Start your own company
Start your own handyman company in Florida
Florida doesn't require a state license to run a handyman business — which means the distance between you and your own company is paperwork, insurance, and hustle, not years of exams. Here's the whole path, in plain English. When you're ready, the Blue Trade Alliance is built to send booked jobs to owners exactly like you.
What it takes
What it takes in Florida
Define your services — and know the legal line
Florida has no state handyman license, but it draws a hard line around what a handyman may do. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural work legally require a licensed contractor — no exceptions, no "just this once." Write down the services you'll offer (assembly, mounting, drywall, doors, fixtures, small repairs) and keep every one of them inside that line.
Register your business with Sunbiz
File an LLC with the Florida Division of Corporations at sunbiz.org. It's an online filing, the fee is a bit over a hundred dollars, and approval usually comes back within a few business days. The LLC puts a legal wall between your business and your personal savings.
Get your EIN from the IRS
A federal Employer Identification Number is free, takes minutes on the IRS website, and lets you open a business bank account and file taxes as a company instead of running everything through your Social Security number.
Pick up your local business tax receipt
Most Florida counties and many cities require a business tax receipt (the old "occupational license") to operate there. Check with your county tax collector and your city — in Tampa Bay that can mean both. It's usually a short application and a modest annual fee.
Carry general liability insurance
Not required by the state for handyman work — but you should treat it as non-negotiable. It covers the accident that would otherwise come out of your pocket, and it's the difference between a pro and a guy with a truck. Many customers, and the alliance, will ask for proof.
Consider a surety bond (optional)
A bond isn't required for handyman work in Florida, but it's an inexpensive trust signal: it tells a customer there's money behind your promise to finish the job. Some local jurisdictions ask for one for certain work — your county can tell you.
A BTA specialist walks you through every one of these steps, on the phone, in order — you never file anything alone.
Our specialists walk you through the steps and point you to the right agencies — they don't give legal, tax, or insurance advice. For decisions about your specific situation, talk to your own attorney or CPA.
Information reviewed July 2026
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