I'm in Clay County, Florida and want to start a drywall-only company.

In Florida, drywall work generally falls under the Residential Contractor (RC) or General Contractor (GC) license categories, depending on the scope and value of the work.

Key Points:

• Drywall installation alone is typically considered a specialty trade, but Florida law requires licensing for most construction contracting work.
• If you're bidding directly to property owners or working on projects over $2,500, you must hold a state contractor license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• The appropriate license would likely be the Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) or Certified General Contractor (CGC), depending on project type and value.
• Clay County may also require local registration or business tax receipt, even if you hold a state license.

Exemptions:

• Some minor repairs or maintenance work may be exempt, but this is narrowly defined and usually doesn’t apply to full drywall installation.

Recommendation:

Contact the Florida DBPR (www.myfloridalicense.com) or Clay County Business Tax Office to confirm the exact license class required for your planned work.

Bottom line: Yes, you likely need a state contractor license to bid drywall jobs in Florida.

Yes, you need a state license from DBPR.

Under Florida Statute 489.105(3)(a), "contracting" includes "the construction, repair, or alteration of any building or structure." Drywall installation (hanging, taping, finishing) is universally classified as structural construction work, not exempt "minor repairs."

License Required: Certified or Registered Drywall Contractor (Category: Drywall, Code: 1410) or a General/Building/Residential Contractor license.

• Certified (Statewide): Pass state trade/business exams. Work anywhere in FL.
• Registered (Local): Pass local competency card (Clay County/Green Cove Springs) + state business exam. Work only in that jurisdiction.

Exemptions Do Not Apply:

• F.S. 489.103(7) "Handyman" Exemption: Only for casual, minor, non-structural repairs under $2,500 total (labor + materials). Drywall work almost always exceeds this or is deemed structural.
• Subcontractor Exception: You still need your own license to pull permits and sign contracts as a prime or sub. Working unlicensed under a GC's license is illegal for the trade contractor (F.S. 489.127).

Clay County Specifics:

• Verify local competency card requirements with Clay County Building Department (904-284-6315) or City of Green Cove Springs if working inside city limits.
• You must pull permits for drywall work (fire rating, structural shear walls). Only a licensed qualifier can pull permits.

Penalties: Unlicensed contracting is a 1st Degree Misdemeanor (1st offense), 3rd Degree Felony (subsequent/ during state of emergency). You lose lien rights, face triple damages, and cannot enforce contracts.

Action: Apply via DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). You need 4 years experience, passing exams, financial stability, insurance (GL/Workers' Comp), and a $20k bond (or $10k for Registered).