Florida · Bathroom Remodel · Free 2026 licensing & permit checklist
Bathroom Remodel licensing & permits in Florida
Before you sign that $bathroom remodel contract, here's the licensing authority, permits required, specialty trades, and verification steps for Florida in 2026.
Licensing authority
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)
Certified (statewide) vs. Registered (county-only) tiers. Most home renovation work requires Registered Residential Contractor + county registration.
Permits typically required
- Plumbing permit
- Electrical permit
- Building permit if walls move
Florida permit fees typically run 1-3% of project cost. Don't sign a "no-permit" contract — it shifts every future inspection failure onto you.
Specialty trades required
- Licensed plumber
- Licensed electrician (any new circuit)
DIY risk: High — at least one trade-licensed step typically required. Specialty trades are typically state-licensed even in no-statewide-GC states.
Compare bathroom remodel in Florida across all lenses
4 sister tools · same project, same stateBefore you sign, run the 3 other state-aware lenses for the same project.
FAQ — Bathroom Remodel contractor licensing in Florida
Do I need a licensed contractor for a bathroom remodel in Florida?
Yes — Florida requires a statewide contractor license through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) for residential work. Certified (statewide) vs. Registered (county-only) tiers. Most home renovation work requires Registered Residential Contractor + county registration. Verify any contractor before signing using the official license-lookup link below.
What permits does a Florida bathroom remodel require?
Typical permits for a bathroom remodel in Florida: plumbing permit; electrical permit; building permit if walls move. Permit fees in Florida typically run 1-3% of project cost. Permits also lock in your inspections — without them, you'll fail any future resale inspection and may face retro-permitting fines.
Which specialty trades need their own license for a bathroom remodel?
For a bathroom remodel: Licensed plumber; Licensed electrician (any new circuit). These specialty licenses (electrician, plumber, HVAC tech) are typically issued at the state level — so even in no-statewide-GC states like Texas or New York, the electrician on your job still needs a state license. DIY risk for this project type: High — at least one trade-licensed step typically required.
How do I verify a Florida contractor before I sign?
Visit the official Florida license-lookup at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp and search by name or license number. Verify: (1) license is active, (2) license class matches your project scope, (3) no disciplinary actions or recent complaints, (4) bond + insurance are current. If any of these fail, walk away.
After you verify the license
Other projects in Florida
Disclaimer: This page is informational only and is not legal advice. State licensing rules and thresholds change — always verify against the official Florida board before signing a contract.