Hillsborough County Contractor Licenses
Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes. If your license is not listed as Hillsborough County License, please select a Florida License.
Hillsborough County will continue regulating the local Specialty licenses that mirror the DBPR, which are Demolition, Drywall, Irrigation, Aluminum Structure, Glass & Glazing, and Marine contractor licenses. Although they are not accepting new applications now, Keep an eye out for an update on the Hillsborough County Licensing page once they start accepting again. For updated information on each county response, visit our Blog on the Preemption local occupational licensing in Florida.
Construction Licenses in Hillsborough County
General
“General Unlimited Contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do, except as otherwise expressly provided in s. 489.113. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a General Unlimited Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Alarm System Contractor I
An Alarm Contractor is a contractor whose business includes the execution of contracts requiring the ability, experience, financial means, science, knowledge, and skill to lay out, fabricate, install, maintain, alter, repair, monitor, inspect, replace, or service alarm systems for compensation, including, but not limited to, all types of alarm systems for all purposes.
Aluminum Structure
The scope of work for an Aluminum Contractor shall include and be limited to screened porches, screened enclosures, pool enclosures, pre-formed panel-post and beam roofs, mobile home panel roof-overs, residential glass and window door enclosures, vinyl panel window enclosures and single story self-contained aluminum utility storage structures not exceeding seven hundred twenty (720) square feet. The scope of the work shall include wood work incidental to the aluminum and allied materials construction work. It shall be limited to the construction of wood framing for walls of uninhabitable utility storage structures, raised wood decks for enclosures, and the repair and/or replacement of wood incidental to the installation of glass windows and doors, installation of siding, soffit, fascia, gutters, and preformed panel-post and beam roofs. The scope of such work shall include masonry concrete work and be limited to foundations, slabs and block knee walls incidental to the aluminum and allied materials construction work. The aluminum contractor, whose services are limited, shall not perform any work that alters the structural integrity of the building including but not limited to roof trusses, lintels, load bearing walls and foundations. The aluminum contractor shall subcontract, with a licensed qualified contractor in the field concerned, all work incidental to that which is defined herein but which is the work of a trade other than that of an aluminum contractor. The scope of certification for an Aluminum Contractor includes and is limited to the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge and skill necessary for the fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, adjustment, alteration, repair, servicing and design work when not prohibited by law, in accordance with accepted engineering data and/or according to manufacturers specifications in the aluminum metal, vinyl and fiberglass screening and allied construction materials. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as an Aluminum Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Building
“Building Contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to construction of commercial and single-dwelling or multiple-dwelling residential buildings, which commercial or residential buildings do not exceed three stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection therewith or a contractor whose service are limited to remodeling, repair, or improvement of any size building if the services do not affect the structural members of the building. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Building Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Carpentry
A Carpentry Contractor means the scope of certification includes and is limited to the execution of contracts requiring the skill, knowledge, ability and experience to install, repair, maintain, and replace, all types of structural wood construction, including the installation, repair or replacement of any type of windows and doors. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Carpentry Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Class A Air Conditioning
Class A Air Conditioning contractor means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend or design, when not prohibited by law, 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 install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend or design, when not prohibited by law, 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. The scope of work for such contractor shall also include any excavation work incidental thereto, but 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.
Concrete
Concrete Contractor means the scope of certification includes and is limited to the execution of contracts requiring skill, knowledge, ability and experience to install, repair, maintain, and replace, concrete foundations designed to accept any structure when in the design of that structure, a footer is required. The scope of work of such contractor shall include, but not be limited to, the pouring and finishing of concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios and miscellaneous slabs.
