No. A homeowner who owns and occupies a 1 or 2 family dwelling can do their own construction work, as long as they can demonstrate that they are knowledgeable of the code requirements of concern. You may not use or hire unlicensed people to help you or to do the work for you.

Manatee County issues and reciprocates Local Licenses for the following Trades:

• Mason
• Masonry and Concrete
• Garage Door Specialty Contractor
• Concrete
• Journeyman Electric
• Journeyman Plumbing

All local licenses issued in Unincorporated Manatee County are subject to Construction Trades Board approval and testing if applicable.

No, Unincorporated Manatee 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.

Unlicensed Contractors

Complaints can be filed with the Department of Business & Professional Regulations ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com

Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440.

Code Enforcement

(941) 748-2071

code.enforcement@mymanatee.org

Report an Unlicensed Contractor

(941) 749-3084

Local and Registered Contractors

Complaints can be filed directly with the Contractor Licensing Department. Please email your concerns to licensing@mymanatee.org State Certified Contractors: Complaints can be submitted directly with the Department of Business & Professional Regulations – www.myfloridalicense.com. The Contractor Licensing Department can also assist with complaints and options to address concerns.

Before you hire a contractor, ask to see the state-issued license. Also, verify the license number with Contractor Licensing licensing@mymanatee.org or 941-748-4501 ext. 3574. Licenses can also be verified with the Department of Business & Professional Regulations myfloridalicenses.com or 850-487-1395. Make sure to check for any complaints.

An occupational license does not qualify an individual to act as a contractor. Being registered with the Division of Corporations as an Inc. or LLC does not qualify an individual or company to act as a contractor.

Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the work the contractor will do, the materials involved, the completion date and total cost.

Beware of contractors who claim to be the fastest or the cheapest. Hiring them could result in poor workmanship, inferior materials or unfinished jobs.

Check with your local building department for any local license requirements.

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/or liability insurance and who possesses the necessary experience.

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 section at permitting@mymanatee.org or 941-748-4501 ext. 6893.

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

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.