What to Compare
For anything requiring a permit or involving licensed trades (electric, plumbing, HVAC, roofing), you legally need a licensed contractor.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Handyman
Features and considerations
- No permit delays for small jobs
- One person for multiple small tasks
- Flexible scheduling
Limits and questions
- No license for trades work
- Cannot pull permits
- Variable quality and vetting
- Not insured for contractor-scale liability
Licensed Contractor
Features and considerations
- Can pull permits legally
- Insurance covers full scope
- Accountable through DBPR
Limits and questions
- Minimum job sizes common
- May not do small repairs
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Handyman | Licensed Contractor | |
|---|---|---|
| License Required? | Verify the current requirements and applicable documents for your address and Handyman proposal. | Verify the current requirements and applicable documents for your address and Licensed Contractor proposal. |
| Permit Work? | Verify the current requirements and applicable documents for your address and Handyman proposal. | Verify the current requirements and applicable documents for your address and Licensed Contractor proposal. |
| Typical Cost | Request an itemized quote for Handyman; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for Licensed Contractor; compare the same scope and payment period. |
| Fit for your project | Ask the Handyman provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Licensed Contractor provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Insurance | Verify the current requirements and applicable documents for your address and Handyman proposal. | Verify the current requirements and applicable documents for your address and Licensed Contractor proposal. |
| Regulation | Local county only (varies) | State DBPR oversight, license lookup available |
| Warranty | Ask the Handyman provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Licensed Contractor provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is handyman work legal in Florida?
Yes — handymen can legally perform minor repairs and maintenance.
Can a handyman replace a toilet in Florida?
Compare Handyman and Licensed Contractor on license required?, permit work?, typical cost, using the actual models or local proposals. Ask for supporting documentation and a written explanation of how the proposed option meets your needs.
How do I verify a contractor's license in Florida?
Visit myfloridalicense.com and search by name, company, or license number.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.
- Florida DBPR: license search — Search for a profession regulated by DBPR; this link does not establish that a particular provider is licensed or that every service needs this license.