To contract legally in Pinellas County you need either a state license from the Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board (certified or registered, Florida Statutes ch. 489) or, for certain specialty trades, a local specialty license from the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB). PCCLB regulates certain construction and home improvement contractors practicing anywhere in Pinellas County, including all local municipalities. State-certified contractors do not have to register with PCCLB to work in Pinellas County, but must provide proof of their state license and valid insurance when pulling permits.
Anyone contracting for construction or home improvement work in Pinellas County. General, building, residential and the major trade contractors (roofing, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, pool, solar, etc.) need a DBPR license; remaining local specialty trades and journeymen are licensed by PCCLB under the Special Act (ch. 75-489, Laws of Florida). Working unlicensed in a trade that requires a license is unlicensed contracting; PCCLB fines start at $500.
Determine which license applies
DBPR Division I covers General (CG/RG), Building (CB/RB) and Residential (CR/RR) contractors; Division II covers trades such as roofing, sheet metal, air-conditioning, mechanical, plumbing, pool/spa, underground utility, solar and specialty categories. Certified licenses ('C' codes) allow work statewide; registered licenses ('R' codes) are limited to the jurisdictions where competency was established. Trades not licensed by the state may require a PCCLB specialty license.
www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/State path: apply to DBPR CILB
Apply through myfloridalicense.com using the CILB application checklists (e.g., CILB 1 for initial examination, CILB 5 variants for licensure, CILB 10 for endorsements).
www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/Local path: apply to PCCLB
For local specialty and journeyman licenses, use the PCCLB applications for examination or reciprocity (contractor examination, journeyman examination, contractor reciprocity, journeyman reciprocity). PCCLB specialty licensing requires meeting application requirements and passing two exams with a score of at least 70%. PCCLB is at 440 Court Street, 1st Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756.
pcclb.com/applications.htmRenew and manage the license online
PCCLB license renewals are handled through the PCCLB module of the Pinellas County Access Portal (Accela); an account is required.
aca-prod.accela.com/PINELLAS/Cap/CapHome.aspx?module=PCCLBVerify any contractor's license
Search PCCLB licensees at contractorsearch.pcclb.com and state licensees at myfloridalicense.com.
contractorsearch.pcclb.com/| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCCLB application and license fees | see fee schedule | PCCLB links classification and fee schedule documents from its site; amounts are not published on the main pages. |
| DBPR CILB application fees | see application checklist | Fees vary by license type and are listed on each CILB application checklist at myfloridalicense.com. |
Fee amounts change, the linked official schedule always controls.
State preemption under HB 1383 eliminated several PCCLB specialty licenses effective July 1, 2024: Cabinet, Finish Carpentry, Flatwork Masonry, Non-electrical Sign, Paving, and Tile & Marble. A Painting Specialty license has not been required in Pinellas County since November 30, 2023. Some work formerly under Finish Carpentry (e.g., windows/doors, certain stairs and handrails requiring a building permit) now requires a continuing specialty license or a residential/building contractor license. When in doubt, consult PCCLB licensing specialists or the local building official.