Hernando County Contractor Licenses
Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes. If your license is not listed as Hernando County License, please select a Florida License.
Hernando has not made any decisions on how they will respond to House Bill 735 which will be into effect on July 2023. For any questions on how your County contractor license will be impacted by HB 735, contact the Hernando Licensing Department by giving them a call at 352-754-4050 or sending an email to
Construction Licenses in Hernando County
General
Unlimited services to the type of work the contractor may do.
Accessory Structure
Installation of transporting, positioning, blocking, leveling, supporting, tying down, anchoring and/or sale of either prefabricated structures or structures erected on site not exceeding (500) square feet; and not for human habitation.
Alarm I
Installation of service alarm systems for compensation, including, but not limited to, all types of alarm systems for all purposes.
Alarm II
Erection of service alarm systems for compensation, including, but not limited to, all types of alarm systems, for all purposes other than fire.
Aluminum Fabricating
Construction of aluminum and vinyl; soffit, fascia, siding, skirting, gutters and downspouts.
Building
Construction of commercial buildings and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, which commercial or residential buildings do not exceed three (3) stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection therewith.
Class A Air Conditioning
Installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating systems, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith; to install piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, and pneumatic control piping; to connect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to connect low voltage heating, ventilating and 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.
Class B Air Conditioning
Limited to twenty-five (25) tons of cooling and five hundred thousand (500,000) Btu of heating in any one system.Installation of central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, ventilating systems, piping and insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts; to connect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch, low voltage heating, ventilating, and air conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approval disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system.
Commercial Pool
Construction of any swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, whether public, private, pumps for dewatering purposes, steel work, installation of light niches, construction of floors, guniting, fiberglassing, installation of tile and coping, installation of all perimeter and filter piping, all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior, decks, equipment rooms or housing for pool equipment, and installation of package pool heaters.
Demolition
Demolition and removal of structures, such as dwellings, commercial buildings and foundations.
Electrical Unlimited
Installation of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof, which generates, transmits, transforms, or utilizes electrical energy in any form, including the electrical installations and systems within plants and substations.
Elevator/Specialty Electrical
Installation of elevators, conveyors, electrified dumbwaiters, escalators and moving sidewalks and all automatic and manual controls, signal systems and all other devices and manual controls, and electrical wiring appurtenant to the safe and efficient operation of such elevators.
Excavation
Excavating of material such as rock, gravel or sand to construct or excavate canals, lakes, levees, and any type of construction site development preparation, and includes the clearing of any type of land surface debris and vegetation; the grubbing of roots, the removal of debris; and the leveling or grading of any surface of the lands.
Fence
Installation of wire, wood, or precast or prefabricated fences, and the posts and foundations, necessary and incidental thereto and as required by applicable zoning regulations.
Glass and Glazing
Installation of swinging or sliding glass doors to existing wall, floors, columns or other structural members of the building, glass holding or supporting mullions or horizontal bars which are attached to existing building walls, floors, columns or other structural members of the building, and the cutting and installation of glass and mirrors.
Gypsum Drywall
Installation of drywall, all necessary and incidental metal accessories including non-load bearing metal studs, runners, hangers, channels, drywall metal suspension accessories and prefabricated ceiling materials; and the preparation of the surface over which drywall product is to be applied.
Insulation
Installation of insulation on or in walls and attics.
Lawn Sprinkler Systems
Installation of lawn sprinkling systems, and any appliances, apparatus, or equipment connected therewith.
Lighting Maintenance
Erection of lighting fixtures in or on buildings, signs, billboards, roadways, streets, parking lots and other similar structures.
Marine
Installation of supporting members for piers and docks; i.e., piles or pilings, columns, posts, stanchions, construction below, above or beyond, the mean low water line, for the sole purpose of constructing erecting or dismantling of piers, docks and seawall.
Masonry
Construction of any assembly of pre-formed masonry block, glass block, brick, or other masonry products in conjunction with the use of a compatible binder or filler for the purpose of creating a structure of any type, including the forming and pouring of the beams and lintels.
Mechanical
Installation of air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system, complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, lift station equipment and piping, and all appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection, pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, pneumatic control piping, gasoline tanks and pump installations and piping for same, standpipes, air piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen lines, nitrous oxide piping, ink and chemical lines, fuel transmission lines, and natural gas fuel lines within buildings; to connect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install low voltage heating, ventilating, and air conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system.
