Contractor / Gutter Business Licensing & Insurance Requirements — Jacksonville / Duval County, FL

1. Local / City Requirements — Jacksonville

• Contractor Registration / Certificate of Competency
  To do contracting work in Jacksonville, you often must register with the Building Inspection / Planning & Development Department via the “JaxEPICS Contractor Registration.” A copy of a valid state license or certificate is required. Jacksonville
• Construction Trades Qualifying Board (Jacksonville)
  The city has a Construction Trades Qualifying Board. Its fees and structure include:
  • New Contractor Certificate application fee: $75.00 Jacksonville
  • Renewal / maintaining contractor certificate: $160.00 for general contractor certificate renewals Jacksonville
  • Examination fees: $65 for Master / Journeyman / Installer in many categories. Jacksonville
• Insurance / Endorsements for Jacksonville Work
  • The city requires that General Liability policies name the City as an “Additional Insured” (e.g. via CG2010 / CG2037 endorsements) and Auto Liability via CA2048. Jacksonville
  • The policies must include a Waiver of Subrogation clause in favor of the City. Jacksonville
  • The City’s ordinance (Jacksonville Code Chapter 342) mandates that contractors show evidence of compliance with DBPR’s insurance requirements in the trade or craft in which they are licensed. Municode Library
• Building Permits / Residential Work
  The City of Jacksonville’s Building Inspection Division notes that every licensed contractor is required by Florida State to carry general liability, workers’ compensation, and employer’s liability insurance when pulling permits. Jacksonville
• Contractor Registration Fee for Jacksonville
  One source indicates a $112.00 application fee for contractor registration in Jacksonville. DocHub

2. State & Trade Licensing / DBPR / Florida Requirements

Because of Florida’s laws, much of the contractor licensing is now handled at the state level via DBPR (Department of Business & Professional Regulation). Local governments’ ability to require additional licenses has been curtailed in many cases. Jimerson Birr

Here are key state / trade requirements that apply in Florida:

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[Your Company Name]

Jacksonville / Duval County Contractor & Gutter Installer

Local / City Requirements (Jacksonville, Duval County)

• Must register with Jacksonville Building / Inspection (JaxEPICS) and present state license / certificate.
• Obtain Contractor Certificate via Construction Trades Qualifying Board: $75 new application, $160 renewal, $65 trade exam fees.
• Insurance must include City as “Additional Insured,” and Waiver of Subrogation.
• When pulling permits, contractor must carry General Liability + Workers’ Compensation + Employer’s Liability.
• Jacksonville contractor registration fee: $112 application (per source).

State / Florida / DBPR Licensing Standards

• Choose Certified (statewide) or Registered (local jurisdiction) contractor license.
• Must provide proof of liability / property damage insurance, and workers’ comp if employees.
• If credit or finances are weak, must secure a surety bond.
• Pass required trade exam(s), and show sufficient experience in the trade.
• State licensing application fees: typically $149–$249 (certified) or $209–$309 (registered) depending on classification.
• For specialty work (e.g. roofing, sheet metal), additional trade endorsement may be required.

Insurance / Liability Standards (Typical / Best Practice)

• General liability / property damage coverage – often minimum $300,000, though many carry $1,000,000 to protect against higher risks. Construction Academy
• Workers’ compensation – mandatory if you have 1+ employees. NPN Workers’ Compensation
• Additional Insured & Waiver of Subrogation endorsements to policy for municipal / city clients.
• Ensure subcontractors you use also carry proper insurance; liability may fall on you if they are uninsured

Florida Licensing & Insurance Requirements

Gutter Services – Jacksonville / Florida

1. Business registration / entity formation

• What’s Required: Register LLC/corporation with Florida Division of Corporations (SunBiz).
• Insurance: Not required at this stage, but liability is expected once you begin contracting.
• Fees: $125 filing + $138.75 annual report (LLC).

2. Local county / city occupational license

• What’s Required: Business tax receipt; contractor registration may also apply (Duval requires JaxEPICS).
• Insurance: Some counties require proof of liability to issue this.
• Fees: Example – Hillsborough County: $50 application + $230 acceptance fee.

3. Specialty contractor / trade license (gutters)

• What’s Required: DBPR registration or CTQB competency for “structural aluminum” work (gutters often classified here).
• Insurance: Must show proof of general liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation.
• Fees: $95–$245 depending on classification and timing.

4. State-certified general contractor license

• What’s Required: State exam, financial stability, credit review, proof of trade experience.
• Insurance: Higher liability + surety bond required.
• Fees: $149–$305 application fees.

5. Public works / FDOT prequalification

• What’s Required: FDOT or municipal prequalification for state/municipal project bids.
• Insurance: Rigorous bonding and higher insurance thresholds.
• Fees: Based on capacity ratings and project type.

Cabinet & Remodeling Services – Jacksonville / Florida

1. Business registration / entity formation

• What’s Required: Register LLC/corporation with Florida Division of Corporations (SunBiz).
• Insurance: Not required at this stage, but liability is standard.
• Fees: $125 filing + $138.75 annual report (LLC).

2. Local county / city occupational license

• What’s Required: Local business tax receipt or contractor registration (varies by county/city).
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance usually required before permits.
• Fees: $50–$230 depending on jurisdiction.

3. Specialty contractor / trade license (cabinets / carpentry)

• What’s Required: Residential contractor or carpentry specialty license required for structural installs.
• Insurance: General liability + property damage + workers’ comp.
• Fees: $95–$245 application fees.

4. State-certified residential / general contractor license

• What’s Required: Pass DBPR trade & business exams, show financial stability, experience.
• Insurance: Higher liability + surety bond.
• Fees: $149–$305 application fees.

5. Public works / FDOT prequalification

• What’s Required: Prequalification required to bid on state/municipal cabinetry/remodeling jobs.
• Insurance: High bonding and insurance required.
• Fees: Varies by project capacity and bonding level.