How to Get a Contractor License in Brevard County

Brevard County, on the Space Coast, has one of the more structured local licensing programs in Florida. It has its own Contractor Licensing Board, a registration "repository" for state certified contractors, and detailed rules on what an unlicensed handyman can and cannot do. This page walks through each piece using Brevard County's official pages.

Certified vs. registered in Brevard County

A state certified contractor (license number starting with "C") passed the state exams and can contract anywhere in Florida without meeting local competency rules (F.S. 489.105). A state registered contractor (license number starting with "R") holds a local competency license and can contract only where that local license is recognized (F.S. 489.117).

Brevard County also issues county certificates of competency for a long list of trades under Chapter 22, Article VI of the county code, from general and roofing contractors to fence, storm shutter and marine contractors. Keep in mind that state law (F.S. 163.211) has since limited local occupational licensing, and local licenses not authorized by general law expired on July 1, 2025. Before relying on a county-only certificate, confirm its current status with Contractor Licensing. A state certificate avoids that question.

Brevard County Contractor Licensing Board

The Contractor Licensing Board (CLB) is the county's local construction regulation board under F.S. 489.105. Per the county, it has jurisdiction over examination, qualification and regulation of contractors working in the unincorporated areas of the county. It can issue, suspend or revoke certificates of competency, investigate complaints, and hear appeals on building code decisions. It also serves as the board of adjustment and appeals for the technical codes.

Registering a state certified license

State certified contractors register in what Brevard calls the State Certified Contractor Repository. The county asks you to email Building.Licensing@BrevardFL.gov with:

The business name on all documents must match the qualifying license. Permits are filed through the county's BASS online system. The registration also covers mobile home installers, fire system and LP gas contractors.

Marine work: the insurance page says marine contractors, including residential, building and general contractors doing marine work, must carry workers' compensation with U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers (USL&H) coverage.

Business tax receipt

The Brevard County Tax Collector collects the local business tax for the county and municipalities, and you apply online through BTExpress. Under F.S. 205.194, as the Tax Collector notes, a DBPR-regulated business must present its professional license before the receipt is issued. Since the county's registration asks for your BTR, get the BTR first.

Handyman limits

Brevard County says there is "no such thing as a Handyman License in Brevard County." A handyman may only do unregulated work such as painting, flooring, cabinetry, pavers and pressure washing. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing and structural work require a licensed contractor.

Coastal construction

Brevard is one of the Florida counties with a Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) per the Florida DEP. Beachfront work seaward of the line needs a DEP permit as well as the local permit.

Cities in Brevard County

Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville (county seat), Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, Satellite Beach and others. Several cities run their own building departments, so confirm local registration for jobs inside city limits.

State license guides

The county steps above come after the state license. For the state side, start with the Florida licensing hub and the trade guides: general contractor, roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Every CILB construction license, Division I or II, requires the Business and Finance exam: 120 questions, 6.5 hours, 70% to pass. Pearson VUE exam performance reports show a 56% first-time pass rate statewide for that exam in 2025.

Brevard County FAQ

Do state certified contractors register with Brevard County? Yes, through the State Certified Contractor Repository, before permitting in unincorporated Brevard.

Can I send a printout from DBPR instead of my license? No. The county asks for the actual certificate.

Which comes first, the BTR or county registration? The BTR, because registration requires it.

Can a handyman replace a water heater in Brevard? No. Plumbing work requires a licensed contractor; handymen are limited to unregulated trades.

Next step

Statewide certification starts with the Business and Finance exam. Our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep follows the official content outline.