St. Petersburg Handyman / Home Contractor License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Florida contractor license (DBPR CILB) — when needed
   A handyman without a state license may only do casual, minor jobs under $2,500 total (labor + materials), not split to dodge the limit, and may not advertise as a "contractor". Bigger or structural, roofing, electrical, plumbing or HVAC work needs the right license.
   ⏰ If licensed: verify your renewal date on your DBPR license
   Source: Florida Statutes §489.103 (contractor license exemptions)
2. Business name and entity filings (Sunbiz)
   LLCs and corporations file an annual report ($138.75 for an LLC). Using a name other than your legal name? Register it as a fictitious name.
   ⏰ Annual report: May 1 ($400 late fee). Fictitious name: renew every 5 years
   Source: Florida Division of Corporations: File Annual Report · Florida Statutes §865.09 (fictitious name registration)

Local (St. Petersburg / Pinellas County)

1. City of St. Petersburg Business Tax Receipt
   Required to do business inside city limits. Renewal notices usually mail in July, but the tax is due even if you never get one.
   ⏰ Due by September 30; 10% late in October, up to 25%
   Source: City of St. Petersburg: Business Tax Receipts
2. Pinellas County
   Pinellas County itself does not issue a business tax receipt (repealed in 1995). Your city receipt is what you need locally.
   ⏰ None
   Source: Pinellas County: Occupational Licenses/Business Tax Receipts
3. Pinellas contractor registration
   Pinellas County lists a "Register a State Contractor's License" service on its site. Unverified: confirm with Pinellas County whether your state license must be registered there before you work.
   ⏰ Verify renewal date with the board
   Source: Pinellas County: Occupational Licenses/Business Tax Receipts