Contractor Licensing and Permits in the City of Naples

The City of Naples Building Department is at 295 Riverside Circle, Naples, FL 34102 (239-213-5020). It reviews and inspects permits inside city limits. Naples has an unusual setup: you don't register your contractor license with the city. You register with the county. For the county's own permitting, see the Collier County page.

Registration goes through Collier County

The city's building FAQ says: all Contractor Licensing registration for the City of Naples is maintained by Collier County Contractor Licensing. To register or update license and insurance information, contact Collier County Contractor Licensing at (239) 252-2431 or contractorslicensing@colliercountyfl.gov. Keep that county record current, because it is what the city relies on for your license and insurance.

Collier County's licensing page cites F.S. 489 and Collier County Ordinance 2006-46. Anyone in the construction contracting business must hold a county license or certificate of competency, or be state-certified. The county also flags State of Florida House Bill 1383 that may affect some county Certificates of Competency as of July 1, 2025. The page also warns that unlicensed contracting during a declared state of emergency is a felony under F.S. 489.127(2)(c).

Permits in the city

Building permits are filed through the City of Naples Public Portal. Any registered portal user can apply. The city's guide for addition and alteration permits says to:

• Complete the Permit Application and the Acknowledgment of Naples Regulations form from the city's Permit Forms and Fees page
• Save every document as a PDF and follow the city's file-naming rules before you upload
• Use the 8th Edition (2023) application forms, required for permits applied for on or after December 31, 2023

Marine work

Naples has a separate Marine Permit Application covering docks, boat lifts, seawalls, davits, pilings, riprap and dredging. The form states that all contractors working on or above navigable waters must provide proof of Longshore insurance. Dock electrical work needs a full layout on the plan view, from power source to circuit breaker sizes.

Business tax: city and Collier County

The city FAQ confirms that a Collier BTR doesn't replace a city BTR if your business is located in the city. State-licensed professionals must get their state license before applying for the city BTR. The city's renewal timeline starts July 1. Penalties run from 10% in October up to 25% by January.

FAQ

Do I send my insurance certificate to the City of Naples? No. The city's FAQ sends license and insurance updates to Collier County Contractor Licensing.

Do I need Longshore coverage for a seawall job? Yes. The city's marine application requires it for work on or above navigable waters.

Is one BTR enough? Not if you're located in Naples. You need both the city and the Collier County receipts.

License first

To register with Collier County you need a state license, or a county certificate where those are still valid. See marine specialty, general contractor and pool. Each CILB construction license requires the Business and Finance exam, so prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.