Demolition
Demolition Contractor means the scope of certification includes demolition and removal of structures, such as dwellings, commercial buildings and foundations. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as an Aluminum Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Door, Window & Siding Installer
GITS does not have an exam for doors, windows, and siding. They only have a windows door & shutter exam and then they have a seperate siding exam so if the individual wanted to obtain that license through gits they would have to pass both of those exams
A Doors/Windows/Shutters Contractor is qualified to install Doors/Windows/Shutters and similar accessories. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Doors/Windows/Shutters Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Drywall
Gypsum Drywall Contractor means the scope of certification includes and is limited to the 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. This includes the application of base and finish coats specifically designed for the gypsum drywall products. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Gypsum Drywall Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Electrical
In order for an applicant to be eligible to receive certification from the board as a Master Electrician the applicant must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the skill, knowledge, ability and experience to install, maintain, design, repair, alter, extend and construct electrical systems, fire alarm systems, and all appurtenances, equipment, and apparatus used in connection therewith in accordance with the building code and all other applicable codes and regulations, and to supervise and direct other persons who engage in such activities.
Garage Door Installer
Those who are qualified to install, maintain, repair, alter or extend residential or commercial type garage doors, including all hardware and operating devices. 120 volt electrical installation required for the door operating devices may be included in the contract for work but, must be subcontracted to a Certified Electrical Contractor.
Gas
A Master Fuel Gas Fitter is defined as a person who repairs, maintains, or extends any gas piping system. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Master Fuel Gas Fitter may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Glass and Glazing
The scope of work is limited to the installation and attachment of all types of windows and glass, whether fixed or movable; the installation of swinging or sliding glass doors to existing walls, floors, columns or other structural members of the building; the installation of 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. A glass and glazing specialty building contractor may also install prefabricated glass, metal or plastic curtain walls or panels, caulking incidental to such work, and assembly, and installation of shower and tub enclosures and metal fascias. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Glass and Glazing Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Hurricane Shutters
A Hurricane Protection Contractor is qualified and certified to fabricate, erect and install awnings or canopies of metal including other materials, incidental thereto, in or on buildings or other structures, and which may be, in whole or part, supported from a building wall erected and provided by others, or may be self-supporting.
Insulation
Insulation Contractor means the scope of certification includes and is limited to the execution of contracts requiring the skill, knowledge, ability and experience to install, repair, maintain, and replace, insulation on or in walls and attics, in compliance with the Florida Model Energy Code. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as an Insulation Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Irrigation
An Irrigation Contractor is qualified to install, repair, alter, maintain and extend lawn sprinkling systems, and any appliances, apparatus, or equipment connected therewith. An Irrigation Contractor may not make connections to a potable water system or perform any service on irrigation for the purpose of agriculture. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as an Irrigation Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Low Voltage Electrical
An Low Voltage/Communication/Sound Contractor is qualified to install, repair, maintain, fabricate, alter, extend, construct, and design electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, circuits, equipment and fiber optics (transmission of light over stranded glass) or any portion of these not to exceed 98 volts, when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data, proprietary video (satellite systems which are not part of a community antenna television or radio distribution system), central vacuum, electrical locks, private telephone, intercom, and public address systems. This certification is limited to electrical circuits and equipment governed by 47 C.F.R. Part 68 or NEC Articles 725 (Class 2 and 3 circuits only), 770, 800, 810, and 820. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as an Low Voltage/Communication/Sound Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Masonry
Masonry contractor means the scope of certification includes and is limited to the execution of contracts requiring the skill, knowledge, ability and experience to install, repair, maintain, and replace, 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. A person who has passed a competency examination as a Masonry Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Mechanical
A Mechanical Contractor is defined as a person whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend or design, when not prohibited by law, 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. The scope of work for such a contractor shall also include any excavation work incidental thereto, but shall 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.
Painter
A Painting Contractor is qualified to clean, caulk and size services in preparation for and to apply paint and related liquids or viscous products by brush, roller or spray methods to all surfaces including roofs as well as cleaning, sandblasting, caulking and sizing surfaces in preparation for, and to apply waterproofing products in the same manner to the inside or outside of vertical surfaces. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Painting Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Paving
Paving contractor means those who are qualified with the experience and skill to construct roads, parking lots, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, storm drainage facilities, and to perform the excavating, clearing, and grading incidental thereto.
