/ BLOG

Carpenter License Requirements by State

Apr 19, 2022 · 4 minutes to read

A happy carpenter at his workshop

Carpentry contractors provide valuable services to their residential and commercial customers. You have skills and talents that most do not, helping others repair or transform living and workspaces. You may be able to put these abilities to work by starting your own carpentry business.

But before you can start measuring, cutting, and hammering, you may need a carpenter license. The process of getting licensed varies between states and sometimes at the local level, as well. Many states require carpentry contractors to show proof of insurance to get a license, while some states don’t mandate one at all.

This guide explains how to get a carpenter license in six states to help boost your small business dreams.

California

Carpenters carrying out work that is worth $500 or more must have a general contractor license in California. The Contractors State License Board issues carpenter licenses and sets carpenter license requirements in the state. Two licensing subcategories apply to carpenters:

  • Class C-5 – Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor license
  • Class C-6 – Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor license

To get a carpenter license, you must be at least 18 years old and meet the minimum work-experience requirement. You will also need to:

  • Pass a background check
  • Pass exams on carpentry, law and business, and asbestos safety
  • Show proof of your General Liability and Workers’ Compensation (if applicable) insurance
  • Buy a surety bond

Carpentry contractors must renew their California licenses every two years.

Florida

Florida carpenters need a general contractor license if they complete work worth $500 or more that becomes a finished part of the structure. Carpentry contractors who only do minor work (for example, door and window repair) may not need a license.

Florida carpenter licenses are issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. There are two options available to contractors in the state:

  • Certified – Lets you work anywhere in Florida
  • Registered – Restricts you to working in specific cities or jurisdictions only

To get a general contractor license in Florida, you must be 18 years or older, meet the minimum work-experience requirement, and show that you are financially stable. You must also:

  • Pass an exam or provide a certificate of competency (depending on the type of license you are applying for)
  • Pass a background check
  • Provide a FICO credit report
  • Show proof of your General Liability and Workers’ Compensation (if applicable) insurance

Florida general contractor licenses must be renewed every two years. You will need to complete 14 hours of approved continuing education each time you renew.

Georgia

Tradespeople performing rough and finish carpentry in Georgia fall under specialty trades. They are not required to have a general contractor license to work in the state.

Ohio

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board does not issue statewide carpenter licenses. However, you may need a city or county license to satisfy the carpenter license requirements in your local area.

Pennsylvania

There is no carpenter license or general contractor license required in Pennsylvania at the state level, but you may need a local license to work in your area.

Additionally, you may need to register with the state Attorney General’s Office to comply with the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. This set of laws requires contractors making more than $5,000 per year doing home improvement work to register their business.

To register your carpentry business, you must submit details about yourself and your business and show proof of your General Liability insurance. Your registration number must be included in advertising and on specific business documents.

Registrations must be renewed every two years.

Texas

Carpenters do not need a state license to work in Texas. However, you may need a local license to accept projects in your area.

All Texas businesses must have a business license to operate, including sole proprietors.

Protecting Your Carpentry Business

Small business owners across the country use BizInsure to find, compare, and buy business insurance that fits their needs. You can get covered in just minutes and get back to building something great!

Start comparing insurance for carpenters today!

*This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Always check with your local licensing board when getting or renewing your carpentry license to ensure you are meeting their current licensing requirements.

Get Free Online Quotes and get coverage instantly

The coverage you need for your business.

Business insurance is divided into different policies. We offer 4 types so it's easy to design the coverage that fits your business.

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Great total experience. The agent was professional, knowledgeable,and a pleasure to work with. The fastest business insurance purchase I've ever experience. I highly recommend Bizinsure.
Tony W.
1695492357
Communication was excellent and the process was easy.
Jessie R.
1695153508
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Michelle C.
1695060008
Kaleb tailored the right coverage to our business. Customer service was good and gave great understanding of coverage. Thank you from Goleda's Gentle Homecare LLC
Aneesah M.
1695056651
BizInsure is very easy to do business with, they contact me for policy renewal so I never miss it and renewing is very easy!
carrie W.
1695048243
A GOOD COMPANY FOR HEALTH CARE INC
Supreme A.
1694871640
Easiest & fastest online quote and purchasing experience out there. Inside of 10 minutes I had a quote, payment draft, and policy in force... and at the most competitive GL rates I found.
Rusty H.
1694699044
very quick and prompt service.
Sally Jo W.
1694180429
caleb was great in helping me navigate thecorrect liabilty insurance for my company
Lindsay Erin P.
1694135867
Friendly fast service I recommend you to all vendors
Terry R.
1694133043
Great
Kemi S.
1694119021
Great Customer service and easy renewal process!!!! I would refer this company to anyone.
Chris H.
1694038325
Great company easy to work with, Andrew was very helpful,you can call him any time he is ready to listen and help
Olu A.
1693959486
Good customer service indeed
BASSI T.
1693944217
I am really satisfied BizInsurance. I was having a hard time getting insurance for my business. And when I called them they was knowledgeable in what I needed for my business. Thank you now I can get started with my business. I’m excited.
Geneva B.
1693603091
Very helpful! The representative called me and got things fixed very quickly.
Carrie L.
1692930149
I’m covered! The process was easy and friendly agents to assist you with identifying the right choices.
js_loader
Google Rating
4.6
Based on 182 reviews
×
js_loader