How does House Bill 735 Affect me in Citrus County?
Citrus county contractors are wondering how they will be impacted by the passage of House Bill 735 in Florida. This article has been created to monitor and update Citrus county’s response to this new law. If you have any questions or information to contribute, we encourage you to post a comment below. All questions will be promptly answered to the best of our ability.
Effective immediately, Citrus county contractors no longer need licenses for working on masonry, concrete, plastering, stucco, carpentry, or framing. Citrus is only offering Competency cards for Demolition, Windows and Doors, and Structural Steel. To view their specific scope of work, visit Citrus Competency card trades.
Citrus County's response to House Bill 735 is still in development, so we are sharing the following details based on the current regulations. Please note that these details are subject to change in the future:
You do not need a separate license specifically for painting houses in the County, even if you are a Handyman. However, appropriate licenses must be obtained before proceeding if the painting involves any structural, electrical, or plumbing changes.
Regarding repairing wooden decks, for minor repairs to existing wooden decks (e.g., replacing boards, railings, or hardware), you can likely perform the work as a Handyman. As long as the total cost of materials and labor does not exceed $1,000 per project. For major deck repairs or alterations that affect the deck's structural integrity, you will need a Building Contractor License with the appropriate specialty, such as Residential Framing or Structural Carpentry.
For bathrooms, if the update only involves cosmetic changes such as installing new cabinets, painting walls, and replacing flooring, you can do so as a Handyman (remembering the $1,000 project limit). And once again, structural, plumbing, and electrical updates require a trade license.
It is always recommended to double-check with your County's Building Division to confirm specific project requirements and whether a permit is needed. Additionally, keep an eye on Citrus County's website for updates on how House Bill 735 impacts local licensing requirements. You can also read this other informative article about this new licensing law:
https://www.contractorcampus.com/florida-house-bill-735-preemption-of-local-occupational-licensing.html
We hope this information clarifies any questions you may have had. Please feel free to contact us at 866-986-7978 if you require further assistance.