I want to start a painting company in Clay County, Florida and pull work on my own.

Short answer: You do not need a state contractor’s license for painting-only work in Florida, and repaints do not require a permit in Clay County.

Details

1. State License (F.S. 489.105): Florida defines "contracting" as work affecting structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or roofing systems. Painting, wallcovering, and minor drywall repair are explicitly exempt from state licensure. You cannot pull permits for structural work, but you can operate a painting business with just a County Business Tax Receipt (Occupational License) from Clay County and a Florida DBPR "Registered" Contractor exemption (no state exam required). Action:* Apply for a Clay County Business Tax Receipt. Register your business entity (LLC/Corp) with Sunbiz. Get liability insurance (clients/GCs will require it).

1. Permits (Florida Building Code 105.2 / Clay County Ordinance): Permits are required for "structural alterations," "change of occupancy," or work on regulated systems. Repaints (interior/exterior): No permit. This includes prep (scraping, sanding, pressure washing), priming, and coating. Exceptions requiring a permit: Lead RRP (Pre-1978): Federal EPA RRP certification is mandatory for disturbance >6 sq ft interior / >20 sq ft exterior. This is a certification, not a building permit. Siding/Stucco Repair: If you replace damaged wood siding, repair stucco lath, or replace trim/soffit/fascia, that is structural alteration and requires a permit pulled by a licensed General/Building/Residential contractor. Commercial Fire Rating:* Intumescent coatings on structural steel require special inspection/permit.

Bottom Line: Get your County Tax Receipt, EPA RRP Cert (if pre-1978 work), and Insurance. Sub out any rotted wood/stucco replacement to a licensed GC.

No, you do not need a state contractor’s license to perform painting work in Clay County, Florida — but only if you are doing cosmetic, non-structural repainting.

State Contractor’s License (Florida)

• Painting is not a licensed trade under Florida Statute Chapter 489 (Construction Industry Licensing Act).
• You do not need a Florida state contractor’s license (CBC, CGC, etc.) to perform:
• Interior/exterior painting
• Staining
• Wallpaper removal/installation
• Surface prep (sanding, scraping, priming)
• Minor drywall repair (patching holes < 1 sq. ft. — see note below)
• Exception: If your work involves structural repairs, load-bearing modifications, electrical/plumbing work, or major drywall replacement (e.g., replacing entire sheets due to water/mold damage), then you may need a licensed contractor — but pure painting does not trigger this.

Permits for Repainting in Clay County

• No permit is required for standard repainting (interior or exterior) of existing structures.
• Permits are only required for:
• New construction
• Additions
• Structural alterations
• Changes to egress (windows/doors)
• Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
• Roofing, siding, or window replacement (if structural)
• Clay County Building Department confirms: Painting is considered “ordinary maintenance” and exempt from permitting (Clay County Building Services).

Important Notes

• Business License: You do need a local business tax receipt (occupational license) from Clay County or your city (e.g., Green Cove Springs, Orange Park) to operate legally. Apply via Clay County Tax Collector.
• Insurance: Strongly recommended — general liability insurance ($1M+) protects you and clients.
• Lead Paint: If working on homes built before 1978, you must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified (RRP rule) if disturbing >6 sq. ft. interior or >20 sq. ft. exterior paint. Training is ~$200–$300 online (epa.gov/lead).
• HOAs/Deed Restrictions: Some neighborhoods may require approval for exterior color changes — check with the HOA.

Bottom Line

✅ You can legally start a painting company in Clay County with just:

• A local business tax receipt
• EPA RRP certification (if pre-1978 homes)
• General liability insurance
• No state contractor’s license or paint permit needed for repainting

Stay within cosmetic scope — if you start doing drywall replacement, framing, or electrical work, you’ll need a license. But for painting? You’re good to go.

Sources: Fla. Stat. § 489.103(3)(a), Clay County Building Services, EPA RRP Rule.