How to Get a Contractor License in Union County

Union County is a small county in north-central Florida, with its county offices in Lake Butler. The Union County Building Department handles permits for the unincorporated county, and the City of Lake Butler's building function falls under it as well.

One building department, shared with the city

The City of Lake Butler's website says the city's Building Department "falls under the direction of the Union County Building Department," and lists the county's office at 15 NE 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054, phone (386) 496-4241. County forms also reference the Town of Worthington Springs and the Town of Raiford (for example, the mobile home permit checklist asks for a letter of compliance and flood data from the county, the City of Lake Butler, the Town of Worthington Springs or the Town of Raiford, depending on location). In short, the county Building Department is the place to start for permits in Union County.

Certified vs registered in Union County

The Building Department posts both applications, plus a Contractor Removal Form for taking a contractor off a permit. Under F.S. 489.113(4)(a), a state certified contractor only has to show a current certificate and pay the usual local fees.

What a state registration involves

If you earn local competency and then register with the state, DBPR's checklist for a Registered Contractor as an Individual (CILB 2) applies. It is for individuals who passed a local licensing exam and received a certificate of competency from a local jurisdiction, and it requires proof of financial stability through credit reports (with a FICO-derived score and a search of local, state and federal records) and fingerprints for a background check, among other items. A registered license then covers only the jurisdictions where you met local requirements, which is why many contractors in small counties go straight to state certification.

Permit applications the county posts

The Building Department lists separate applications for:

• residential home building or additions, and commercial building permits;
• electrical; mechanical, plumbing and sign; roofing; fire alarm; and swimming pool permits;
• mobile homes, culverts and 911 addressing;
• a Notice of Commencement.

Because the trade permits have their own forms, check which one applies before you submit.

Business tax

We could not confirm from an official Union County source whether a county business tax receipt is required. Ask the Union County Tax Collector (Lake Butler) and, if your office is inside a city or town, that municipality.

State license pages

Common starting points are the residential contractor and general contractor licenses, plus roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Every CILB category requires the Business and Finance exam.

FAQ

I have a job inside Lake Butler city limits. Where do I get the permit? The city's building function falls under the Union County Building Department, so start with the county office on NE 1st Street.

Which form do I file as a state certified contractor? The Certified Contractor Application on the county Building Department page.

How do I take my company off a permit? Use the county's Contractor Removal Form.

Next step

A state certified license covers Union County and the rest of Florida. Every CILB license requires the B&F exam: Florida Business & Finance Exam Prep.