Natural Gas
Installation of natural gas piping, appliances, gas mains, lines, laterals, tanks, and other appurtenances.
Outdoor Sign Specialty Electrical
Erection of wiring of outdoor electrical signs and outside lighting, no more than twenty-five (25) kilowatts at two hundred fifty (250) volts maximum.
Plastering/Stucco
Application of sand or other aggregate, gypsum, plaster, portland cement, quick lime and water, or any other combination of such materials, so as to create a permanent surface coating which is usually applied with a plasterer’s trowel or by pneumatic pressure to any surface which offers a mechanical key for support of such coatings or to which such coatings will adhere by suction; and to provide key or suction basis necessary and incidental to the support of such coatings.
Plumbing
Installation of sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities; venting systems; public or private water supply systems, septic tanks, drainage and supply wells, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems, or solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas (excluding liquid petroleum gases), and storm and sanitary sewer lines; and water and sewer plants and substations, air-piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems; fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers to the extent authorized by law; ink and chemical lines; fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants, and pneumatic control piping systems.
Residential
Construction of (1)one-family, (2)two-family, or (3)three-family residences not exceeding (2)two habitable stories above no more than (1)one uninhabitable story and accessory use structure in connection therewith.
Residential Electrical
Installation of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof, in a one-, two-, three-, or four-family residence not exceeding two (2) stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection with the residence. The electrical service installed or worked upon is limited to single phase, four hundred (400) ampere single service.
Residential Pool
Construction of any residential swimming pool or hot tub or spa, pumps for dewatering purposes, steelwork, installation of housing for pool equipment, and installation of all perimeter and filter piping, all filter equipment and chemical feeders of any type, plastering of the interior, decks, housing for pool equipment, and installation of package pool heaters.
Residential Solar Water Heating
Construction of solar domestic hot water systems for one-family, two family or three-family residences not exceeding two (2) stories in height, and solar swimming pool heaters for residential swimming pools.
Roofing
Installation of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof.
Sheet Metal
Construction of ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter gauge and of other materials, including but not limited to fiberglass, used lieu thereof and of air-handling systems, including the setting of air-handling equipment and reinforcement of same and including the balancing of air-handling systems, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing which requires at least a partial disassembling of the system.
Solar
Installation of solar panels for potable water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith, whether public, private or otherwise, regardless of use.
Specialty Structure
Installation of the aluminum, metal, canvas, vinyl, fiberglass screening, allied construction materials, fabric coverings on metal substructures, screened porches, screened enclosures, pool enclosures, preformed panel-post and beam roofs, mobile home panel roofovers, residential glass window and door enclosures, vinyl panel window enclosures, single story self-contained aluminum utility storage structures (not to exceed 500 sq. ft.), siding, soffit, fascia and gutters.
Steel Erections
Erection of steel framework, columns, sheathing, beams and fabrication of metal buildings.
Structural Carpentry
Installation of all types of structural wood construction, including the installation, repair or replacement of any type of windows and doors.
Structural Concrete
Construction of that structure, a footer is required, pouring and finishing of concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios and miscellaneous slabs.
Swimming Pool Service
Installation of all piping, filter equipment, and chemical feeders of any type, replastering, pool interior finishes including but not limited to fiberglass, marcite, diamond brite, vinyl, and other similar type interior finishes, reconstruction of decks, and reinstallation of pool heaters, equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa.
Tile
Construction of terrazzo, marble floors and all types of hard tile for both interior and exterior waterproofing and cosmetic purposes.
Tree Removal
Removal of trees.
Underground Utility
Installation of main sanitary sewer collection systems, main water distribution systems, and storm sewer collection systems and the continuation of utility lines from the main systems to a point of termination up to and including the meter location for the individual occupancy, sewer collection systems at property line on residential or single-occupancy commercial properties, or on multi-occupancy properties at manhole or wye lateral extended to an invert elevation as engineered to accommodate future building sewers, water distribution systems, or storm sewer collection systems at storm sewer structures.
Cities & Municipalities
Apply for a Hernando County License
Contractor License Application
Specialty License Application
Hernando County Building Division
Contractor Licensing
789 Providence Blvd
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-4050
Contractor Application Checklist
- My Business and Personal Credit Reports from a local credit bureau have been applied for. (An applicant who is not currently licensed in any local jurisdiction will only be required to furnish a personal credit report.)
