zoning and building codes.
Glass & Glazing
Installation of all types of windows, select, cut, assemble and install all makes and kinds of glass and glass work, and execute the glazing frames, panels, sash and door and holding metal frames, ornamental decorations, mirrors, and glass tub and shower enclosures.
Grade, Fill, & Clearing
To grade and fill lots, remove materials such as rock, gravel, sand, surface debris, and vegetation, including the grubbing of roots, removal of trees, clearing the land and leveling the surface incidental and necessary thereto, install driveway culverts and stormwater collection systems incidental thereto, including non-marine rip rap, in compliance with local building and zoning regulations and environmental laws.
Home Inspector
Inspection to one-family, two-family and three-family residences not exceeding two (2) habitable stories in height. Any person performing home inspections must hold his/her own certificate of competency.
Job Site Cleanup
This license does NOT require taking a test. Job site cleanup contractors are those who are responsible for the removal of all nonusable construction materials, trash, etc., from commercial and residential construction sites
Landscaping-Commercial
Installation of trees, shrubs, plants and accessory materials, including non-marine rip rap on commercial jobsites.
Lawn Irrigation
Installation of all piping and sprinkler heads for the irrigation of laws. May connect lawn irrigation piping to the pump, and the electrical controller to a service disconnect provided for that purpose, but may not connect to any source of water intended for potable use, or to any electrical pump or any electrical pump wiring system or power supply in conjunction with the irrigation system.
Marine Construction
Construction of seawalls, retaining walls, bulkheads, revetments, docks, decks, boat lifts, piers, wharves, groins and other marine structures, including pile driving; also perform dredging operations, install rip rap, and perform concrete work incidental to davit installation.
Mechanical
Installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating systems, including ductwork in connection with a complete system only to the extent such ductwork is performed by the contractor as is necessary to make complete and air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, lift station equipment and piping, and appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend or design, when not prohibited by law, piping insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, oxygen lines, nitrous oxide piping, ink and chemical lines, fuel transmission lines, and natural gas fuel lines within buildings; to disconnect or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the disconnect switch and low-voltage heating, ventilating and air conditioning control wiring; and to install as condensate drain form an air conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. Does not include any works such as liquefied petroleum gas fuel lines within buildings, potable water lines, or connections thereto, sanitary sewer lines, swimming pool piping and filters, or electrical power wiring.
Painting
Applicaion of paint, acrylic, or other materials for coating of driveways, lanais, and patios, spraying equipment as well as hand tools to finish both exterior and interior work, paper hanging, sandblasting, and roof painting.
Pile Driving
Construction of drive piling, including sheet piling, and construction foundations, including the excavating, forming and placing of reinforcing steel and concrete, and performing other work incidental thereto.
Plaster, Stucco, & Spraycrete
Erection of plaster, stucco, and spraycrete contractors are those who are qualified to coat surfaces with a mixture of sand or other aggregate, including river rock, gypsum plaster, Portland cement, or quick-lime and water, or any combination of such material as to create a permanent surface coating. May also apply paint, acrylic, or other materials for coating of driveways, lanais, and patios. Installation of pre-manufactured or decorative stone. May apply and affix gypsum or metal lath or any other product prepared or manufactured, including the placing of metal studs and runners to which lath is to be applied, to provide key or suction bases for the support of plaster coatings. Shall not form a structural concrete pool shell.
Plumbing: Journeyman (not req.)
Construction of any plumbing system, including waste drains, vents, water supply, fixtures and also install gas piping, appliances, lines, laterals, tanks and other appurtenances in connection therewith under the supervision of an Unlimited Master Plumbing Contractor.
Plumbing: Master
Installation of any plumbing system, including waste drains, vents, water supply, fixtures and also any gas piping system, including appliances, lines, laterals, tanks and other appurtenances in connection therewith.
Residential Class C
Limited to new construction and remodeling of residential properties.
Roofing
Installation and removal of all types of roofing materials.
Sign: Non-electrical
Installation of nonelectrical signs in accordance with building and zoning codes.
Sign: Electrical
Erection of any electrical wires, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof on electrical signs and are qualified to erect signs. May connect to an existing sign circuit and may contract for and take out building permits for the erection of signs in accordance with building and zoning codes.
