Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the document KNOW YOUR SCOPE by LICENSE TYPE for clarification on what type of work you can perform.

Yes, the information listed on the qualifier’s contractor license must match the information on the certificate of insurance INSURED section. (F.A.C. Rule 61G4-15.003)

No.  To use a workers’ compensation exemption, the information on the state contractor license must show the qualifying business name used for the exemption. (F.A.C. Rule 69L-6.012)

State law requires construction to be done by a licensed contractor. However, owners may apply for an owner-builder permit under an exemption from the law. The exemption specifies that, as the owner of the property, you may act as you own contractor with certain restrictions even though you do not have a license.

For assistance on applying for an owner-builder permit please contact the Permitting department at 850-248-8350.

View more information on the Regulation of Professions and Occupations Contracting’s Florida Statutes Title XXXII Chapter 489.103.

First, is the person you are dealing with licensed? If you aren’t sure you can call Contractor Licensing at 850-248-8350 or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 800-342-7940. 

DBPR Contractor Search - https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID

Learn about the registration and renewal fees on the Contractor Licensing page.

Florida law requires contractors to be licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is a violation of Florida Statute 455.228 and is subject to a fine of up to $5,000.

While hiring an unlicensed contractor may provide a quick fix in the short term, it could result in many serious and lasting consequences, including further damage to your property. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) receives varying cases of alleged unlicensed construction activity including those alleging substandard work not up to building code, instances of homeowners paying for a job that is not completed as well as contractors abandoning the project.

By hiring a licensed contractor, you will have peace of mind knowing that the project will be done by someone who has taken the time to acquire the appropriate education and the proper workers’ compensation and general liability insurance and who possesses the necessary experience.

Any person who is not licensed and registered with the Construction Industry Licensing Board is working illegally. In addition, the State Attorney General's Office has stated that contracts made with an unlicensed contractor are not enforceable under law.

Another reason is the license provides some protection to the owner from being charged for work and materials not provided or paying twice for them (material suppliers and sub-contractors can place a lien on your home if they do not receive payment from your contractor). There are also trade licenses for those persons doing other work to provide some assurance that they have adequate knowledge and training in those fields.

Yes. If exam and experience requirements are the same as Bay County. If you are interested in a reciprocal license, you will need to submit an application (PDF) for approval.

Your contractor’s license was not renewed by the expiration date. The status of your license before the expiration date was active. You may not practice with this license until the status has been updated.

Email renewal is preferred, however, renewal of your competency card may be done by mail.  Simply download and complete the Renewal form (PDF), attach a copy of last year’s competency card and current insurance information, include the appropriate payment as indicated on the form, and email to contractorlicensing@baycountyfl.gov or mail to: 840 W. 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

To register as a state-certified contractor in Bay County the applicant must provide the following:

• State license
• Proof of Workers' Compensation and liability insurance
• Driver’s license or government-issued ID
• A completed county Licensing application

A person applying to be a registered contractor in Bay County must provide the following:

• An Application for reciprocity
• A letter of reciprocity from the county where testing took place
• State license
• Proof of Workers' Compensation and liability insurance

No, Unincorporated Bay County does not have a "Local Business Tax Receipt," previously known as an "Occupational License."

However, it's essential to note that this does not apply to construction contractor licensing, which is mandated by the State of Florida under FSS, Chapter 489. The absence of an Occupational License in the county should not be confused with the requirement for construction contractor licensing.

Chapter 489, Part I, of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 61G4 of the Florida Administrative Code.

Yes, contractors are required to qualify a construction business with their individual license. (FS Chapter 489.119)

Yes, the name of the qualified business will be listed on the contractor’s license.

Yes, this information will be required upon registering with Bay County.