Plastering and Stucco
An Plastering and Stucco Contractor is qualified the application of the mixtures of sand or other aggregate, plaster, gypsum, portland cement, quick lime and water, or any combination of these materials, to create a surface which offers a mechanical key 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
A Master Plumber is qualified to install, repair, maintain, or extend any plumbing system, including waste drains, vents, water supply and fixtures and also install, maintain or repair gas piping, appliances, lines, laterals, tanks and other appurtenances in connection therewith. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Master Plumber may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Residential
“Residential contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences not exceeding two habitable stories above no more than one uninhabitable story and accessory use structure in connection therewith. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Residential Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Roofing
An Unlimited Roofing Contractor is qualified to install, repair, maintain, alter, extend or design all types of roofing, waterproofing, and other coating, unless the coating is represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof and the materials in the connection therewith of any structure. The Unlimited Roofing Contractor is certified to repair or replace any portion of any roof. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Unlimited Roofing Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Sheet Metal
Sheet Metal Contractor means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill necessary for the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, handling, erection, installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design, when not prohibited by law, 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. The Sheet Metal Contractor may perform these activities or have persons in his employ perform them.
Sign Non-Electrical
A Sign Erection Contractor is qualified to erect, apply and install any outside display of letters, characters, ornamentations or illustrations that do not include the incorporation of any electrical work in their manufacture, erection or fabrication. A sign erection contractor may also install facing, panels and frame structures which are fixed or movable, free standing or attached to an existing building or structure. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Sign Erection Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Solar
Solar contractor means a contractor whose services consist of installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, relocation, or replacement 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. A contractor, certified or registered pursuant to the provisions of Florida Statutes, Chapter 489, is not required to become a certified or registered solar contractor or to contract with a solar contractor in order to provide any services enumerated in this paragraph that are within the scope of services such contractor may render under this code. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Solar Water Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Swimming Pool Commercial
“Commercial pool/spa contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of any swimming pool, or hot tub spa, whether public, private, or otherwise, regardless of use. The scope of work includes the installation, 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 finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a pool/spa servicing contractor. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of 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, modification, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license shall not be required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in any way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Commercial Pool Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Swimming Pool Service/Maintenance
“Swimming pool/spa servicing contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the repair and servicing 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. The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines. The installation, construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa requires licensure; however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning shall not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of such equipment. Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license. In addition, a license shall not be required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in any way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Pool Maintenance and Repair Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
Tile & Marble
The scope of work shall include and be limited to erecting, attaching, applying and embedding tile in concrete, clay or other material, applied to floors or walls, and shall include the application of base courses. Scope of work shall include tile, brick or similar materials. This work is to include non-load-bearing structural elements.
Underground Utilities
“Underground utility and excavation contractor” means a contractor whose services are limited to the construction, installation, and repair, on public or private property, whether accomplished through open excavations or through other means, including, but not limited to, directional drilling, auger boring, jacking and boring, trenchless technologies, wet and dry taps, grouting, and slip lining, or main sanitary 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 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. However, an underground utility and excavation contractor may install empty underground conduits in rights-of-way, easements, platted rights-of-way in new site development, and sleeves for parking lot crossings no smaller than 2 inches in diameter, provided that each conduit system installed is designed by a licensed professional engineer or an authorized employee of a municipality, county, or public utility and that the installation of any such conduit does not include installation of any conductor wiring or connection to an energized electrical system. An underground utility and excavation contractor shall not install any piping that is an integral part of a fire protection system as defined in s. 633021 beginning at the point where the piping is used exclusively for such system. As regulated under Florida Statute, a person who has passed a competency examination as a Utilities Contractor may perform these or related tasks or may supervise persons in his employ in the execution of these tasks.
