Licensing

Contractor Licensing:

The purpose of the Contractor Licensing Department is to ensure that contractors are properly licensed and registered for specific trades in Unincorporated Manatee County. In Florida, it is unlawful to provide contractor and construction services without the proper license.

The Florida contractor license process is governed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (EILB) within the Department of Business And Professional Regulation (DBPR). They provide applications for certified licenses that enable statewide contracting.

As of Oct 2014, Registered Contractor Licenses are no longer issued or reciprocated within Unincorporated Manatee County. All Registered Contractors registered prior to Oct 2014 can remain active with Manatee County as long as the license is maintained and does not expire.

Construction Trades Board:

The purpose of the Construction Trades Board is to regulate and license local contractors. The Construction Trades Board shall have the authority to discipline persons who violate applicable local code, State Statutes or Florida Building Code provisions pertaining to the activities of licensed contractors, including the authority to suspend and or revoke their licenses and impose monetary fines.

Membership Requirements

All applicants must be Manatee County residents or have businesses in the Unincorporated area of Manatee County.

Members shall serve the following terms:

  • Two members appointed for a term of two (2) years each
  • Three members appointed for a term of three (3) years each
  • Two members appointed for a term of four (4) years each

Four of the Members should be licensed building trades contractors:

  • One General Contractor
  • One Commercial Swimming Pool Contractor
  • One Mechanical/Electrical or Plumbing Contractor
  • One State Certified or Locally Licensed in any field of construction not represented

All contractors must have five years of experience.

Three members shall be citizens who do not hold an "Active" contracting license in the field of construction. These will serve as consumer representatives.

Occupational Licenses

 

Unincorporated Manatee County does not have a "Local Business Tax Receipt" (previously known as "Occupational License"), nor do we anticipate a requirement for them in the near future. This is not to be confused with the construction contractor licensing, which is a requirement by the State of Florida (FSS, Chapter 489).

Contractor Licensing Contact Information

For questions regarding licensing or registering your license in Manatee County, please contact our Licensing Division.

Licensing Division
Office: 
(941) 748-4501, ext. 3574
Fax: (941) 742-5887
Email: [email protected]


CONTACT US +