Pasco County sits just north of Tampa. Everything for contractors in unincorporated Pasco County runs through Building Construction Services and its online portal, PascoGateway.
The registration rule
Pasco County's Contractor Licensing page is direct: "In order for a licensed contractor to pull building permits, be listed as a subcontractor and obtain inspections in unincorporated Pasco County, the contractor must first register." That applies whether you hold a state license or a local one, and it applies to subcontractors listed on a permit, not just the permit holder.
| You hold | What to do in Pasco |
|---|---|
| State certified license (DBPR) | Register your state license on PascoGateway |
| Local Pasco license | Apply on PascoGateway; keep it renewed |
| State registered license | Register on PascoGateway; scope limited to where local requirements were met |
The county adds that it is the contractor's responsibility to keep licensing information on file current. If you are already in the system but need to update contact details, the county asks you to create a new PascoGateway account and then email Contractor Licensing so the right information is linked.
Local licensing under Chapter 18
Article IV of Chapter 18 of the Pasco County Code ("Licensing and Contractors") applies to any contractor working or contracting to work in unincorporated Pasco County, and says it supplements state regulation. Section 18-68 requires all contractors working in Pasco County to hold an appropriate license. Persons exempt under F.S. 489.103 (for example, qualifying owner-builders) are not covered. Section 18-74 covers involuntary inactive and deleted certificates, which happen when a local certificate is not renewed by September 30 of the biannual renewal year.
State law limits what the county can require of state certified contractors. Under F.S. 489.113(4)(a), a certificate holder only has to show a current certificate and pay the normal business tax and permit fees.
Permitting basics
- Apply online through PascoGateway. Building Construction Services lists BCSCustomerService@MyPasco.net and 727.847.8126, option 5, for questions.
- The county's building page notes that storm-related permit fees were reinstated on August 1.
- Homeowners may act as their own contractor under the owner-builder exemption, subject to state limits.
Business tax receipt
The Pasco County Tax Collector issues annual Business Tax Receipts. They run through September 30 and expire October 1; renewal notices go out at the end of June. New applications are accepted all year, and the Tax Collector states that BTR fees are not prorated. New accounts can apply online through BTExpress, uploading state or county licenses and corporate or fictitious name documents. Cities such as New Port Richey and Dade City may have their own requirements.
State license pages
For new homes, look at the residential contractor and building contractor licenses, along with roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. For larger commercial work, see the general contractor license. All CILB categories require the Business and Finance exam.
FAQ
I am a subcontractor, not the permit holder. Do I have to register? Yes. Pasco requires registration to be listed as a subcontractor and to obtain inspections.
When does a Pasco BTR expire? September 30 each year (expires October 1). Fees are not prorated.
What happens if my local Pasco certificate is not renewed? Under section 18-74, a certificate not renewed by September 30 of the renewal year can be placed on involuntary inactive status or deleted.
Prepare for the state exam
A state certified license is accepted for registration in Pasco and everywhere else in Florida. Florida Business & Finance Exam Prep covers the B&F part every CILB license requires.