Structural Steel
Erection of structural steel shapes and plates, including such minor field fabrication as may be necessary, of any profile, perimeter or cross-section that are or may be used as structural members for buildings and structures, including riveting, bolting, welding and rigging and handrails.
Swimming Pool/Spa: Water treatment and cleaning
Involves the water treatment and cleaning of any swimming pool, hot tub, or spa, whether public or private. Does not include any piping and piping repairs, replacement and repair of existing equipment, installation or repair of equipment, tile, coping, filter equipment or chemical feeders, replastering, construction of decks, footers, stemwalls and steps, and reinstallation or addition of pool heaters. A swimming pool/spa water treatment and cleaning contractor is not permitted to drain a swimming pool of more than twenty (20) percent of its capacity.
Swimming Pool/Spa: Class A-Commercial
Construction of of any swimming pool, or hot tub spa, whether public, private, or otherwise, regardless of use. Installation of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction of such equipment. Does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.
Swimming Pool/Spa: Class B-Residential
Servicing of any residential swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, in areas attached to one-family or two-family dwellings. The installation of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure. Does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.
Swimming Pool/Spa: Class C-Maint./Repair
Construction of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public or private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the repair or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation or addition of pool heaters, the repair or replacement of all perimeter piping and filter piping, the repair of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and the substantial or complete draining of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, for the purpose of any repair or renovation. Does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.
Swimming Pool/Spa: Class C-Maint./Repair
Construction of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public or private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the repair or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation or addition of pool heaters, the repair or replacement of all perimeter piping and filter piping, the repair of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and the substantial or complete draining of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, for the purpose of any repair or renovation. Does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.
City & Municipalities
Apply For Your License
Application Forms
Application Fees
- Acoustical & Insulation | $150.00
- Air Conditioning: Class A (unlimited size) | $200.00
- Air Conditioning: Class B (size limits) | $200.00
- Aluminum/Concrete | $200.00
- Asphalt Paving and Coating | $150.00
- Building Class B | $250.00
- Building Demolition (Non-explosive) | $150.00
- Carpentry | Structural | Cabinet & Trim | $150.00
- Ceramic Tile, Terrazzo & Marble | $150.00
- Concrete/Masonry | $150.00
- Concrete Place & Finish | $150.00
- Door/window/garage door | $150.00
- Drywall | $150.00
- Electrical: Master | $200.00
- Electrical: Journeyman | $50.00
- Fence | $150.00
- General Class A | $300.00
- Glass & Glazing | $150.00
- Grade, Fill, & Clearing | $150.00
- Job Site Cleanup | $150.00
- Landscaping-Commercial | $150.00
- Lawn Irrigation | $150.00
- Marine Construction | $150.00
- Mechanical | $200.00
- Painting | $150.00
- Pile Driving | $150.00
- Plaster, Stucco, & Spraycrete | $150.00
- Plumbing: Master | $200.00
- Plumbing: Journeyman (not req.) | $50.00
- Residential Class C | $200.00
- Roofing | $200.00
- Sign: Non-electrical | $150.00
- Sign: Electrical | $150.00
- Structural Steel | $150.00
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Water treatment and cleaning | $150.00
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Class A-Commercial | $200.00
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Class B-Residential | $200.00
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Class C-Maint./Repair | $200.00
- Underground Utility | $200.00
Licensing Requirements
Charlotte County requires the following documentation to submit an application to become a contractor.
Experience Documentation
Experience documentation is to be on letterhead stationery from the employer(s), indicating the exact dates of employment, type of work, and duties performed and must be notarized. In addition, if you are applying for a license under a fictitious name, provide a copy of the fictitious name recording registered with the Secretary of State of Florida.
If the company is a corporation, provide a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, Minutes indicating current officers' names and titles, and a Resolution of Authorization (this states that the applicant is authorized to apply for a license to qualify the corporation). If a partnership, you will need to complete the Partnership Agreement Form.
Reciprocity
Letters of reciprocity are accepted from the county from which the exam was taken, stating the exam date, type of exam, and grade received (75% or higher is required). In addition, letters of reciprocity must include the number of years of experience submitted by the applicant before taking the exam. Both trade and business and law exams are required. The exam taken must be the same exam Charlotte County offers. NO SUBSTITUTIONS ARE ALLOWED.
