How to Get a Contractor License in Pinellas County

Pinellas County has 24 cities and municipalities on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf. It also has a contractor licensing setup unlike most counties: a countywide board created by special act of the Legislature, the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB), which regulates certain construction and home improvement contractors in the county including all of its municipalities.

Is the PCCLB still around?

Yes. You may read that the board was abolished. A bill to abolish the PCCLB and transfer its assets to the county was drafted (Pinellas County posted the draft), but the board was not dissolved. Instead, the 2024 Legislature passed HB 1483, Chapter 2024-294, Laws of Florida (effective June 14, 2024), which codified and re-enacted the special acts governing the PCCLB, revised its membership, and removed provisions relating to registration, a code compliance bond and proof of certain liability insurance as conditions for certification. The county's Contractor Licensing Department "manages the business of the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board."

• Office: Contractor Licensing Department / PCCLB, 440 Court St., 1st Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone (727) 582-3100. Office hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Unlicensed contracting reports: (727) 582-6767 or online.

Certified vs registered in Pinellas

There is one exception for state-certified contractors: the PCCLB processes their insurance updates on behalf of the Pinellas County Building Department. If your insurance on file with the county lapses, expect problems pulling permits. All contractors whose license numbers start with C- must keep insurance current, and expired insurance incurs fees and interrupts your ability to work in Pinellas County.

The PCCLB site also warns out-of-state contractors that Florida has reciprocity with very few jurisdictions; contractors not licensed in Florida cannot work in Pinellas County. During a state of emergency, the PCCLB may grant temporary licenses to some specialty contractors.

HB 735 and local specialty licenses

The Contractor Licensing Department posts notices for locally licensed specialty contractors and journeymen about HB 735, the 2021 state law limiting local licensing of trades that do not correspond to a state category. If you hold a PCCLB specialty license, read the county's notice to see whether your category still exists.

Business tax receipt

Pinellas County does not issue a county business tax receipt. The Board of County Commissioners repealed the county occupational license in 1995 (Ordinance No. 95-53). The county's flow chart says: if your business is located or operates in one of the county's 24 cities, contact that city; if not, no county business license is required. St. Petersburg, for example, issues its own receipt through its Business Tax Division.

Permits

Unincorporated Pinellas County permits run through the county Access Portal, where licensed contractors can apply for express permits, pay fees and schedule inspections by selecting their license from a drop-down. Cities such as St. Petersburg and Clearwater issue their own permits.

Coastal construction

Pinellas County is on the Florida DEP list of counties with a Coastal Construction Control Line, covering the Gulf beaches. Work seaward of the line needs a DEP CCCL permit on top of the local permit.

Major cities

St. Petersburg is the largest city. Clearwater is the county seat. The county lists 24 incorporated municipalities in all.

State license pages

General contractor, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical. Every CILB category requires the Business and Finance exam.

FAQ

Was the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board abolished? No. Chapter 2024-294, Laws of Florida, codified the special acts governing it, and the county Contractor Licensing Department still runs it.

I am state certified. Do I register with the PCCLB? No registration or renewal is required, per the PCCLB portal, but keep your insurance on file current for the county Building Department.

Do I need a county business tax receipt? No county receipt exists. Check with the city where your business is located.

Next step

Statewide certification avoids annual county renewals here. Start with Florida Business & Finance Exam Prep, the exam every CILB license requires.