Understanding Florida's New Contractor Licensing Law: What You Need to Know as a Consumer A new Florida law, House Bill 735, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in June 2021, bans Florida municipalities and counties from creating additional licensing requirements for a long list of occupations. The law eliminates nearly all local licenses and expressly reserves contractor licensing to the state. Local licenses are those issued by county governments. The bill prohibits Florida counties from issuing contractor licenses for trades that are not regulated at the state level. For example, some local governments required a person to obtain a permit for painting, flooring, cabinetry, interior remodeling, driveway or tennis court installation, handyman services, decorative stone, tile, marble, granite, or terrazzo installation, and plastering. However, under the new law, cities cannot create new local occupational licenses for handyman services. As a consumer REFRESH PAINTING LLC wants you all to be aware that for this mentioned trades there is not license required . May 23, 2025

If you're a homeowner in Florida contemplating a renovation or hiring services like painting or cabinetry, understanding the licensing requirements for contractors is crucial. Recent changes brought about by the implementation of House Bill 735 have reshaped the landscape of contractor licensing, significantly affecting how local governments issue licenses for certain trades. At Refresh Painting, we're here to help you comprehend these changes and how they impact your next project.House Bill 735, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in June 2021, prohibits Florida municipalities and counties from imposing additional occupational licensing requirements on trades beyond those outlined at the state level. This law is pivotal because it streamlines the contractor licensing process, ensuring that only the state can regulate contractor licenses for certain trades. Prior to this law, local governments could implement their unique requirements for professions such as painting, flooring, cabinetry, and other handyman services, often leading to a maze of local permits.With this bill in effect, there's now a uniform standard across the state, reducing the bureaucracy previously faced by contractors and consumers alike. Notably, local governments can no longer mandate their licenses for trades that the state does not regulate. This means, for services like those provided by Refresh Painting, a local occupational license is no longer required. This change is particularly beneficial because it simplifies hiring a contractor and ensures that consumers can hire professionals without worrying about inconsistent local licensing requirements.For you, the consumer, this translates into fewer headaches and potentially lower costs when hiring trades such as painting or interior remodeling. Without the need for additional local licenses, contractors can operate more efficiently, reducing the time and cost burden associated with obtaining multiple permits. It means you have more freedom and flexibility when selecting a contractor. Companies providing services like those of Refresh Painting can focus more on their craft and less on paperwork.However, while this new law reduces the bureaucratic hurdles for contractors, it’s critical for consumers to remain vigilant when selecting who they work with. Even without certain licensing requirements, it's essential to work with credible, trustworthy contractors. Always consider other factors such as reputation, experience, insurance, and client testimonials. At Refresh Painting, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality services and maintaining transparency with our clients, ensuring your painting needs are met efficiently and professionally.In conclusion, Florida's new contractor licensing law is a step towards simplifying and standardizing the way certain trades are regulated. It lifts the burden of local permits for many services, including painting, so you can focus more on selecting the best contractor for the job rather than navigating a complex matrix of licenses. At Refresh Painting, we strive to keep abreast of such legal developments to serve you better and ensure your projects run smoothly and efficiently.By understanding the implications of House Bill 735, you are better equipped to navigate future home renovations with confidence. Should you have any queries about how these changes affect your specific needs, Refresh Painting is always here to help guide you through the process, making your renovation journey as seamless as possible.