Free tool · License quick map
Do you need a license to run a handyman business in your state?
Most states let a handyman take small jobs without a contractor license, up to a dollar cap. Above the cap, or the day you hire, the rules change. Pick your state.
Verify with your state. This is a quick map from public sources (checked Oct 2026), not legal advice. Caps and rules change, cities add their own, and electrical, plumbing, gas and HVAC work needs a trade license at any dollar amount in every state. Never split a job to get under a cap.
Pick a state to see the rule.
| State | Handyman cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $10,000 | Projects under about $10,000 generally do not need a state contractor license. Source |
| Alaska | $10,000 | Handyman exemption for smaller projects, up to about $10,000. Source |
| Arizona | $1,000 | Handyman exemption under $1,000 labor plus materials and no permit (A.R.S. 32-1121). A bill to raise it to $2,500 was proposed; check current law with the ROC. Source |
| California | $1,000 | Minor-work exemption up to $1,000 (from 1 Jan 2025, AB 2622) only if no permit is needed and you have no employees. Hiring even one helper requires a CSLB license. Source |
| Florida | No state handyman license | No state handyman license, but Chapter 489 limits scope: no structural, electrical, plumbing or HVAC work without the right license. Source |
| Hawaii | $1,500 | Low exemption cap; most paid work above it needs a license. Source |
| Louisiana | $7,500 | Higher cap for residential work; trade work still licensed. Source |
| Michigan | $600 | Low cap; residential builder or maintenance and alteration license needed above it. Source |
| Mississippi | $10,000 | Higher cap for residential work. Source |
| Nevada | $1,000 | Repair and maintenance exemption up to $1,000 (NRS 624.031). Source |
| North Carolina | $40,000 | General contractor license required at $40,000 and above. Source |
| Rhode Island | $500 | Low cap; registration needed above it. Source |
| South Carolina | $500 | Low cap; residential specialty license needed above it. Source |
| Texas | No state handyman license | No state handyman or general contractor license. Cities can require permits and registrations, and trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) is licensed. Source |
| Utah | $3,000 | Handyman exemption under $3,000 per project including materials, with no permit. File an Affirmation of Exemption with DOPL and carry general liability insurance. Source |
| Vermont | $10,000 | Higher cap; residential contractor registration rules apply above it. Source |
| Virginia | $1,000 | Low cap; a Class C contractor license is needed above it. Source |
| Washington | $500 | Low cap; register with L&I as a contractor above it. Source |
| All states | Trade work | Electrical, plumbing, gas and HVAC need trade licenses at any value. Source |
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