- At least two (2) notarized documents on the supplied forms are being provided to Contractor Certification. These documents reflect my active experience, this experience totals a minimum of four (4) years within the last eight (8)
- The Business and Personal Financial Statement in the application is complete and notarized. (Financial Statements must be completed in their entirety and must balance. Financial Statements that contain discrepancies or are incomplete can lead to denial of an application.) For an applicant not currently duly licensed in any local jurisdiction, only a personal financial statement will be necessary.
- The employment section of application is completed with last five (5) jobs for each of the years you are qualifying with dates of documented employment.
- My correct address, phone number and business name (if applicable) are on the application.
- My letter of reciprocity (if applicable) indicating a minimum grade of 75 percent has been received by Contractor Certification. The letter must state the name of the exam that was given by an approved testing firm, the date of the testing and the grade received.
- A copy of my Florida identification and/or Driver's License is attached.
- The non-refundable application/background fee is attached. Contact Department for current fees.
- List of last five (5) jobs.
- Statement of Authority (if applicable).
- Completed Choice Point Questionnaire (background).
Application Tips
- All applications must be completed in their entirety and submitted to Contractor Certification.
- If your application is received incomplete, you will be notified or what is needed to complete it. Incomplete appliactions will not be considered. There will be no exceptions.
- There is a non-refundable application/background check fee due when you submit your application to this office. Contact the Department for current fees.
- If your application is approved, there will be an additional fee for the competency card. This amount is not due until your application is approved. All checks are to be made out to the Hernando County Building Division. Contact the Department for current fees.
- Within thirty (30) days of Department approval the following items must be supplied to Contractor Certification. FAILURE to supply the following items will result in your application being voided and all monies forfeited.
- All of these items must be issued to read in the name which appears in the applicant's registration if applicable, or the name which appears on the applicant's Hernando County Certificate of Competency.
- If you are not registered with the State at the time you pick up your certificate of competency and are required to do so, you will be given a thirty (30) day grace period within which to become registered.
- Be advised your application for a certificate, including all information submitted in conjunction with your application, is subject to Florida State Statute 119.07 (public records law).
Reciprocity Application
To initiate the reciprocity process, please print and submit the Reciprocity Application Form.
Hernando County Contractor License Requirements
The Hernando County Board of Construction & Regulation has established criteria for obtaining a Certificate of Competency in Hernando County for Specialty Contractors as defined under Hernando County Ordinance 2015-11.
Exams
Proof of a proctored examination administered and proctored by a Florida testing firm with a minimum test score of 75 percent on both sections.
Experience
In order to verify an applicant's experience, the applicant will be required to provide evidence of a minimum of four (4) years active experience in the trade within the last eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application from practicing contractor in the field for which the applicant is applying, or from contractors possessing a more qualified license.
(Example: Residential Contractor for structural concrete). Such evidence shall be in the form of a least two (2) notarized documents (supplied with application) which show proof of the required years active experience. Such experience must meet the criteria as set forth by Board Rule. THe supplied forms must be used in documenting years of experience.
Finance
A business and personal financial statement must be supplied for those contractors/subcontractors already duly licensed in another county. Only a personal financial statement will be required for an applicant not currently duly licensed in any local jurisdiction.
Credit Reports
A business and personal credit report from a state approved credit bureau. The reports MUST be mailed DIRECTLY to CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION from the credit bureau. It is the applicant's responsibility to request this report from the credit bureau. For an applicant not currently, duly licensed in any local jurisdiction, only a personal credit report will be necessary.
Background Check
A background check will be done on all applicants
Application Denial
As an applicant if your application is denied you may appeal, and appear before the Board of Construction & Regulation.
Appearance Before the Board
If appearance before the Board of Construction & Regulation is requested or required and your application is denied, You must wait 6 months before reapplying
Liability Insurance
Below are the liability limits required for different trades.
- General Contractor | 300,000 | 50,000
- Building Contractor | 300,000 | 50,000
- Residential Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Alarm I & II Contractor | 300,000 | 500,000
- Commercial Pool Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Residential Pool Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Sheet Metal Contractor | 100,000 25,000
- Underground Utility Contractor (Excavation) | 100,000 | 25,000
- Plumbing Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Roofing Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Mechanical Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Solar Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Class A Air conditioning Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Class B Air Conditioning Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
- Electrical Unlimited Contractor | 300,000 | 500,000
- Swimming Pool Service Contractor | 100,000 | 25,000