Identification
Copy of current picture identification such as a driver’s license with current home address shown.
Credit Reports
A credit report sent directly to this office from the credit bureau on your personal credit and your business credit must be provided. If you are applying to change the company name, you will need a credit report on the old company name also.
Application Fee
A check for the application fees made out to the Charlotte County Board of County Commission (CCBCC) for the licensing period (see "Licenses Offered by Charlotte County" below for application fees). Please call 941.743.1201 if you are unsure of the amount due. This fee is non-refundable after the application is reviewed.
Photo
A passport type photo of yourself attached to the application.
Worker's Comp
An original certificate of insurance on worker's compensation showing Charlotte County Building as the certificate holder which indicates the insured's name, company name and address, and the policy number. If exempt, submit a copy of the approved worker's compensation exemption from the Department of Labor (State). Proof of insurance is not required until the application is approved. Certificate must be in the exact name of the business in which you are to qualify and must indicate that the qualifier is covered under the policy if this division is not also provided with a worker’s compensation exemption for the qualifier.
General Liability
An original certificate of insurance stating general liability with limits of $300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage or $300,000 combined single limit liability (State Electrical Board limits are higher) showing Charlotte County Building as the certificate holder which indicates the insured's name, company name and address, and the policy or binder number. Proof of insurance is not required until the application is approved. Certificate must be in the exact name of the business in which you are to qualify.
State Registration (if applicable)
Copy of current active state registration license is required for the following trades: General, Building, Residential Contractor, Master Electrician, Master Plumber, Air Conditioning (A,B,C), Mechanical, Swim Pool (A,B,C), Roofing, Sheet Metal, Underground Utility, or Solar Energy. If you do not currently hold a state registration for the above categories, once the license has been issued by the county, the applicant must register with the Department of Business & Professional Regulations and provide Charlotte County Building with a copy of the state registered license prior to conducting business.
Local Business Tax Receipt
After approval and prior to the issuance of your certificate of competency, you must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt. To obtain the Local Business Tax Receipt, please call 941.743.1350 or stop by the Tax Collector’s office in Room 241, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL. For additional information, visit their website at www.cctaxcol.com
Reciprocal Local Business Tax receipts for State Registered or Certified Contractors are accepted.
Years of Experience
- Acoustical & Insulation | 3 yrs
- Air Conditioning: Class A (unlimited size) | 4 yrs
- Air Conditioning: Class B (size limits) | 4 yrs
- Aluminum/Concrete | 4 yrs
- Asphalt Paving and Coating | 3 yrs
- Building Class B | 4 yrs
- Building Demolition (Non-explosive) | 4 yrs
- Carpentry | Structural | Cabinet & Trim | 3 yrs
- Ceramic Tile, Terrazzo & Marble | 3 yrs
- Concrete/Masonry | 3 yrs
- Concrete Place & Finish | 3 yrs
- Door/window/garage door | 3 yrs
- Drywall | 3 yrs
- Electrical: Master | 6 yrs
- Electrical: Journeyman | 4 yrs
- Fence | 3 yrs
- General Class A | 4 yrs
- Glass & Glazing | 3 yrs
- Grade, Fill, & Clearing | 3 yrs
- Job Site Cleanup | 3 yrs
- Landscaping-Commercial | 3 yrs
- Lawn Irrigation | 3 yrs
- Marine Construction | 3 yrs
- Mechanical | 4 yrs
- Painting | 3 yrs
- Pile Driving | 3 yrs
- Plaster, Stucco, & Spraycrete | 3 yrs
- Plumbing: Master | 6 yrs
- Plumbing: Journeyman (not req.) | 4 yrs
- Residential Class C | 4 yrs
- Roofing 4 yrs $200.00
- Sign: Non-electrical | 3 yrs
- Sign: Electrical | 3 yrs
- Structural Steel | 3 yrs
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Water treatment and cleaning | 3 yrs
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Class A-Commercial | 4 yrs
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Class B-Residential | 4 yrs
- Swimming Pool/Spa: Class C-Maint./Repair | 4 yrs
- Underground Utility | 4 yrs
Charlotte County Contact Information
- Charlotte County Community Development Licensing Division Licensing and Building Code Compliance
- 18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
- Phone: (941) 743-1201 FAX: (941)764-4907
- www.charlottecountyfl.com
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