Hiring a Handyman: What They Can and Can't Do

A handyman can do small, non-structural repairs, but licensed trades are different. Texas requires licenses for electrical, plumbing and air conditioning work. Florida exempts only casual, minor work below a dollar limit set in its contractor law, and not if the person advertises as a contractor. For anything bigger, hire a licensed contractor.

Key facts

Texas says a person may not perform or offer electrical work unless the person holds an appropriate license, with limited exemptions.
Texas says a person may not engage in plumbing without the proper license, registration or endorsement, with limited exceptions.
Texas requires a license to engage in air conditioning and refrigeration contracting.
Florida exempts casual, minor or inconsequential work below a dollar limit in its contractor law, but not if the job is part of a larger project or split up to evade the law.
Florida's minor-work exemption does not apply to anyone who advertises as a contractor.
In Florida, unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor, and a third-degree felony during a declared state of emergency.
Handyman is not one of the programs Texas's Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees.

Is there a handyman license?

No, in either state. Handyman is not among the programs TDLR regulates in Texas, and Florida's contractor law has no handyman class. But both states license the trades a handyman might be tempted to touch.

What work needs a licensed trade?

In Texas, electrical work needs an appropriate license (Occupations Code 1305.151), plumbing needs the proper license or registration (1301.351), and air conditioning and refrigeration contracting needs a contractor license (1302.251). Houston adds that mechanical, electrical and plumbing work must generally be permitted and done by licensed people (Houston Permitting Center).

In Florida, the same trades are licensed through DBPR, and cities such as Miami issue roofing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and gas permits only to licensed contractors.

How does Florida's small-job exemption work?

Florida Statutes 489.103 exempts casual, minor or inconsequential work when the total contract price is below a dollar limit written into the law. The exemption is lost if the job is part of a larger operation, if it's split into smaller contracts to avoid the law, or if the person advertises as a contractor.

Unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, and a third-degree felony during a declared state of emergency (489.127).

What about older homes?

If your home was built before 1978, the EPA's lead paint rule applies to anyone paid to disturb painted surfaces, including handymen, unless the work stays under small size limits. Firms must be EPA certified (EPA).

How to choose a provider

Describe the whole job up front and ask whether it needs a permit.
Hire a licensed electrician, plumber or HVAC contractor for those trades.
In Florida, be wary of anyone who advertises as a contractor without a license.
Don't split a project into small contracts.
In a pre-1978 home, ask whether the handyman's firm is EPA lead-safe certified.
Get the price and scope in writing.

Handyman services guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Do handymen need a license in Texas?

There is no handyman license, but electrical, plumbing and air conditioning work require state licenses.

Do handymen need a license in Florida?

There is no handyman license. Florida exempts only casual, minor work below a dollar limit in the law, and not if the person advertises as a contractor.

Can a handyman replace a light fixture in Texas?

Electrical work requires an appropriate license under Texas law, with limited exemptions. Hire a licensed electrician.

Can a Florida handyman split my project into small jobs?

No. Florida's exemption doesn't apply if a project is divided into smaller contracts to evade the law.

What happens if someone contracts without a license in Florida?

It's a first-degree misdemeanor, and a third-degree felony during a declared state of emergency.

Does the lead paint rule apply to handymen?

Yes. EPA's rule covers anyone paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 homes, above small size limits.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

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